tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63879157907272620782024-03-12T20:12:22.790-07:00Lovebirds on the goAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-38286390761421055652014-07-31T07:00:00.000-07:002014-07-31T07:00:06.323-07:00Cinque Terre, Italia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cinque Terre sits right on the gorgeous coast of the Italian riviera in Northern Italy.</div>
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It's made up on the 5 villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. </div>
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We stayed in the cute little village of Manarola which we loved!</div>
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The vibrant colors were my favorite. </div>
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Whoever thought to paint all of these homes different colors could really see the bigger picture.</div>
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This is a very Catholic region so many of the homes have different saints or the virgin Mary outside their door with fresh flowers - making it even more colorful.</div>
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This was our first taste of Italy and we didn't waste any time trying all of the amazing food this area had to offer!</div>
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Focaccia bread sandwiches. As all sandwiches should be made. </div>
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All I can say is thank goodness for the caprese combo of tomato, mozzarella and basil.</div>
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That combo is how a vegetarian survives Italy!</div>
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Amazing pasta! Probably the best pasta I've ever had was enjoyed at this restaurant in Cinque. </div>
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All of the ingredients tasted so fresh!</div>
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And of course we had our fair share of pizza. </div>
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Not only was it delish, but it also happens to be really inexpensive. </div>
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So pizza everyday it was!</div>
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Then there's gelato.</div>
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This was especially a favorite of Derek's. </div>
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I'm actually not a huge fan of ice cream (I know, weird right??) so gelato wasn't my favorite dessert ever.</div>
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But it was still yummy and so fun to try lots of different flavors!</div>
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The lemon slushies were much more up my alley than gelato.</div>
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Lemons are grown all over Cinque Terre, so you know they aren't flavoring these with the artificial stuff!</div>
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So delicious and refreshing in the warm Italian sun.</div>
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One of my favorite nights was spent on these steps right on the water.</div>
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We ate gelato and watched the sun set.</div>
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There are times when - if you are up for it - you can hike along the coast to every town.</div>
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Unfortunately this was not one of those times since some of the trails had been damaged due to flooding,</div>
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but we were still able to do an incredible hike from Manarola to Corniglia and just took a quick train ride to all of the other villages.</div>
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Sunsets here were really just the<i> best</i>.</div>
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I can't think of a better way we could've kicked off our time in Italy.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-14222283911140342242014-07-16T08:54:00.004-07:002014-07-16T08:54:59.102-07:00München<div style="text-align: center;">
It seems appropriate to write about our time in Germany right now, </div>
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seeing as how they just won the world cup and all!!</div>
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I wrote about part of our trip in Munich <a href="http://www.lovebirdsonthego.com/2014/05/hallo-from-munich.html#.U8VDuvldXBI" target="_blank">here</a> where we visited a beer garden and the English garden.</div>
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Beer gardens are so fun, even for non-beer drinkers like myself.</div>
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It's just such a great way to experience German culture and people in a fun and relaxed setting.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdMzzpWlSdY/U8VDUlXX7PI/AAAAAAAAC8s/ziyxZzT1-gQ/s1600/IMG_3591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdMzzpWlSdY/U8VDUlXX7PI/AAAAAAAAC8s/ziyxZzT1-gQ/s1600/IMG_3591.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRSNh4Jxf8Q/U8VCaZiOi1I/AAAAAAAAC8U/SV2NkEOKD1k/s1600/IMG_3587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRSNh4Jxf8Q/U8VCaZiOi1I/AAAAAAAAC8U/SV2NkEOKD1k/s1600/IMG_3587.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">^ biggest pretzels I've ever seen! ^</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUrm5qRdKC4/U8VEGwzzkHI/AAAAAAAAC9k/tNLPoWGTEns/s1600/IMG_3629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUrm5qRdKC4/U8VEGwzzkHI/AAAAAAAAC9k/tNLPoWGTEns/s1600/IMG_3629.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">^ Love how this guy kept waving to us in the pic! ^</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ca0chIoWys/U8VDWZibdjI/AAAAAAAAC80/UbwvcGYr9sc/s1600/IMG_3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ca0chIoWys/U8VDWZibdjI/AAAAAAAAC80/UbwvcGYr9sc/s1600/IMG_3601.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4_FKjzFU14/U8VDeofoR6I/AAAAAAAAC9M/C64XRf5DBuw/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4_FKjzFU14/U8VDeofoR6I/AAAAAAAAC9M/C64XRf5DBuw/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">^ If you look to the middle-left of this pic, you'll see a naked man sitting on the lawn enjoying the sights. We saw a few naked people...must be a thing! ^</span></div>
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On our last evening in Munich we checked out Marienplatz, which is the main city square.</div>
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We were planning on a quiet evening strolling through the shops and restaurants only to find that the whole square was PACKED with people.</div>
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It didn't take us too long to figure out why.</div>
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There was a huge screen in the square showing a game that Munich's soccer team (FC Bayern) had just won.</div>
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There were people lining the streets, waiting for the team to come walk through.</div>
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It was crazy to see the pride all of these people have for their team!</div>
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It wasn't the quiet evening we were planning on, but it was definitely an adventure!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-13828241403465414322014-07-09T08:40:00.001-07:002014-07-09T08:40:50.658-07:00Paris Part 2: Biking Through The City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Biking around Paris was one of our top 5 favorite things we did on our entire trip.</div>
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I LOVE going on casual bike rides and, let me tell you, Paris is the place to do it!</div>
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It was such a great way to see all the sights and maximize the time we had.</div>
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Paris has a community bike-sharing system called <a href="https://aboen-paris.cyclocity.fr/" target="_blank">Velib</a> where you can grab a bike and pay to have it for the day or by 30 minute increments.</div>
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There are bike stations every 300 meters making it easy to drop off anywhere when you're done.</div>
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Many cities we visited had these bike-sharing systems, but you could only use them if you're a resident of that city :(</div>
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In Paris, however, anyone is free to use them!</div>
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Derek was in charge of figuring out the Velib meter. </div>
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It was a little confusing at first, but once you get it it's really easy!</div>
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He was carrying our umbrella in his pouch pocket which is why it looks like he gained 20 lbs in his gut :)</div>
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Derek strapped on his GoPro while we were biking for a bit and it was so entertaining to watch the looks people gave him.</div>
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I thought he looked pretty dang cute!</div>
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While we were riding we kind of stumbled upon the beautiful <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pont de l'Archevêché<span style="color: #222222;"> (or love lock bridge).</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;">It was quite the sight to see the millions of locks covering the length of the bridge.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;">We bought our own tiny little lock to 'lock our love', as they say. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;">A</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;">nd also so a little part of us would stay in Paris!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Side Note: I read last month that the Pont des Art (a nearby bridge also covered in locks) had a section of the fencing collapse! </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Scary!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I'm not sure what will happen but I believe the city is looking for alternatives.</span></div>
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We continued our bike tour and headed down the Avenue des <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Champs-Élysées. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;">We felt pretty fancy.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We </span></span>passed by the beautiful Notre Dame cathedral which truly displays French Gothic architecture at its finest!</div>
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You really can't go anywhere in this city without seeing incredible (and historic) sights everywhere!</div>
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The Arc de Triomphe is a great example of this.</div>
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There are cars driving all around it just going about their day.</div>
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We ended our fun day with pastries, of course.</div>
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Calories justified by all of the biking we did!</div>
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We could have spent weeks--even months--in Paris alone.</div>
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So we decided not to say goodbye to Paris, but 'see you soon'!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-68330075311967922302014-07-08T08:47:00.003-07:002014-07-08T08:50:34.818-07:00Fourth of July Recap<div style="text-align: center;">
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I still need to post our Part 2 in Paris, but I couldn't skip writing about our fun fourth of July weekend!</div>
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I love fourth of July WEEK actually, because my birthday is on the second :) </div>
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Then my nieces birthday is on the fifth. </div>
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So it's basically a whole week of celebrations!</div>
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This fourth of July felt extra special to me.</div>
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There is nothing like traveling around the world (literally) to make you appreciate your country.</div>
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We saw so many amazing places and had the best time, but nothing compares to home.</div>
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It made me so incredibly grateful to live in a place where we have so much freedom and are encouraged to go after what we want in life.</div>
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America is far from perfect, but we try our best!</div>
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Other perks?</div>
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* You don't have to pay to use public bathrooms (ahem, Europe)<br />
* There is toilet paper in public bathroom stalls (not so much in Asia)<br />
* You don't have to pay for water at restaurants<br />
* For the most part, you don't have to be afraid of drinking water straight from the tap</div>
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The list goes on and on!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ejzx5J0Crw/U7wLIA4XIvI/AAAAAAAAC18/52BUBj96w3U/s1600/IMG_6735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ejzx5J0Crw/U7wLIA4XIvI/AAAAAAAAC18/52BUBj96w3U/s1600/IMG_6735.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Plus, this sweet little girl is in America!</span></div>
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We headed to Bakersfield to spend the weekend at my brother and sister-in-law's house with my whole family. </div>
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They have a beautiful house, and best of all, a pool!</div>
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It is <i>so</i> hot in Bakersfield, so we got a lot of pool time.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I love how my sister-in-law made their home look so festive!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYBvhvTBdO8/U7wPYLpdOJI/AAAAAAAAC2g/GVqNrtjr5g8/s1600/IMG_6677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYBvhvTBdO8/U7wPYLpdOJI/AAAAAAAAC2g/GVqNrtjr5g8/s1600/IMG_6677.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> I have the absolute cutest niece and nephew!</span></div>
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My niece helped me make festive little fruit and angel food cake skewers that turned out so cute and yummy.</div>
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They were so simple to make, perfect for making with a little one.</div>
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Later that evening we were able to see fireworks from their backyard.</div>
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It was so nice not having to go somewhere crowded, but to just enjoy them at home.</div>
