Things I missed while in Europe:
- cleanliness
-my family (including Chi Chi of course)
-having food around whenever I wanted it
-a normal size shower
- a normal towel (I did not enjoy drying myself with 2' by 2' piece of felt!)
- my bed
Things from Europe I know I will miss when I am at home:
-European candy and gelato
-Gorgeous buildings and views
-being with Hannah
-the accents
-a sense of adventure
-people watching (it was bloody fabulous over here!)
Things Europe has taught me:
- Things may seem like they're not going to work out but some way God always makes it happen (for example traveling and weather problems)
-You can spend every minute of the day with one person for three entire weeks and not kill them
-If you and your stuff is not as clean as you would like, you won't die (although Febreeze always helps)
Monday, June 4, 2007
Last Thoughts on Our Adventures
I'm really sad now that our trip has come to an end. I have learned so much and seen even more than that. I've met lots of really cool people, and I know this experience has changed me forever. There are some things that I have missed and things I won't miss about this trip though.
I will NOT miss:
-washing my hair in the sink
-wedging foamy earplugs into my brain as to block out noise from people while I sleep
-free water
-not paying for toilets
-exchange rates
-Belgian men
-drying myself with a large piece of felt pretending to be a super absorbent towel
-sparying my clothes with febreeze and making myself believe that they are clean enough to wear at least 5 more times
-overall European B.O. (seriously everyone needs a deoderant makeover here)
I WILL miss:
-freaking awesome chocolate
-old buildings within a big city
-meeting new people
-being able to walk everywhere
-random parks within a big city
-Saint John's Wood (the funniest tube stop ever)
-Eurpeans' lack of style
-eating lunch on the street while people watching
Here are some summaries of People/Places/Countries:
Ireland:
People here were actually not very nice. If Ireland wasn't so darn beautiful, I might not like it so much. People tried to rip us of night and day, and no one was very cheery. As for stuff to do, there's so much and the countryside is to die for.
Paris/French People:
I loved Paris. I loved the French. No one was rude to us, and they were very nice when we tried to speak to them. Some people had really horrible experiences in France, but I loved it. Nothing bad to say here. I'm definitely coming back and learning more French. It's a beautiful language. Even when they're being mean to you it still sounds pleasant!
Germany:
The smaller cities were much nicer than Germany. The German people were ok, they weren't super nice or super mean. I think they suffered so much from the wars that there just really isn't much old stuff left. If you're looking for a lot of historical buildings, this is not the place for you. The city is all modern. The people really do love to drink beer here though. They walk down the streets with it at all times of the day.
Amsterdam/Holland:
All the stores close way early, and I think it's because they all go get stoned or laid. Not really. I loved Amsterdam it's beautiful and basically everyone speaks English. I would go back again.
Belgium:
The men are sexest. They stare like no other country I've been too. The waffles are awesome though.
England:
People aren't overly friendly, but there is so much to do. There are lots of different people here, and it's just a cool place overall. So much history and stuff you learn about, and now you get to see it.
-H
I will NOT miss:
-washing my hair in the sink
-wedging foamy earplugs into my brain as to block out noise from people while I sleep
-free water
-not paying for toilets
-exchange rates
-Belgian men
-drying myself with a large piece of felt pretending to be a super absorbent towel
-sparying my clothes with febreeze and making myself believe that they are clean enough to wear at least 5 more times
-overall European B.O. (seriously everyone needs a deoderant makeover here)
I WILL miss:
-freaking awesome chocolate
-old buildings within a big city
-meeting new people
-being able to walk everywhere
-random parks within a big city
-Saint John's Wood (the funniest tube stop ever)
-Eurpeans' lack of style
-eating lunch on the street while people watching
Here are some summaries of People/Places/Countries:
Ireland:
People here were actually not very nice. If Ireland wasn't so darn beautiful, I might not like it so much. People tried to rip us of night and day, and no one was very cheery. As for stuff to do, there's so much and the countryside is to die for.
Paris/French People:
I loved Paris. I loved the French. No one was rude to us, and they were very nice when we tried to speak to them. Some people had really horrible experiences in France, but I loved it. Nothing bad to say here. I'm definitely coming back and learning more French. It's a beautiful language. Even when they're being mean to you it still sounds pleasant!
Germany:
The smaller cities were much nicer than Germany. The German people were ok, they weren't super nice or super mean. I think they suffered so much from the wars that there just really isn't much old stuff left. If you're looking for a lot of historical buildings, this is not the place for you. The city is all modern. The people really do love to drink beer here though. They walk down the streets with it at all times of the day.
Amsterdam/Holland:
All the stores close way early, and I think it's because they all go get stoned or laid. Not really. I loved Amsterdam it's beautiful and basically everyone speaks English. I would go back again.
Belgium:
The men are sexest. They stare like no other country I've been too. The waffles are awesome though.
England:
People aren't overly friendly, but there is so much to do. There are lots of different people here, and it's just a cool place overall. So much history and stuff you learn about, and now you get to see it.
-H
Last Day of Our Euro Trip
Today we accomplished a whole lot! We got off to an early stop and headed over to the houses of parliament and Big Ben. I never realized before that Big Ben is actually attached to the houses, I have always just seen it potrayed seperatley. We got some good/funny pics in front of Ben.
Then we headed to Westminster Abbey, which is basically just right next door to the houses of parliament. It was really neat and I was happy that we payed the admission. They have tons of really important people buried there, including Elizabeth the 1st. Princess Diana's funeral service as well as the Queen Mother's was held there. In Westminster is located the coronation chair. It was too pretty, just an old wood chair, but it was neat to see it because of it's significance.
After our visit to the Abbey, we went to Buckingham Palace and got to see the changing of the guards. At first, we didn't have the best place to see it so we just decided to leave. On our way to the tube though, we endedd up getting an excellant view. Hannah got some really good pics of the traditional guards in the red uniform and funny hats!
Then we went to Harrod's. I had no idea that it was in such a fancy building. Everything in there was so expensive. We toured around and basically the only thing we could afford was keychains, so we got those. I really liked getting to see Harrod's because there is a scene in Bridget Jone's Diary where her mother gets a job in Harrod's selling some sort of egg cracking device.
Our last major stop of the day, was the monument. We had payed for a ticket the other day at the Tower Bridge and decided that we had to use it. We were hoping there was a lift to the top because we were tired and had just eaten lunch so our tummies were full. Instead there was yet another spiral staircase. I feel that we have climbed so... many stairs in Europe in order to get to the top of things. For example, the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and the Belfry. Once we climbed the 311 stairs to the top, we had an excellant view of London. It actually ended up being a wonderful way to say goodbye to the city!
Lastly, we went to the Whiterose grocery store and bought some candy to bring back. I picked out some pretty good stuff I think you all will love. I am sad to say that I did not find ANY sort of toffee candy mom. Sorry! I thought for sure they would have a lot, but seriously not a single one.
Our Evening:
We went back to the hostel, showered, and got dressed up. Hannah and I went to go see "We Will Rock You" at the theatre. It was a play by Queen and some other guy. Hannah treated me to the show! Thanks Hannah! The play was really entertaining and bloody hilarious! They had a lot of Queen music, so you can probably imagine how crazy it was. The overall play was about saving rock music and took place in the future. It was truly an excellant way to end our Europe excursion!
-MLE
Then we headed to Westminster Abbey, which is basically just right next door to the houses of parliament. It was really neat and I was happy that we payed the admission. They have tons of really important people buried there, including Elizabeth the 1st. Princess Diana's funeral service as well as the Queen Mother's was held there. In Westminster is located the coronation chair. It was too pretty, just an old wood chair, but it was neat to see it because of it's significance.
After our visit to the Abbey, we went to Buckingham Palace and got to see the changing of the guards. At first, we didn't have the best place to see it so we just decided to leave. On our way to the tube though, we endedd up getting an excellant view. Hannah got some really good pics of the traditional guards in the red uniform and funny hats!