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We also played with sparklers and tried our hand at making sparkler letters! </div>
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All in all, we had a fabulous Independence day.</div>
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I love celebrating this special holiday with all the things that remind me of why I love this country so much.</div>
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Family, Food, and Freedom.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-88389069343440396222014-07-02T06:00:00.000-07:002014-07-02T06:00:06.011-07:00Paris Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ON7dbsbLhK0/U7LFlmbTp8I/AAAAAAAACxA/w7h46ubffDg/s1600/IMG_3361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ON7dbsbLhK0/U7LFlmbTp8I/AAAAAAAACxA/w7h46ubffDg/s1600/IMG_3361.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Out of all the cities we visited in Europe, Paris was definitely one I was looking forward to the most.</div>
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You could say I had REALLY high expectations</div>
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and those expectations were 100% met!</div>
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The train ride from Barcelona to Paris was a <i>long</i> one. </div>
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We took an overnight train, which we had heard mixed reviews about, but we actually had a great experience!</div>
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I think it helped that we were exhausted and fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow.</div>
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It also helped that we bunked with a cute little German couple in their 70s. </div>
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They were very kind and considerate and pleasant.</div>
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I've heard horror stories of people bunking with creepers and I could see how that would be a completely different experience.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrnyxygj-bQ/U7LFc7X-SRI/AAAAAAAACwY/qIJ3S9M146M/s1600/IMG_3299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrnyxygj-bQ/U7LFc7X-SRI/AAAAAAAACwY/qIJ3S9M146M/s1600/IMG_3299.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The bunk beds are tiny, but still enough space for each person to sleep somewhat comfortably. Especially if you are as tired as we were!</span></div>
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Before arriving in Paris we had an hour stop in this town called Latour-de-Carol in Southern France.</div>
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There wasn't much to do at the train station so we decided to take a walk around this tiny little town.</div>
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We loved the fact that this was not a touristy place at all.</div>
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In fact, we saw a total of about 5 people the whole time we were there.</div>
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Kind of a ghost town but so so charming.</div>
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It was fun to experience a quiet French town since we knew Paris would be a completely different experience.</div>
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And then we got to Paris....<br />
and I was in heaven the whole time.</div>
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Everything just feels so classy and timeless there.</div>
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We stayed in this gorgeous apartment (more pics <a href="http://www.lovebirdsonthego.com/2014/05/bonjour-from-paris.html#.U7LQe_mwKyI" target="_blank">here</a>) that made us almost want to spend all day indoors.</div>
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But one does NOT spend all day indoors in Paris!</div>
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We dropped off our luggage and when straight out for some sight seeing.</div>
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Our apartment was in a great location so we could walk almost everywhere or take a quick metro ride.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKrBf62iibU/U7LFkOKJLkI/AAAAAAAACw4/LXEgNs45RdE/s1600/IMG_3322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKrBf62iibU/U7LFkOKJLkI/AAAAAAAACw4/LXEgNs45RdE/s1600/IMG_3322.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Snapping pictures by the Louvre museum with a few other tourists</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvRQEqG7Zwo/U7LFtzgec7I/AAAAAAAACxY/PhcE8eKogzE/s1600/IMG_3370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvRQEqG7Zwo/U7LFtzgec7I/AAAAAAAACxY/PhcE8eKogzE/s1600/IMG_3370.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Loved the view of Paris from Montmartre</span></div>
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Then there's the food in Paris.</div>
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We may have indulged in one too many crepes...and chocolate and pastries and bread.</div>
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But we had to pack in as much food as possible in our four days there!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nutella all day everyday.</span></div>
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Then, of course, there is this pretty structure:</div>
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I really don't know what it is about the Eiffel Tower that makes it so spectacular.</div>
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I mean...it's an iron tower, and it's pretty industrial looking.</div>
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Not what I would call an artistic masterpiece.</div>
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But somehow it is still so grand.</div>
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We went back several times throughout those four days just to admire it.</div>
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Especially at night.</div>
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Oh my. </div>
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It is a million times more beautiful as the sun goes down and the twinkling lights come on.</div>
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Tr<span style="background-color: #fefbf3; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">é</span></span>s romantique. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfohJSKJ83k/U7LK7lNAjHI/AAAAAAAACyY/3gsdVoGG46E/s1600/IMG_3536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfohJSKJ83k/U7LK7lNAjHI/AAAAAAAACyY/3gsdVoGG46E/s1600/IMG_3536.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npr74FVvZrI/U7LLBk4GHzI/AAAAAAAACyg/assDgNhJNio/s1600/IMG_3549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npr74FVvZrI/U7LLBk4GHzI/AAAAAAAACyg/assDgNhJNio/s1600/IMG_3549.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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We would move to Paris tomorrow if we could.</div>
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Maybe one day.... </div>
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I couldn't cram all of the amazingness of Paris into one post, so more to come tomorrow!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-19233140970798076692014-06-30T07:00:00.000-07:002014-06-30T07:00:03.100-07:00Park Guell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LElumaKrFoc/U6ywK7bwDpI/AAAAAAAACt0/XHDSovPPh-M/s1600/IMG_3200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LElumaKrFoc/U6ywK7bwDpI/AAAAAAAACt0/XHDSovPPh-M/s1600/IMG_3200.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, this park. </div>
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It was on my bucket list to one day visit Park Guell.</div>
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It's the first thing I think of when I think of Barcelona. </div>
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With Gaudi being the architect, you know it is going to be extraordinary!</div>
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I love how he uses mosaics to make his pieces look so colorful and unique.</div>
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I'll let the pictures do the talking!</div>
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A little bit of history about this park:</div>
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It was was commissioned by Count Eusebi Guell (whom the park is named after) and built in the early 1900s.</div>
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It was originally intended as a commercial housing site for the wealthy in Barcelona but was unsuccessful so, fortunately for us, it became a park!</div>
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Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and gets over nine million visitors a year!!</div>
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There are two parts to the park, one that requires an entrance fee and one that is open to the general public.</div>
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The $8/person to access the paid area is totally worth it as you get the best views from that area!</div>
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You can also walk through what was once Gaudi's home (now a museum) which provides such interesting insight on the life of both the Guell family and Gaudi.</div>
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(<i>side note: make sure you book tickets in advance to guarantee you can get in on the day/time you want</i>)</div>
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Here are some views you get from the paid area:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7SKSVzEWIt4/U6ywOHjCk3I/AAAAAAAACuI/LehppgkCbhU/s1600/IMG_3208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7SKSVzEWIt4/U6ywOHjCk3I/AAAAAAAACuI/LehppgkCbhU/s1600/IMG_3208.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GOIHBq2VXqU/U6ywPn0CQxI/AAAAAAAACuU/hC_dBjZTxDg/s1600/IMG_3214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GOIHBq2VXqU/U6ywPn0CQxI/AAAAAAAACuU/hC_dBjZTxDg/s1600/IMG_3214.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIOWxl5Cif0/U6ywRQhToqI/AAAAAAAACuc/7zF30VM-5Xk/s1600/IMG_3221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIOWxl5Cif0/U6ywRQhToqI/AAAAAAAACuc/7zF30VM-5Xk/s1600/IMG_3221.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKz8qKzTKuE/U6yweQ6sUmI/AAAAAAAACvc/nN1La4gJDi4/s1600/IMG_3238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKz8qKzTKuE/U6yweQ6sUmI/AAAAAAAACvc/nN1La4gJDi4/s1600/IMG_3238.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjwxf_2O0AY/U6ywkSAX9VI/AAAAAAAACvk/0vy0KdkUKgU/s1600/IMG_3243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjwxf_2O0AY/U6ywkSAX9VI/AAAAAAAACvk/0vy0KdkUKgU/s1600/IMG_3243.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Amazing, right?!</div>
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I just love how colorful everything is.</div>
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I think it's amazing how Gaudi put such different and seemingly random tile pieces together yet they go together so perfectly!</div>
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Another unique feature of this park is the way Gaudi created rock pillars to look like part of nature.</div>
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The real wonder is how they are still standing!</div>
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They give the appearance of being brittle and weak but they must be pretty sturdy to remain after so many years and so many visitors. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0wiJ4wOWp_A/U6ywYzfW5fI/AAAAAAAACu4/7UCgmEzQLAU/s1600/IMG_3227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0wiJ4wOWp_A/U6ywYzfW5fI/AAAAAAAACu4/7UCgmEzQLAU/s1600/IMG_3227.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hOprkL_gaWM/U6ywZJDdcnI/AAAAAAAACu8/YEyIPHouk1Q/s1600/IMG_3233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hOprkL_gaWM/U6ywZJDdcnI/AAAAAAAACu8/YEyIPHouk1Q/s1600/IMG_3233.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K6q-6ludqP0/U6ywmton6qI/AAAAAAAACvs/TMC5oQAB6UE/s1600/IMG_3244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K6q-6ludqP0/U6ywmton6qI/AAAAAAAACvs/TMC5oQAB6UE/s1600/IMG_3244.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was a huge highlight of our time in Barcelona and we HIGHLY recommend it!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rkDCyBvuTY/U7DjuuSlhtI/AAAAAAAACwI/9fDz5r6Nx50/s1600/HeartSteph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rkDCyBvuTY/U7DjuuSlhtI/AAAAAAAACwI/9fDz5r6Nx50/s1600/HeartSteph.png" height="156" width="200" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-47998988608721633262014-06-27T07:00:00.000-07:002014-06-27T07:00:04.822-07:00Barcelona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qP2jAN8oi0/U6xUp8C_yGI/AAAAAAAACrQ/AvALJyFycVw/s1600/IMG_3141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qP2jAN8oi0/U6xUp8C_yGI/AAAAAAAACrQ/AvALJyFycVw/s1600/IMG_3141.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Barcelona. </div>
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So much to see in such a short amount of time!</div>
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We were only in Barcelona for three days and it was<i> not </i>enough. </div>
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Barcelona is interesting because it is part of Catalonia.</div>
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As in, the official language is actually Catalan, not Spanish.</div>
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It was interesting to see words translated from Catalan to Spanish then to English.</div>
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Fortunately for us, most people still spoke Spanish so it was easy to communicate--but you could definitely feel the sense of Catalonian pride from the people there.</div>
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The architecture in this city is amazing.</div>
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I especially loved the modernist style of many of the buildings. </div>
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For example, check out Hospital de Sant Pau:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Oe2u_Rt8e0/U6xUrsn4c4I/AAAAAAAACrk/dzQu7s1NpqU/s1600/IMG_3181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Oe2u_Rt8e0/U6xUrsn4c4I/AAAAAAAACrk/dzQu7s1NpqU/s1600/IMG_3181.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can you believe that's a hospital?? </div>
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Not like any hospital I've ever seen.</div>
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It was in operation until 2009 but is now being renovated as a museum.</div>
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Much of the architectural style of Barcelona comes from the influence of Antoni Gaudi, who is undoubtedly Barcelona's most famous artist/architect.</div>
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One of his most prominent works is the well-known Sagrada Familia.</div>
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I had seen pictures of this beautiful church, but it was incredible to see it live!</div>
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It is also mind blowing to think that it is still under construction, even almost 100 years after Gaudi's death.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hWN4RzLckk/U6xUqbBM2oI/AAAAAAAACrU/7ONJMcAPHEQ/s1600/IMG_3158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hWN4RzLckk/U6xUqbBM2oI/AAAAAAAACrU/7ONJMcAPHEQ/s1600/IMG_3158.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VuZXLNP2t_I/U6xUomAwb5I/AAAAAAAACrI/K6LG-quxswc/s1600/IMG_3161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VuZXLNP2t_I/U6xUomAwb5I/AAAAAAAACrI/K6LG-quxswc/s1600/IMG_3161.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Another famous work of Gaudi's is Park Guell. </div>
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We loved loved loved this park!</div>
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There are so many whimsical pieces that make you feel like you are in a fairy tale land.</div>
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It was so great that it deserves its own post. So, more on Park Guell tomorrow!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TpHjpGt-mb8/U6xVqM4xvPI/AAAAAAAACr4/L5gpZaT6r-c/s1600/IMG_3200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TpHjpGt-mb8/U6xVqM4xvPI/AAAAAAAACr4/L5gpZaT6r-c/s1600/IMG_3200.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2F0InGl8Q9k/U6xVp47O6HI/AAAAAAAACr0/996VCJRyrpM/s1600/IMG_3213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2F0InGl8Q9k/U6xVp47O6HI/AAAAAAAACr0/996VCJRyrpM/s1600/IMG_3213.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few other favorites from Barcelona include:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Beach!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dh3rlK3-c2k/U6xWC0wos0I/AAAAAAAACtA/0zZU61OsIgw/s1600/IMG_3265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dh3rlK3-c2k/U6xWC0wos0I/AAAAAAAACtA/0zZU61OsIgw/s1600/IMG_3265.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--TVxn39vcgk/U6xWE5JUJ5I/AAAAAAAACtU/lKtn7_XDyt0/s1600/IMG_3266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--TVxn39vcgk/U6xWE5JUJ5I/AAAAAAAACtU/lKtn7_XDyt0/s1600/IMG_3266.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYQB-4yP4Q0/U6xWCowVM5I/AAAAAAAACtE/njEru5HRA3k/s1600/IMG_3255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYQB-4yP4Q0/U6xWCowVM5I/AAAAAAAACtE/njEru5HRA3k/s1600/IMG_3255.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXzlftoz610/U6xWCpy098I/AAAAAAAACs8/GdjuBnog8OQ/s1600/IMG_3256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXzlftoz610/U6xWCpy098I/AAAAAAAACs8/GdjuBnog8OQ/s1600/IMG_3256.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was a little breezy on the beach, so we sat there wrapped in towels.</div>
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But we're used to cold beaches in Northern California.</div>
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And the view was still worth it!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Food!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIJzn25uH3M/U6xVqtIox2I/AAAAAAAACr8/_WRXdd-VwoM/s1600/IMG_3199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIJzn25uH3M/U6xVqtIox2I/AAAAAAAACr8/_WRXdd-VwoM/s1600/IMG_3199.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CgqDVuc2OA/U6xAs5RTEwI/AAAAAAAACqs/vniCeCvcQ2k/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CgqDVuc2OA/U6xAs5RTEwI/AAAAAAAACqs/vniCeCvcQ2k/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.png" height="212" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2ZPz_-E-u0/U6xUr5xyN_I/AAAAAAAACro/TeApgEJX_84/s1600/IMG_3179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2ZPz_-E-u0/U6xUr5xyN_I/AAAAAAAACro/TeApgEJX_84/s1600/IMG_3179.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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More tapas and I was not complaining!</div>
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Also, <i>not</i> complaining about the treats in Barcelona that were not only yummy but pretty to look at too.</div>
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Again, three days in Barcelona was not enough.</div>
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It just means we'll HAVE TO go back asap!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTAAmc9Tw9Q/U6yg2VlSmII/AAAAAAAACtk/8UzPNMfC_fk/s1600/HeartSteph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTAAmc9Tw9Q/U6yg2VlSmII/AAAAAAAACtk/8UzPNMfC_fk/s1600/HeartSteph.png" height="156" width="200" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-50244221590623019382014-06-26T10:04:00.003-07:002014-06-26T10:05:06.930-07:00Madrid Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocpIKTeXUVY/U6w5kd3UnlI/AAAAAAAACnY/HdDf1ZSSW_8/s1600/IMG_3056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocpIKTeXUVY/U6w5kd3UnlI/AAAAAAAACnY/HdDf1ZSSW_8/s1600/IMG_3056.JPG" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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Madrid was the first stop on our 2 month travel journey, and it seems like a lifetime ago! </div>
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Looking over our pictures reminds me of some of our favorite things we did there:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Tapas</span></div>
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Of course, the food in a new place is <i>always</i> a highlight.</div>
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I know I've said it before, but tapas is definitely my kind of eating.</div>
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Small portions of lots of different foods lets you try so many more dishes than simply ordering one big dish.</div>
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We lucked out and found the most delicious tapas restaurant our first night in Madrid.</div>
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It was outdoors which I loved since it was a beautiful night</div>
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and everything we ordered was sooo yummy.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lkLfW01qmdQ/U6w5kf8-Q6I/AAAAAAAACnc/bLP80DM25UA/s1600/IMG_2988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lkLfW01qmdQ/U6w5kf8-Q6I/AAAAAAAACnc/bLP80DM25UA/s1600/IMG_2988.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DWZdygnt4c/U6w5ko4FseI/AAAAAAAACns/92zeELcP8Lo/s1600/IMG_2986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DWZdygnt4c/U6w5ko4FseI/AAAAAAAACns/92zeELcP8Lo/s1600/IMG_2986.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">2. Parque del Retiro</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The weather was perfect while we were in Spain, so we couldn't stand the thought of being indoors.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We spent almost a full day at this <i>huge</i> beautiful park and enjoyed the sunshine. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We weren't the only ones with the idea.</span></div>
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Many people were out having picnics on the lawn or riding cute row boats on the water.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Hot Chocolate and Churros</span></div>
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Mmm, I had been looking forward to chocolate and churros since the moment we landed in Madrid. </div>
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This is a typical Spanish breakfast dish, but it also makes a great afternoon snack or dessert.</div>
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And this is no ordinary hot chocolate. </div>
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The chocolate they use is more like a thick, rich, delicious pudding that pairs perfectly with the warm, crispy churro.</div>
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Mmm, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!</div>
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Also, the churro is not as sweet as the Costco churros I'm used to that are covered in cinnamon and sugar.</div>
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Instead, they are more subtle-tasting as to not overpower the delicious chocolate.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Madrid LDS Temple</span></div>
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My church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; or Mormon church) has temples all over the world and I LOVE when we get to visit one abroad. </div>
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Lucky for us, there was one not too far from where we were staying in Madrid.</div>
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It is a beautiful temple and we were so happy to be able to do service inside.</div>
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It was also a great way to feel spiritually rejuvenated, even while traveling!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Plaza Mayor</span></div>
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This is the central plaza in Madrid and is a big tourist attraction.</div>
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There are lots of restaurants and bakeries nearby (we got our hot chocolate and churros not too far from here) and street performers entertaining the crowds.</div>
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Be careful though, many tourists get pick-pocketed here while they're distracted by the performers.</div>
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Most of the street performers were mildly entertaining, but there was one terrible one that just gave me the creeps!</div>
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It was an old man dressed as a baby in a carriage.</div>
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He paints his face like a clown and makes baby sounds.</div>
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Disturbing, right?!</div>
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I truly don't understand why people are entertained by him.</div>
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I think I was extra disturbed because I caught him on a smoke break...the vision of a clown baby smoking has been forever seared into my memory.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. Mercado de San Miguel</span></div>
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I love a good market and this one did not disappoint!</div>
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The Mercado de San Miguel is an indoor market but has a very outdoor feel since there are floor-to-ceiling windows.</div>
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This is a great place to grab a snack or eat a meal.</div>
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I loved the variety of foods inside--everything from fresh fish, to nuts, to fruit/vegetables, to pastries. </div>
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My favorite were the fresh squeezed fruit juices!</div>
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We loved starting our trip off in Madrid!!</div>
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The perfect weather, delicious food, and the fact that we could both speak the language made it a great way to get started off on the right foot!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emsxt0J_Rr0/U6xSo6tX5XI/AAAAAAAACq4/2uQXI46aHr0/s1600/HeartSteph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emsxt0J_Rr0/U6xSo6tX5XI/AAAAAAAACq4/2uQXI46aHr0/s1600/HeartSteph.png" height="156" width="200" /></span></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-80211222235407234152014-06-23T13:57:00.000-07:002014-06-23T13:57:51.808-07:00Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULeESN9QEJs/U6iT3639PtI/AAAAAAAACm0/2eI-DX3TkFE/s1600/10448227_10101466770417299_883352915329530707_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULeESN9QEJs/U6iT3639PtI/AAAAAAAACm0/2eI-DX3TkFE/s1600/10448227_10101466770417299_883352915329530707_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This picture was taken after 36+ hours of traveling. We were so excited to be on US soil!</span></div>
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We are HOME!</div>
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13 countries, 9 flights, 10 train rides, and 7.5 weeks later...</div>
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we are back to our favorite place: home. </div>
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I am overwhelmed thinking about the crazy adventure we just concluded.</div>
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We have made incredible memories that we'll be talking about for the rest of our lives.</div>
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We tasted foods we didn't even know existed and met people from all over the world.</div>
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At times we questioned our sanity for going on such a crazy trip, but we would do it again in a heartbeat.</div>
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I did a terrible job keeping up with posts on our trip, but I figured it was more important to enjoy the moments than to blog about them right away.</div>
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We have thousands of pictures to sort through, but I'll do my best to recap as much of our trip as I can.</div>
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Mostly because I want to remember <i>every</i> bit of it!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-27162510534351938702014-06-09T19:44:00.002-07:002014-06-09T19:44:36.331-07:00Santorini, Greece<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pm42tGtTbU/U4ws6xbCl1I/AAAAAAAAChM/C-De4kdx4Yo/s1600/IMG_4219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pm42tGtTbU/U4ws6xbCl1I/AAAAAAAAChM/C-De4kdx4Yo/s1600/IMG_4219.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think it is every girl's dream to go to Santorini. It was definitely for me!</div>
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<span class="">When we started planning this trip (10 months ago!!) We were having a hard time figuring out how we were going to make it work to get to Greece when every other country we were visiting is in Western Europe.</span></div>
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<span class="">After doing some research we came to the conclusion that a Mediterranean cruise would be the best way to do it!</span></div>
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<span class="">We took a tram up from the ship and spent a full day on Santorini hiking between the towns of Fira and Oia.</span></div>
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<span class="">The hike took about three hours but the views were worth it!</span></div>
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<span class="">These towns are beautiful! </span></div>
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Santorini is very recognizable for the blue and white paint used on almost every home and shop.</div>
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<span class="">It makes the whole place look so clean and refreshing!</span></div>
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<span class="">I was surprised that everything surrounding the towns was actually pretty desert-y.</span></div>
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<span class=""><span class="">There are lots great restaurants with amazing views of the ocean.</span></span></div>
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<span class=""><span class="">Definitely a place you want to order some seafood!</span></span></div>
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<span class=""><span class=""><span class="">We only spent six hours on Santorini, but it was enough to feel like a dream fulfilled.</span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-80972040536604400462014-06-01T06:24:00.001-07:002014-06-01T06:24:25.738-07:00Cinque Terre, Italy<div style="text-align: center;">
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Cinque Terre was our first stop in Italy and it was a magnificent way to begin!</div>
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<span class="">Choosing just one picture for this amazing place is extra difficult, but I really love this picture.</span></div>
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<span class="">What I love most about Cinque Terre are it's vibrant colors and turquoise-blue ocean.</span></div>
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<span class="">Ok...I'm also pretty fond of the delicious pasta and daily gelato, but I couldn't get <i>everything</i> in one picture!!</span></div>
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<span class="">We stayed in Manarola but were able to visit each of the five (cinque) villages during our three day stay.</span></div>
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<span class="">Each village has its own unique feel to it, but the common denominators are the colorful homes and boats, gorgeous ocean views, delicious food and, of course, gelato. </span></div>
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Lemons are also a big deal in Cinque Terre as they are grown all over the villages.</div>
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<span class="">Limoncello is a popular alcoholic drink made using their fresh lemons.</span></div>
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They also sell yummy lemon slushies for those of us who don't drink alcohol :)</div>
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The weather was perfect, our stomachs were happy, and we really couldn't ask for more from Cinque Terre.</div>
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Ciao!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc0KuXR-iIY/U4spPh3jTFI/AAAAAAAACg4/6WDpAhHxTwY/s1600/HeartSteph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc0KuXR-iIY/U4spPh3jTFI/AAAAAAAACg4/6WDpAhHxTwY/s1600/HeartSteph.png" height="157" width="200" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-16499024438780418232014-05-29T14:20:00.000-07:002014-05-29T14:22:01.096-07:00Montreux, Switzerland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLCsOA4-ms4/U4ecF1qSNpI/AAAAAAAACfY/EN0lUzHEi1k/s1600/IMG_38521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLCsOA4-ms4/U4ecF1qSNpI/AAAAAAAACfY/EN0lUzHEi1k/s1600/IMG_38521.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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Blogging while traveling is tough!</div>
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I knew it would be...but I want to make the effort to post at least brief details as we go along our trip.</div>
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To make it more manageable, I decided to post just one picture and a few thoughts/descriptions from now until the end of our trip.</div>
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I can expand more on each place once we're home.</div>
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Posting only one photo is going to be difficult!</div>
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We are visiting <i>incredibly</i> beautiful places everyday with so much to see!!</div>
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But I will try to choose one picture that best represents each location for us.</div>
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Above is a picture of Lake Geneva in Montreux, Switzerland.</div>
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We took a train from Geneva to Montreux to see Chateau de Chillon.</div>
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We had the option of taking a bus from the train station to the Chateau or taking a 40 minute walk there.</div>
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We opted for the walk, and I am <i>so</i> glad we did!</div>
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The Chateau was incredible, but that walk was probably the highlight of our day.</div>
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It is right along the water of Lake Geneva and you can't beat those views of the snow capped alps!</div>
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We found this round dock along the way where you feel like you are in the middle of it all.</div>
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It's not hard to see why--out of the eight countries we've visited thus far--Switzerland is our top choice for beauty!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-35267671291949714262014-05-25T07:43:00.000-07:002014-05-25T07:43:22.866-07:00Sorry About the Silence!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKwOXQjgcUw/U4H_XDRv6yI/AAAAAAAACec/gOcSOT4Uqn8/s1600/IMG_4112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKwOXQjgcUw/U4H_XDRv6yI/AAAAAAAACec/gOcSOT4Uqn8/s1600/IMG_4112.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hello!</div>
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Yes, we are still alive!</div>
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Sorry about the silence, but we are on a cruise and have had very limited access to internet since we boarded.</div>
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I'm writing from a McDonalds in Split, Croatia. </div>
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I have never been so grateful for McDonalds!</div>
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We are having an amazing time on the cruise!!</div>
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It is nice to have a break from traveling via trains and lugging our suitcases around wherever we go.</div>
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We can't complain about the unlimited "free" food too :)</div>
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I wanted to let family know that we are aware of what is going on in Thailand (luckily there is current news on the ship) and we are hopeful that it will not affect our travel plans there in a couple of weeks.</div>
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None the less, we will continue staying up-to-date with the news and be cautious about where we travel to.</div>
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We will be staying with locals there which has also been helpful and comforting as they can give us insight on how things are over there.</div>
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Anyway, can't wait to continue posting soon!</div>
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We have seen some truly incredible places and feel very blessed to be on this trip together.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNUGx-T3DeA/U4H_TaZCScI/AAAAAAAACeU/h0lNUOSA8_4/s1600/IMG_4076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNUGx-T3DeA/U4H_TaZCScI/AAAAAAAACeU/h0lNUOSA8_4/s1600/IMG_4076.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-38083953770345762932014-05-13T16:13:00.001-07:002014-05-13T16:13:40.895-07:00Lucerne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVc7HpWSj04/U3J7dSlA0eI/AAAAAAAACbM/V7GmYdNij8A/s1600/Lucerne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVc7HpWSj04/U3J7dSlA0eI/AAAAAAAACbM/V7GmYdNij8A/s1600/Lucerne.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="">What more can we say about Lucerne except it was incredible!</span></div>
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<span class=""><span class=""><span class="">From the second we hopped off the train we knew this place was on its own level.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class=""><span class="">It didn't take long for us to come to the conclusion of that this was the most beautiful place either of us has ever been.</span></span></div>
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<span class="goog-text-highlight"><span class="">It seriously felt like we were we in a dream land the whole time. </span></span></div>
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<span class=""><span class="">A</span></span><span class=""><span class="">s in we would constantly look at each other and say 'is this place for real?!'</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUcmei8JMgo/U3KKRW9KS4I/AAAAAAAACbc/HQ3AAXaimp8/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUcmei8JMgo/U3KKRW9KS4I/AAAAAAAACbc/HQ3AAXaimp8/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oNE9GaB4OKM/U3KKZMNFxPI/AAAAAAAACb0/jgrnphUNsFQ/s1600/IMG_3701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oNE9GaB4OKM/U3KKZMNFxPI/AAAAAAAACb0/jgrnphUNsFQ/s1600/IMG_3701.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iRQcxtv2Fw/U3KKgVOD5QI/AAAAAAAACb8/g-V0M_S3EvA/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iRQcxtv2Fw/U3KKgVOD5QI/AAAAAAAACb8/g-V0M_S3EvA/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span class=""><span class="">The water is the prettiest blue and there are swans everywhere.</span></span></div>
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<span class=""><span class=""><span class=""><span class=""><span class="">It's like they don'</span></span></span></span></span><span class="">t allow anything but beautiful things in this town!</span></div>
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<span class=""><span class=""><span class=""><span class="">The bridge in a few of the pictures above is called the Chapel Bridge (or Kapellbrucke</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class=""><span class="">).</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class=""><span class="">It dates back to the 14th century and is one of the symbols of Lucerne.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class=""><span class="">We only had about 6 hours in Lucerne between our train from Zurich to Geneva, so we used that time to explore Old Town.</span></span></div>
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<span class=""><span class="">There are lots of shops and restaurants in that area and some great chocolate stores!</span></span></div>
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<span class="">We also walked along the Musegg Wall - which looks like a big castle wall - and saw some great views of the city.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KBwrw8bka2s/U3KKjqPXSRI/AAAAAAAACcE/7xnXVDlNBQs/s1600/IMG_3711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KBwrw8bka2s/U3KKjqPXSRI/AAAAAAAACcE/7xnXVDlNBQs/s1600/IMG_3711.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgM5Cq7qPIA/U3KLOjeS47I/AAAAAAAACcU/tIV6hmcLFMs/s1600/IMG_3744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgM5Cq7qPIA/U3KLOjeS47I/AAAAAAAACcU/tIV6hmcLFMs/s1600/IMG_3744.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZdmf3daXhA/U3J4ham-cPI/AAAAAAAACbE/_AdTXOS61w8/s1600/IMG_3745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZdmf3daXhA/U3J4ham-cPI/AAAAAAAACbE/_AdTXOS61w8/s1600/IMG_3745.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUlWtBLVYT4/U3J3ld3CuNI/AAAAAAAACaY/iZlqSllBM4A/s1600/IMG_3726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUlWtBLVYT4/U3J3ld3CuNI/AAAAAAAACaY/iZlqSllBM4A/s1600/IMG_3726.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="">We ate our lunch on this red bench overlooking the Musegg Wall. </span></div>
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Not a bad view!</div>
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It really made our PB&Js taste so much better.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U2Y9I2mbsew/U3J4dnQznfI/AAAAAAAACa4/5c52UTpw3F8/s1600/IMG_3740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U2Y9I2mbsew/U3J4dnQznfI/AAAAAAAACa4/5c52UTpw3F8/s1600/IMG_3740.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span class="" style="font-size: xx-small;">Being one of <i>those</i> tourists.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5FMIFAtnFY/U3KLcQHseqI/AAAAAAAACcw/m3rOTE3ypug/s1600/IMG_3802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5FMIFAtnFY/U3KLcQHseqI/AAAAAAAACcw/m3rOTE3ypug/s1600/IMG_3802.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LICEbg3ViyY/U3KKlk9QswI/AAAAAAAACcM/fHU9f0sL-Fc/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LICEbg3ViyY/U3KKlk9QswI/AAAAAAAACcM/fHU9f0sL-Fc/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">How cute is this bike?</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds4CfYaUzpQ/U3J3tnj_DHI/AAAAAAAACao/C4K9Z4SQCbM/s1600/IMG_3714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds4CfYaUzpQ/U3J3tnj_DHI/AAAAAAAACao/C4K9Z4SQCbM/s1600/IMG_3714.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="">And above is what is likely the world's happiest cat.</span></div>
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Just laying on a patch of glorious Swiss grass while locals come by and pet him as they walk up the steps.</div>
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Sounds like a great life.</div>
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<span class="">Another big symbolic landmark of Lucerne is the Lion Monument, which - according to the sweet old volunteer tour guide we met - commemorates the Swiss mercenaries who died protecting the French king during the French Revolution.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJptEMU5OyI/U3KLO_TW9SI/AAAAAAAACcY/-HnZTHyCeZo/s1600/IMG_3762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJptEMU5OyI/U3KLO_TW9SI/AAAAAAAACcY/-HnZTHyCeZo/s1600/IMG_3762.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDe9Wl2kuSA/U3KLooT_tII/AAAAAAAACc0/RgGUWWmgwXA/s1600/IMG_3779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDe9Wl2kuSA/U3KLooT_tII/AAAAAAAACc0/RgGUWWmgwXA/s1600/IMG_3779.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqsZDswH-f8/U3KLXfvB92I/AAAAAAAACck/fLpMhif4xnY/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqsZDswH-f8/U3KLXfvB92I/AAAAAAAACck/fLpMhif4xnY/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bX_cQ3T76vk/U3KiCaetWdI/AAAAAAAACdE/EmM3xCXl1uc/s1600/IMG_3792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bX_cQ3T76vk/U3KiCaetWdI/AAAAAAAACdE/EmM3xCXl1uc/s1600/IMG_3792.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="">6 hours was not enough in this beautiful place, but we are so happy we stopped by!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZUbuf8V1KM/U3KieOEgJRI/AAAAAAAACdM/0VxLLT-wnVY/s1600/HeartSteph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZUbuf8V1KM/U3KieOEgJRI/AAAAAAAACdM/0VxLLT-wnVY/s1600/HeartSteph.png" height="158" width="200" /></a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-11940240808364437322014-05-10T14:56:00.000-07:002014-05-10T14:57:35.478-07:00Hallo from Munich!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was tough leaving Paris, but we were both so excited for Munich!</div>
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We practiced our German accents on the train ride over.</div>
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Derek has it down pretty good. Mine still needs some work.</div>
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We have loved taking the trains from country to country.</div>
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You can see so much more this way as opposed to flying.</div>
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It's incredible how each country has it's own unique architectural style.</div>
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You can tell when you are in a new country by the design of the homes and buildings.</div>
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Our first stop in Munich was the Augustiner-Heller beer garden.</div>
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For being a non-drinker, I was surprised at how much I loved the concept of a beer garden.</div>
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People outdoors, eating, drinking, having a good time.</div>
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No one was being obnoxious; people were just enjoying each others company and making new friends.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> This is what Mormons do at a beer garden: eat huge pretzels!</span></div>
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Since the weather was cooperating nicely we checked out the English Garden, which is one of the largest urban parks in the world.</div>
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This park may have trumped the Parque de Retiro in Spain for me.</div>
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It was AMAZING!</div>
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So green and quiet and peaceful. </div>
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I'll let the pictures do the talking.</div>
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We could have literally spent all day there!</div>
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Another fun part about this park is that--while most of it is very serene and peaceful--there is a beer garden inside with lots of fun mingling going on.</div>
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Derek had a very German lunch consisting of bratwurst and country potatoes.</div>
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I, on the other hand, had a salad...because that is what a vegetarian eats in Germany!</div>
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So far our favorite things about Munich are:</div>
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- How clean and organized it is. It feels like a very safe and livable city.</div>
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- The lively people. It could be all the beer, but everyone seems to be having a real good time.</div>
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- The outfits. We're not sure if there was some special occasion going on, but we were surprised to see many people (including younger people) dressed in traditional German clothing.</div>
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We get one more day in Munich before heading to Switzerland!</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-771sjOhC9nY/U26fXrs1eDI/AAAAAAAACZQ/VAdP9Bn1IMQ/s1600/HeartSteph.png" height="157" width="200" /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-51581932250478644292014-05-07T10:33:00.001-07:002014-05-08T06:28:48.543-07:00Bonjour from Paris!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofnoJfaGt0g/U2pgG8dhhgI/AAAAAAAACS8/svT8TRHh6zU/s1600/IMG_3422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a couple in front of the Eiffel Tower" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofnoJfaGt0g/U2pgG8dhhgI/AAAAAAAACS8/svT8TRHh6zU/s1600/IMG_3422.JPG" height="640" title="Eiffel Tower picture" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Bonjour!", "Au revoir!", "Merci and "S<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">'il </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">vous plaît". </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">That is about as much French as we have in our vocabulary. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Oh, and <span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crêpe". We know that one very well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are absolutely LOVING Paris.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Derek has been here briefly before for work, but this is my first time.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">We keep looking at each other and saying, "what do you think, should we live here??"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">The answer is yes, of course.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Everything about Paris is beautiful.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Every building is so historic and I love the uniformity.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">We are staying in a gorgeous apartment we found on Airbnb where we get to wake up to this view:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_QewFXDhSE/U2plIWtOAcI/AAAAAAAACTQ/lWfpSBNS6yo/s1600/IMG_3304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rooftop view of Paris" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_QewFXDhSE/U2plIWtOAcI/AAAAAAAACTQ/lWfpSBNS6yo/s1600/IMG_3304.JPG" height="426" title="Paris rooftops" width="640" /></a></div>
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And check out the rest of the place. </div>
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I had to get pictures of all of it because it is basically my dream apartment!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7RzcZy8hv3Y/U2plNC1WcSI/AAAAAAAACTo/UZSnGFiA7PI/s1600/IMG_3309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a bright and beautiful apartment in Paris, France." border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7RzcZy8hv3Y/U2plNC1WcSI/AAAAAAAACTo/UZSnGFiA7PI/s1600/IMG_3309.JPG" height="426" title="Apartment in a Paris" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1BvJf-aoqY/U2plJxY0ClI/AAAAAAAACTY/pCyXJFvR2xc/s1600/IMG_3306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1BvJf-aoqY/U2plJxY0ClI/AAAAAAAACTY/pCyXJFvR2xc/s1600/IMG_3306.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h3G_OsjOa9w/U2plKOOVLtI/AAAAAAAACTc/nDwIxAUQ9sI/s1600/IMG_3307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h3G_OsjOa9w/U2plKOOVLtI/AAAAAAAACTc/nDwIxAUQ9sI/s1600/IMG_3307.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Incredible, right?!</div>
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The apartment is also in a great location so we have been getting around by foot or using the metro.</div>
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Our first day we walked to the <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">musée du </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Louvre.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-1igPsxUF0/U2pmzSFn-DI/AAAAAAAACT4/rtQY7dh-kDk/s1600/IMG_3325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A couple in front of the Louvre Museum" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-1igPsxUF0/U2pmzSFn-DI/AAAAAAAACT4/rtQY7dh-kDk/s1600/IMG_3325.JPG" height="426" title="The Louvre" width="640" /></a></div>
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We haven't gone inside yet, but even walking around the outside was impressive.</div>
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It's incredible how clean and well kept all of the buildings look after so many years.</div>
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Of course we visited to Eiffel Tower our first day in Paris.</div>
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I couldn't wait to see it in the flesh!!</div>
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'Makeout under the Eiffel Tower' was seriously on my bucket list.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-redTU-edMBA/U2pgFYGs_vI/AAAAAAAACSs/tF3eNVYh3RM/s1600/IMG_3420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A couple kissing in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France." border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-redTU-edMBA/U2pgFYGs_vI/AAAAAAAACSs/tF3eNVYh3RM/s1600/IMG_3420.JPG" height="640" title="Kissing in front of the Eiffel Tower" width="426" /></a></div>
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CHECK!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">We will show this picture to our kids one day to gross them out :)</span></div>
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It has been sprinkling on and off since we got to Paris, so I was thrilled that the sun came out while we visited the Eiffel Tower. </div>
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We were even able to have a makeshift picnic of bread, cheese, greek yogurt and fruit.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CzhktY9d3dU/U2prXslKEYI/AAAAAAAACUk/9pj8YXOW1m4/s1600/IMG_3413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CzhktY9d3dU/U2prXslKEYI/AAAAAAAACUk/9pj8YXOW1m4/s1600/IMG_3413.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z378IdktqOg/U2prXiX6mUI/AAAAAAAACUg/oM6O2k5nQsM/s1600/IMG_3416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z378IdktqOg/U2prXiX6mUI/AAAAAAAACUg/oM6O2k5nQsM/s1600/IMG_3416.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the evening we headed up Montmartre which is a hill with an incredible view of the city.</div>
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We went at the perfect time to watch the sunset.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-849jn1jwDZY/U2psaKlRHEI/AAAAAAAACU0/Pe9agFTJpVs/s1600/IMG_3400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A view of the city of Paris from Montmartre" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-849jn1jwDZY/U2psaKlRHEI/AAAAAAAACU0/Pe9agFTJpVs/s1600/IMG_3400.JPG" height="426" title="Paris from Montmartre" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROMlwDHT8kU/U2psaNp4PWI/AAAAAAAACU8/h_XeV7Ysdow/s1600/IMG_3401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Steps up to Montmartre in Paris, France." border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROMlwDHT8kU/U2psaNp4PWI/AAAAAAAACU8/h_XeV7Ysdow/s1600/IMG_3401.JPG" height="426" title="Montmartre" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our Parisian adventure continues until Friday.</div>
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Au revoir for now!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-43245141914543482702014-05-04T10:18:00.002-07:002014-05-04T10:21:13.496-07:00Barcelona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txlatLAmxJw/U2YlhGKTttI/AAAAAAAACQs/GqHiEaMpaAE/s1600/IMG_3213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txlatLAmxJw/U2YlhGKTttI/AAAAAAAACQs/GqHiEaMpaAE/s1600/IMG_3213.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are on day two in Barcelona and enjoying every second!</div>
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We took the train from Madrid which was a quick two and a half hours.</div>
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We felt pretty fancy traveling first class in our all-leather seats.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZqxH6jJ_L0/U2YlhSdxnUI/AAAAAAAACQw/VUoZxWIRaaY/s1600/IMG_3132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZqxH6jJ_L0/U2YlhSdxnUI/AAAAAAAACQw/VUoZxWIRaaY/s1600/IMG_3132.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We've been getting creative with our breakfast and lunch meals since we're trying to only eat out for dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So far we've enjoyed some yummy greek yogurt with berries, croissants, and baguettes with cheese.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It feels like we've been eating bread non-stop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's hard not to when there is a <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.290000915527344px;">panadería at every corner.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.290000915527344px;">We snack on mini chocolate-filled croissants like they're going out of style.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.290000915527344px;">We justify all of the eating by how much we are walking--which is A LOT!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.290000915527344px;">Speaking of eating, we are still loving tapas here in Spain.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.290000915527344px;">So many foods to try...so little time!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_8LezX568I/U2Yon6qbXUI/AAAAAAAACR4/nQ-lVeIl7_U/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_8LezX568I/U2Yon6qbXUI/AAAAAAAACR4/nQ-lVeIl7_U/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.png" height="216" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of the highlights of Barcelona for us has been visiting Park Guell.</div>
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Gaudi was a genius artist/architect and you can see his work all over Barcelona, especially in this park.</div>
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It has become a quintessential landmark of Barcelona.</div>
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Derek and I aren't huge museum lovers, but this is the way we like to enjoy art--outdoors.</div>
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Another brilliant work of Gaudi's is the Sagrada Familia. </div>
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This is a must-see!</div>
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It was crazy walking out of the metro station to see this beautiful cathedral.</div>
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It looks so out of place in its setting.</div>
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According to Rick Steves (our European 'travel guide'), while many people think construction is being done for restoration purposes, this cathedral is actually still being built.</div>
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Gaudi knew that when he began designing it that he would not see it completed in his lifetime.</div>
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Pretty crazy.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l98qvifcKfo/U2Yox1L1DiI/AAAAAAAACSI/9sYqj5yVm3w/s1600/IMG_31691.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l98qvifcKfo/U2Yox1L1DiI/AAAAAAAACSI/9sYqj5yVm3w/s1600/IMG_31691.png" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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On to Paris tomorrow!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-57278797445590436062014-05-02T13:50:00.001-07:002014-05-04T10:19:23.034-07:00Hola from Madrid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gu_qc0oX-s/U2J6fOKdk7I/AAAAAAAACOw/mBXO8-UAC8M/s1600/IMG_2980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gu_qc0oX-s/U2J6fOKdk7I/AAAAAAAACOw/mBXO8-UAC8M/s1600/IMG_2980.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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After a 22 hour travel day, we finally made it to Madrid!!</div>
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We were pretty beat by the time we got to our place but we forced ourselves to stay awake to avoid jet lag. </div>
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We were also <i>starving</i> so we headed to our first tapas experience at Lateral.</div>
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The restaurant was recommended to us and it's just a few blocks from where we are staying.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u30ksBKFCvU/U2J6MsD6MII/AAAAAAAACOg/jesr8htvXgk/s1600/IMG_2988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u30ksBKFCvU/U2J6MsD6MII/AAAAAAAACOg/jesr8htvXgk/s1600/IMG_2988.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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As we were waiting in line to be seated I ran into an old friend from high school. </div>
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What are the odds?! </div>
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We are in a foreign country for less than an hour and we already see someone we know. Love it!</div>
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This is such a small world we live in.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LaGddOEVw4/U2KCP6u0zJI/AAAAAAAACPo/GBNYB2xiJrY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LaGddOEVw4/U2KCP6u0zJI/AAAAAAAACPo/GBNYB2xiJrY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The food was incredible and the weather was perfect for outdoor seating.</div>
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I love the tapas style of eating--you get to try lots of different foods in the perfect amounts.</div>
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I could definitely get used to this.</div>
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The next morning we set out to explore Madrid.</div>
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We headed to the Prado Museum only to find out that it was closed because of Labor Day (which always falls on May 1st in Spain).</div>
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We weren't too disappointed though, since there is literally something to see at every corner here.</div>
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We walked over to the Parque Del Retiro which is essentially the Central Park of Madrid.</div>
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I love me a good park and this one was exceptionally amazing.</div>
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First of all, it's huge! </div>
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We could have spent all day walking the grounds. </div>
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It is also very clean and well kept.</div>
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My favorite part was the row boats.</div>
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We just watched from afar since we weren't up for waiting in the long line or paying the expensive fee.</div>
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I know--we're adventurous. </div>
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BUT I did buy a hat...which for me is pretty adventurous!</div>
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I figured 'when in Rome', right?? </div>
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I bought it at the Parque so it also makes for a great souvenir :)</div>
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I think Derek's favorite part of the day was just laying in this patch of grass.</div>
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He said he was taking in the fact that he is done with school.</div>
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No more exams, no more group projects, no more homework.</div>
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He was just soaking it <i>all</i> in.</div>
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And that was pretty much our first day in Madrid!</div>
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We have absolutely loved it here so far.</div>
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The food is amazing and we love practicing our Spanish every chance we get.</div>
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Adios for now!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-66701603122123189612014-04-17T10:47:00.000-07:002014-05-04T10:19:23.037-07:00Wrightsville Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4a6529NAnLE/U0_zjAbVIFI/AAAAAAAACL4/6aykShzsq0o/s1600/IMG_27851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4a6529NAnLE/U0_zjAbVIFI/AAAAAAAACL4/6aykShzsq0o/s1600/IMG_27851.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had a picture in my mind of exactly what a North Carolina beach looks like. </div>
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Perhaps it was formed by a Nicholas Sparks novel.</div>
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You know, the quintessential white sand, shrubs and distressed wooden fences.</div>
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Wrightsville beach was just that.</div>
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This beach was of course <i>charming,</i> like the rest of North Carolina.</div>
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It had a completely different feel than the beaches I've been to in California.</div>
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More laid back and relaxed. And slow. In and good way.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6RHf-ZkWmig/U0_zkj0xvXI/AAAAAAAACMA/SulPLBdp8TQ/s1600/IMG_27911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6RHf-ZkWmig/U0_zkj0xvXI/AAAAAAAACMA/SulPLBdp8TQ/s1600/IMG_27911.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Again with the beautiful homes. And right by the ocean! What a dream.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnH2QPQur1o/U0_ztAX4UkI/AAAAAAAACMQ/Ey6Ksxfjbvc/s1600/IMG_2801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnH2QPQur1o/U0_ztAX4UkI/AAAAAAAACMQ/Ey6Ksxfjbvc/s1600/IMG_2801.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The water was beautiful but a little too cold for me, so I enjoyed it from afar. </div>
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The weather was perfect and I even got an awesome tan line from my sandals. Gotta love those.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZUNbxvuHLM/U0_ztAXqxTI/AAAAAAAACMU/UCKWcI_h9Kw/s1600/IMG_2803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZUNbxvuHLM/U0_ztAXqxTI/AAAAAAAACMU/UCKWcI_h9Kw/s1600/IMG_2803.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The beach didn't feel crowded at all which was nice. </div>
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It could have been because it's not quite summer yet or because we were there on a Monday.</div>
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Regardless, we really enjoyed how quiet and peaceful it was.</div>
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We loved Wrightsville beach! </div>
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It is only about a 15 minute drive from Wilmington and we loved experiencing an east coast beach!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-45250104209963635882014-04-16T12:13:00.000-07:002014-05-04T10:19:23.030-07:00Wilmington, North Carolina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n04e84VrqVA/U03o_MlNG_I/AAAAAAAACIk/hGTR4dImLaU/s1600/IMG_2755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n04e84VrqVA/U03o_MlNG_I/AAAAAAAACIk/hGTR4dImLaU/s1600/IMG_2755.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Derek and I have always wanted to visit North Carolina and the opportunity finally presented itself this week.</div>
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We flew into Raleigh and drove the 3 hours to Wilmington.</div>
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I'm not quite sure why we decided on staying in Wilmington. </div>
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I had heard it's a cute town and it's close to the ocean, so we thought it might be a fun place to visit.</div>
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It took approximately 2 seconds for us to fall completely in love with it.</div>
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I had a huge smile on my face as we drove into the neighborhood where we were staying and at that moment I decided: I could live here. </div>
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Maybe not anytime soon, but I would be a happy camper living in this neighborhood.</div>
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First of all, everything is so green! Trees and flowers everywhere.</div>
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It is also incredibly charming; the town looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale.</div>
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Just look at these cute houses:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74itH69zUsU/U03ie5V8y4I/AAAAAAAACHQ/tM5mBPdaexE/s1600/IMG_2751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74itH69zUsU/U03ie5V8y4I/AAAAAAAACHQ/tM5mBPdaexE/s1600/IMG_2751.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-euIyk8C5R4I/U03gDa-FZrI/AAAAAAAACG0/GHi7hBNl6S0/s1600/IMG_2689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-euIyk8C5R4I/U03gDa-FZrI/AAAAAAAACG0/GHi7hBNl6S0/s1600/IMG_2689.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_I6nyk4158Y/U03iCW5U4NI/AAAAAAAACHI/KO2Y-Of1-xk/s1600/IMG_2690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_I6nyk4158Y/U03iCW5U4NI/AAAAAAAACHI/KO2Y-Of1-xk/s1600/IMG_2690.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4TVFHz_4xY/U03f77FHmGI/AAAAAAAACGs/hl9eeCeMF44/s1600/IMG_2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4TVFHz_4xY/U03f77FHmGI/AAAAAAAACGs/hl9eeCeMF44/s1600/IMG_2693.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWU9K9ARbH4/U03hXHdOPWI/AAAAAAAACHA/j37TbAh4xVw/s1600/IMG_2716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWU9K9ARbH4/U03hXHdOPWI/AAAAAAAACHA/j37TbAh4xVw/s1600/IMG_2716.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I'll take one of each, please.</span></div>
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These historic homes are absolutely gorgeous! They have so much charm and personality. </div>
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We saw families sitting out on their patios, just chatting and enjoying the warm weather. </div>
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Neighbors waving and making small talk as they passed by on their evening stroll.</div>
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Basically, my dream.</div>
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All of the houses have a plaque by the front door that tells you when it was built and a bit of history about it.</div>
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We saw many that dated back to the 1800's.</div>
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We stayed in the guest room of this cute little pink house that we found on <a href="http://www.lovebirdsonthego.com/2014/01/traveling-with-airbnb.html" target="_blank">Airbnb</a>.</div>
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We were so glad we chose to stay here rather than a hotel.</div>
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It created a more authentic experience and the owners of the home were so sweet; </div>
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they gave us suggestions on places to visit and where to eat.</div>
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The guest room had its own separate entrance and my favorite part was the little balcony!</div>
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It was the perfect place to hang out after our morning run or to relax after coming home in the evenings.</div>
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I think we chose the best time to visit North Carolina. </div>
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The weather was beautiful and warm and every house had a full blown flower garden.</div>
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The first thing we did when we got there was go for a walk to explore the neighborhood.</div>
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Downtown Wilmington was just a few blocks away from where we were staying so we walked there a couple nights for a bite to eat. </div>
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Our first dinner was at the Copper Penny. </div>
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We could tell it was going to be good because it was crowded with locals. </div>
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We had a delicious dinner and brought home some chocolate chip bread pudding for dessert.</div>
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So, so good!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAK2pVC7T7s/U03zGEuekwI/AAAAAAAACJk/adoQ2bhUL1I/s1600/IMG_2703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAK2pVC7T7s/U03zGEuekwI/AAAAAAAACJk/adoQ2bhUL1I/s1600/IMG_2703.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWylejI7e40/U03y5b6mLsI/AAAAAAAACJU/BIMii5RNZUc/s1600/photo+2+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWylejI7e40/U03y5b6mLsI/AAAAAAAACJU/BIMii5RNZUc/s1600/photo+2+(1).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">We ate this in bed while watching The Book Thief (great movie, by the way!)</span></div>
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Or second dinner there we ate at Elijah's Restaurant right by the water. </div>
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The food was mediocre, but the view was amazing. </div>
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The clouds were looking pretty threatening, so we took a risk sitting outside. </div>
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We got to enjoy about 15 minutes on the patio before it started pouring in true North Carolina fashion.</div>
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Our three days in Wilmington flew by way too fast.</div>
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On the plus side, we put Wilmington on our list of potential locations to retire. </div>
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So, we will see you again, Wilmington! Even if it isn't for another 30-40 years.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I will write about our time in Wrightsville Beach, Southport, and Raleigh later this week!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-6173386214754562012014-04-07T07:00:00.000-07:002014-04-07T07:00:01.502-07:00Working-Mom Series Week 5: Erin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; line-height: 14.949999809265137px;">{You can read the Intro to the Working-Mom Series </span><a href="http://www.lovebirdsonthego.com/2014/03/intro-to-working-mom-series.html#.UxSiXfldXBI" style="background-color: white; color: #aeaea9; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14.949999809265137px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; line-height: 14.949999809265137px;">}</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Erin graduated from BYU with a degree in Business. After graduating, she worked for Adobe as a web analytics consultant and currently works full time as an independent consultant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She is married with 2 sweet daughters.</span><img alt="IMG_1451.JPG" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/l8Ze8bQKedC8cRWMiFCjprT1cEY2uWwmBkqsijilIrIfkZ3Mnis1hbavohzKmLMeNUzW4Yyk1xBqiSB646dDucDzrYjtvGPGkFY6fb-6KLpGzfnmtzWy9V7Y--ZJqQ" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0rad); border: none;" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Erin:</span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tell us about how you approached the decision to work after having a baby?</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I always knew that I wanted to be a mother who was either stay-at-home or more involved than what a regular full time position could give me. At the same time, I always had a personal drive to have a successful career. It was a subject that I thought over in my head many times during my college years and early married years. During an undergraduate business course, Dean Ned Hill of the business school came and spoke with his wife, Claralyn. She had just returned to work as a lawyer. She said something that stuck with me. “Women are living longer than ever before. Quit worrying about one way or the other. There is a time and season for everything. You can do it all, just not at the same time. If you have the choice, choose where and when to give your 100%.” I realized that day that I didn’t need to stress about how to handle my future. I started a consulting career at Omniture (turned Adobe) and was pregnant 3 years later. I once again started to stress about my decision. Randomly, one of my clients told me that you can’t really know what to do with your career until after you’ve had the baby. I relaxed again and realized she was right. As soon as I had my first child, I knew I wanted to be home with her. A busy consulting job was definitely not for me as a new mother. I confidently left my work to be at home with my baby. For me, it was the right decision. The day after I left, I was given a nice offer from an outside agency to work 10 hours a week at home. This was the perfect way for me to stay in the tech industry and to make a little extra income for my family but also to be at home where I wanted to be. I consider myself very lucky to find this perfect fit for me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why was it important for you to work after having a baby?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am in the digital marketing industry, specifically in analytics. It is one of the fastest moving industries out there. I knew that if I left the space, it would be very hard to get back in. Working part-time from home was ideal since my husband’s job was very busy but also payed the bills so I could work in this situation. Working from home also helped me with my personal independence. I realize other women can find this independence elsewhere but for me, having my skillset on the side was rewarding and oftentimes a good break at night when my daughter went to bed. I also knew that with my husband in finance, I always wanted to be ready in case his career had any hiccups. I enjoy the feeling of knowing that I can take care of my family if necessary, which happened last year for our family. The experience has been very empowering for me and I feel strong knowing I can be the breadwinner.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What has been the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>easiest</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> part of keeping up with the demands of work and family?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is an easy part? I’m not quite sure I know an easy part. If you are going to make the choice to work from home, you need to realize it’s going to be hard. Worth it? Possibly. Easy. Never. I guess I could say that working from home has allowed me to still see my kids. This part also has it’s cons but I’m grateful for that part of my situation.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What has been the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>hardest</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> part of keeping up with the demands of work and family?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If I’m completely honest with myself, the hardest part is not the lack of sleep or unorganized house. The hardest part for me is the guilt I feel that I can’t be there with my children. Sometimes my 4-year old will wait at the top of the stairs in the evening for me to be done. Sometimes I hear my 1-year old screaming in her crib when she doesn’t want to take a nap. My motherly instincts are telling me to go pick them up and play with them. I realize that all women handle this guilt differently. For me, I just keep reminding myself that they are well taken care of and loved by me and my husband. In addition, I want my daughters to be strong independent women and to make good decisions with their family first in their minds. I know that I’m a living example of an independent woman and they will always have an example to look to when they grow up. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are your current childcare arrangements, what will they be once you start working, and how do you feel about them? </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was working part-time from home, I had no childcare arrangements other than a neighbor who would watch my daughter on a conference call here and there. I mostly timed my calls as close as possible to naps or times when she would play quietly for a few minutes. I also became an advanced mute-button user! After my husband left his company last June, he took some time off and watched the kids while I worked. I’m in process of hiring a twice-a-week nanny so my husband can get back in the workforce. I am very lucky that we’ve been able to take care of our kids within our own walls. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you had to pick one trick or tip that helps you make it all work, what would it be? </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Always know that your career is flexible. Sometimes, decisions seem life-or-death but in most cases, change can happen. Don’t be afraid to switch it up if you need to for your family or even for yourself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Big thanks to Erin!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-71429123980121177962014-04-01T13:17:00.000-07:002014-04-01T13:17:47.414-07:00April<div style="text-align: center;">
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Happy April everyone! </div>
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I have been anticipating this month for so long now and I can't believe it's finally here! </div>
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I love Aprils in general, but this April is especially exciting because of everything we have planned this month.<br />
Here's what we have on our schedule (in order of when they are happening):<br />
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<b>1. TRIP TO NORTH CAROLINA</b><br />
<a href="http://www.topsail-realty.com/images/beach-walk.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://www.topsail-realty.com/images/beach-walk.jpg" height="337" width="640" /></a><br />
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Last month, Derek and his team represented BYU's MBA program at the Venture Capital Investment Competition and got 1st place! His team is now competing in the "Global Finals" next week which will take place at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.<br />
We've always talked about going to North Carolina together, so we figured this would be the perfect opportunity to go!<br />
It might be because all of the Nicholas Sparks books/movies take place there, but North Carolina seems like such a beautiful and romantic place.<br />
We might just have to rent a canoe. And we might just get caught in the rain. Who knows?<br />
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<b>2. ZION NATIONAL PARK</b><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_Jv4RmhoyU/UzrckfohMSI/AAAAAAAACBo/l9Rxo19kovY/s1600/angels+landing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_Jv4RmhoyU/UzrckfohMSI/AAAAAAAACBo/l9Rxo19kovY/s1600/angels+landing.jpg" height="561" width="640" /></a><br />
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We can't leave Utah without going to Zion National Park!<br />
It will be a quick day trip on our way to Las Vegas, but we're hoping to get some amazing hikes in.<br />
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<b>3. BASTILLE CONCERT IN LAS VEGAS</b><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cfFmUV_3Ps/UzrYgDceqnI/AAAAAAAACBQ/YxgjNE0X2rg/s1600/Bastille+Las+Vegas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cfFmUV_3Ps/UzrYgDceqnI/AAAAAAAACBQ/YxgjNE0X2rg/s1600/Bastille+Las+Vegas.png" height="320" width="640" /></a><br />
I've never been to Vegas before (only driven through) and honestly never had much of a desire to go.<br />
For someone who doesn't drink or gamble, it doesn't seem like the most happening place.<br />
<i>BUT </i>I admit that it seems like a city with great energy and<i> </i>lots to see.<br />
Plus, I have to finally see the<i> </i>Bellagio fountain for myself!<br />
The Bastille concert was the perfect excuse to make a trip to Vegas this month.<br />
They have quickly become one of my new favorite bands (do yourself a favor and listen to their other songs besides just Pompeii--they're awesome!) and it just so happens that they're playing at the House of Blues on the strip.<br />
Win-Win situation right there!!<br />
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<b>4. DEREK'S GRADUATION</b><br />
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We don't have a picture for this one yet--but we'll be so excited when we do!<br />
Derek will be graduating with his MBA degree at the end of this month.<br />
I am so so proud of everything he's accomplished in these 2 years.<br />
I could go on and on, but I'll save that for another post :)<br />
We're also so excited for all of the family that will be with us that weekend.<br />
Two other family members are graduating from BYU as well so it'll basically be a big family reunion!<br />
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<b>5. MOVING BACK TO CALIFORNIA</b><br />
<img height="384" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/Road_Sign_Welcome_to_California.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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California is home for me.<br />
I was born and raised there and have grown up with such a love for everything this beautiful state has to offer. It's not perfect but, in my opinion, it comes pretty close.<br />
I have always appreciated living in California, but I think these 2 years away will help me appreciate it even more (not that I haven't enjoyed living in Utah).<br />
We are moving back for exactly one day before we....</div>
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<b>6. FLY TO SPAIN</b><br />
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I can hardly believe we've started the same month that we are heading to Europe for our big trip.<br />
We have been planning <a href="http://www.lovebirdsonthego.com/2014/02/springsummer-2014-travels.html#.UzsnyvldXBI" target="_blank">this</a> trip for over 6 months and it has always felt so far away.<br />
We still have so much to do before we go, but I get butterflies just thinking about how soon we'll be starting this adventure!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Any fun plans for you this lovely month of April?</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-76533137942570407992014-03-31T09:10:00.000-07:002014-05-04T10:19:03.410-07:00Working-Mom Series Week 4: Brenda<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14.949999809265137px; white-space: normal;">{You can read the Intro to the Working-Mom Series </span><a href="http://www.lovebirdsonthego.com/2014/03/intro-to-working-mom-series.html#.UxSiXfldXBI" style="background-color: white; color: #aeaea9; line-height: 14.949999809265137px; text-decoration: none; white-space: normal;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14.949999809265137px; white-space: normal;">}</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #313131; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.949999809265137px;">I would like to introduce you all to Brenda. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #313131; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.949999809265137px;">I met her only recently, but already think she is incredible! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14.949999809265137px;">Brenda and I are both part of the MBA Spouses Association. That's right. Us spouses have our own club.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14.949999809265137px;">And it's awesome ( but I'll save that for another post). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14.949999809265137px;">She has three young children, her own graphic design business, and consistently writes on her personal blog...all while her husband is a busy MBA student. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #313131;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.949999809265137px;">You can probably understand why I think she's incredible, right?!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #313131;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.949999809265137px;">You can read more about Brenda and her graphic design business <a href="http://www.brendabirddesigns.com/about/" target="_blank">here</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/1004854_10101327665330009_490928872_n.jpg" width="425" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brenda:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What inspired you to start your own business after having kids?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have always loved creating. After I had my first baby, I felt like a part of me was missing. All my time was spent on my baby and my home. There was little time spent on my hobbies and that was really tough on me. My husband and I decided that it would be good for me to take some classes and refine my techniques in graphic design. I loved it so much that we decided to turn it into a business. It wasn’t a decision that was taken lightly as my first “job” was that of a mother. But for my sanity’s sake and my family, dedicating some of my time to something other than my home and family was the best decision for us.</span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-51b02370-18e8-c598-4521-11adacc0d31d" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What has been the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">easiest</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> part of keeping up with the demands of work and family?</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I happen to have the most supportive husband in the world that believes in me and believes in my talents. We have set up a time (naptime) that is “work” time and if the kids wake up early and he is home, he will take care of them. He also helps me a lot with the business aspect of my small business. I am a creative and don’t always think in a business savvy way but he steps in and tries to help me get the best benefits. Having a supportive person or people in your lives really makes a difference. My husband understands that sometimes I cannot get to certain chores and he’ll just get them done or we’ll do them after the kids are in bed. It isn’t always so cut and dry and we’ve struggled in finding the right balance but the important thing is that we are both trying to make it work.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What has been the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">hardest</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> part of keeping up with the demands of work and family?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The hardest time for me is knowing when to stop: stop work and start being a mom. My mind still races after I am done with work and need to be in “mommy mode.” Sometimes I don’t finish all the work I need to do because my kids wake up early from their naps or I really need to get some cleaning done. My responsibilities as a mother and wife are sometimes viewed as an interruption to my work but I have had to work really hard to remember what my first and most important job is. The most awful times I have experienced is when I let myself think my kids are a burden. When I let myself think like that it seems like things backfire or go wrong and my life is unbalanced. In reality, my kids aren’t a burden. They are often the inspiration to much of the work I do. But I let these awful ideas creep into my mind that not only harm me and my family but my work as well. </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are your current childcare arrangements and how do you feel about them?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I really only work when my children are sleeping. I have major guilt issues if I work while they are awake. Sometimes I have to work for a little bit while they are awake and I just put some papers out and give them crayons and watercolor paints and let them go at it. Other times I will have my baby on my lap while I work. And if I am really lucky, my husband watches them if he doesn’t have any classes or meetings. I don’t think I am ready to get professional child care for my kids. I have yet to overcome the “mommy guilt” associated with being a working mom even though I don’t think there should be. </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you had to pick one trick or tip that helps you make it all work, what would it be?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone has to be on board and willing to help. Even though my kids don’t see me work that often, they do know mommy has to work sometimes. They aren’t always cooperative when I do have to work but they see that I do have to work and learn to entertain themselves and help each other for a short time. Some people seem to have it all figured out and balance work and home, but I don’t. I am constantly evaluating and reevaluating what I am doing as a business owner, a mother and a wife. It’s ok to not have it all figured out or to have everything perfectly balanced. Some days call for more family time and other days I have deadlines to meet. When my family understands that some days I can’t make dinner and we need to get pizza, the pressure is off. And who doesn’t love pizza?? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img height="640" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/303846_10100708212079289_234679662_n.jpg" width="426" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><div style="font-family: inherit;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you so much to Brenda for taking time out of her busy schedule to share her thoughts with us! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Her words are a great reminder that it's okay to not have everything perfectly figured out when it comes to balancing work and family. It really is a work in progress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can check out Brenda's website at: </span><a href="http://www.brendabirddesigns.com/">http://www.brendabirddesigns.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Her blog at: <a href="http://www.brendabirddesigns.com/blog/">http://www.brendabirddesigns.com/blog/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">And her Etsy shop at: <a href="http://www.brendabirddesigns.com/shop/">http://www.brendabirddesigns.com/shop/</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hb7OYHCSFO4/UzmR5lQ7MoI/AAAAAAAACAw/IO5hcErTYtc/s1600/HeartSteph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hb7OYHCSFO4/UzmR5lQ7MoI/AAAAAAAACAw/IO5hcErTYtc/s1600/HeartSteph.png" height="156" width="200" /></a></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-38066194131110801682014-03-25T11:58:00.003-07:002014-03-25T14:52:56.988-07:00Whole Wheat Banana Nut Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDFQHn2eG3M/UzGgLwZHG2I/AAAAAAAAB-0/xjDX8aVqMrs/s1600/IMG_26261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDFQHn2eG3M/UzGgLwZHG2I/AAAAAAAAB-0/xjDX8aVqMrs/s1600/IMG_26261.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.404001235961914px;">Like I've mentioned <a href="http://www.lovebirdsonthego.com/2014/01/healthy-whole-wheat-zucchini-muffins.html" target="_blank">before</a>, I like to make snacks for Derek and I to take to work/school rather than buying them so I know exactly what is in them and so that we don't get tired of the same old things. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.404001235961914px;">This week I tried these yummy banana nut muffins for the first time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.404001235961914px;">I have a banana muffin recipe that I've used in the past, but I made a few adjustments to it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.404001235961914px;">I added peanut butter to up the protein and oats because I like the texture it gives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.404001235961914px;">I also added walnuts because I love the crunchiness it adds and I <i>love</i> the combo of banana and walnuts.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.404001235961914px;">We loved these as a snack! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.404001235961914px;">They aren't overly sweet and they're very filling. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.404001235961914px;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.404001235961914px;">Servings: 12 large muffins</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.404001235961914px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.404001235961914px;">Ingredients:</span></span><br />
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 very ripe bananas (2 1/2 and 1/2 separated), mashed</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup oats</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3/4 tsp baking soda</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 tsp salt</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tbsp butter, softened</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/3 cup brown sugar</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 large egg whites</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce </span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 tsp vanilla extract</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/3 cup creamy peanut butter </span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup mini chocolate chips</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup chopped walnuts</span></li>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19.404001235961914px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19.404001235961914px;">Directions:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19.404001235961914px;">Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a muffin tin with liners and spray with Pam. Combine all dry ingredients </span></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 19.404001235961914px;">(flour, oats, baking soda, and salt) </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 19.404001235961914px;">in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together using an electric mixer. Add mashed banana (2 1/2), egg whites, apple sauce, vanilla extract and peanut butter and continue beating until thick. Pour in the dry mixture and mix o low speed. Add chopped walnuts and mini chocolate chips and mix with a spoon. </span></div>
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Pour batter into muffin liners. Take the leftover 1/2 banana and cut it into thin slices. Place one slice on top of each muffin mixture. Let it bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Tip: Adding the banana slices on top is best if you are going to eat the muffins soon after baking them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">If you are saving them as snacks for the week, </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">you might want to leave them out so it doesn't turn brown.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03560647510475623488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387915790727262078.post-27655413136080865082014-03-21T06:00:00.000-07:002014-03-31T08:26:32.882-07:00Working-Mom Series Week 3: Christine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; line-height: 14.949999809265137px;">{You can read the Intro to the Working-Mom Series </span><a href="http://www.lovebirdsonthego.com/2014/03/intro-to-working-mom-series.html#.UxSiXfldXBI" style="background-color: white; color: #aeaea9; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14.949999809265137px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; line-height: 14.949999809265137px;">}</span></span></div>
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Christine is a great friend and a former coworker of Derek. </div>
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She lives in the bay area with her husband and their cute little boy.</div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">She currently works full time in marketing for Google.</span></div>
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Christine was kind enough to let us interview her over skype, so we summarized her responses below. </div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-d295309f-ce85-ec6d-88d0-5dd9d6e45efd"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/kbz8ywFRCaq8ztguQEo_mpkc8u-5-hd_pYS8oU5TeACnVH6Kmqk1_Q8G6je89u9Hrlu8n70RdWwEWUCxbhyW_-f7vApijRSl6FOP7MuI4N7RjzoltTER3kEgXSjFAw" style="border: none;" width="425" /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.19in; margin-top: 0.19in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Why
was it important for you to work after having a baby?</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">There
are several factors that influenced Christine's decision to work
after having her baby. She talked about how influential her mom was
in the decision. Growing up, her mom worked full time and strongly
encouraged Christine to go back to work after the baby. She said this
motivated her, especially the few months after having the baby when
it was difficult to think about work when the focus was the baby. Christine also said she thought a lot about her own personality while
trying to decide what to do. She explained that she really enjoys
social interaction in the work place. Knowing this about herself
helped her rule out the option of working part-time or from home. Our
big takeaway from her answer is that you really need to do some
soul-searching when making these decisions and think hard about what
work-family arrangements best fit your family, personality and career
goals. </span></span><br />
</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.19in; margin-top: 0.19in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tell
us about how you approached the decision to work after having a baby?</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Christine
took 4 months of maternity leave before going back to work full-time.
After a few months at that company, she transitioned to a new company
and role at Google. We were intrigued by her decision to make a
career change so close to having her first child. We asked her a lot
of questions about how this transition has impacted her work-life
demands. She mentioned first off that it was really re-energizing to
start a new job. She had been at her previous company for so long
that it was hard to get excited about work. While she felt pretty
good about her work-life at her previous job, there were some
advantages in making the switch. She was excited at the thought of a
new opportunity at a new company and new role. She made it clear
upfront with Google that she needed flexibility to make it work.
Also, she was very comfortable about accepting the role after meeting
with the head of the department and finding out she had a child about
the same age. Through her interviews she also was convinced her
direct manager, who was single, would also be supportive. She felt
confident that balancing her work and family life would be supported at
Google, especially since it seemed to be something her department
head was concerned about. She talked a lot about how her research on
the company culture at Google influenced her decision to accept the
job.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>What
has been the </b></span><span style="color: black;"><i><b>hardest</b></i></span><span style="color: black;"><b>
part of keeping up with the demands of work and family?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Christine
said that one of her biggest challenges of going back to work after
having her son was her ability to focus at work. Her whole mindset
shifted after having the baby. Her work projects felt less important
and she often wanted to go home and be with her son. After she started
her new job at Google, she found that the challenge of a new job
helped her focus when she was at work.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.19in; margin-top: 0.19in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>What
are your current childcare arrangements and how do you feel about
them?</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Both
Christine and her husband work full time, so a nanny comes to their
home every week day to watch their son. They have a chalkboard in the
kitchen outlining their schedule so the nanny knows what to expect
each week. Either Christine or her husband are back home by 5:30pm
and they spend the rest of the evening together. The nanny is
flexible which is very helpful in case anything comes up or there is
any kind of change in their schedule.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.19in; margin-top: 0.19in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>If
you had to pick one trick or tip that helps you make it all work,
what would it be?</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Christine
always blocks off 5:30-7:30pm on her work calendar so that people see
that she is unavailable at that time. This prevents her coworkers
from scheduling meetings that might cause her to get home late. This
helps her get home consistently at a time that lets her spend time
with her son. She also works from home on Fridays, which she found
helps her get a good start to the weekend with her family. </span></span></span><br />
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<img height="426" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/1496664_10151874727342781_575755963_n.jpg" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px;" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us, Christine!</span></span></span></div>
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