Then we went to Harrod's. I had no idea that it was in such a fancy building. Everything in there was so expensive. We toured around and basically the only thing we could afford was keychains, so we got those. I really liked getting to see Harrod's because there is a scene in Bridget Jone's Diary where her mother gets a job in Harrod's selling some sort of egg cracking device.
Our last major stop of the day, was the monument. We had payed for a ticket the other day at the Tower Bridge and decided that we had to use it. We were hoping there was a lift to the top because we were tired and had just eaten lunch so our tummies were full. Instead there was yet another spiral staircase. I feel that we have climbed so... many stairs in Europe in order to get to the top of things. For example, the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and the Belfry. Once we climbed the 311 stairs to the top, we had an excellant view of London. It actually ended up being a wonderful way to say goodbye to the city!
Lastly, we went to the Whiterose grocery store and bought some candy to bring back. I picked out some pretty good stuff I think you all will love. I am sad to say that I did not find ANY sort of toffee candy mom. Sorry! I thought for sure they would have a lot, but seriously not a single one.
Our Evening:
We went back to the hostel, showered, and got dressed up. Hannah and I went to go see "We Will Rock You" at the theatre. It was a play by Queen and some other guy. Hannah treated me to the show! Thanks Hannah! The play was really entertaining and bloody hilarious! They had a lot of Queen music, so you can probably imagine how crazy it was. The overall play was about saving rock music and took place in the future. It was truly an excellant way to end our Europe excursion!
-MLE
Last day in London/Europe...:'(
Today was fun. We got up early and went to Big Ben/Houses of Parliament, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Back to Big Ben, Harrods, Back to Buckingham Palace, the Monument, shopping for lots of candy, and then to Queen's musical: We Will Rock You.
It was a busy day, but I must say we've had really good timing so far. It was a little overcast, but we missed any rain. We went back to Buckingham Palace to take pictures because when we went the first time we were there to see the changing of the guard with about a thousand other people.
Westminster was really neat. I'm actually sad I didn't get to go in it last time I came. I had no idea that there were that many famous people either buried or had memorials there. It was completely different than any other cathedral I've been in, that's for sure.
Emily and I are both fully stocked on candy for a while. Lots of Penguins and Maltesers, so get excited!
The Monument was cool. We went right after we ate which was a bad idea because it ended up that you had to walk up 311 continuous steps. It was a cool cheap way to see the city skyline though. Emily had her first Harrod's experience, and that's always a fun thing to see and do.
The main event for today was most definitely the Theatre. Like I said earlier we went to see Queen's musical We Will Rock You. It was really funny. It was a mixture of an actual musical and rock concert at the same time. The jokes were a little on the corny side, but they made up for it by singing Queen's famous hits. Really funny stuff. It takes place in the future where there is no individual music allowed. All the music is controlled by this GlobalSoft group. There are a group of rebel kids known as the Bohemians who want a Rhapsody. Really really entertaining and funny. I love the theatre in general, but this was a cool change from the norm.
I'm going to miss London.
:'(
-H
It was a busy day, but I must say we've had really good timing so far. It was a little overcast, but we missed any rain. We went back to Buckingham Palace to take pictures because when we went the first time we were there to see the changing of the guard with about a thousand other people.
Westminster was really neat. I'm actually sad I didn't get to go in it last time I came. I had no idea that there were that many famous people either buried or had memorials there. It was completely different than any other cathedral I've been in, that's for sure.
Emily and I are both fully stocked on candy for a while. Lots of Penguins and Maltesers, so get excited!
The Monument was cool. We went right after we ate which was a bad idea because it ended up that you had to walk up 311 continuous steps. It was a cool cheap way to see the city skyline though. Emily had her first Harrod's experience, and that's always a fun thing to see and do.
The main event for today was most definitely the Theatre. Like I said earlier we went to see Queen's musical We Will Rock You. It was really funny. It was a mixture of an actual musical and rock concert at the same time. The jokes were a little on the corny side, but they made up for it by singing Queen's famous hits. Really funny stuff. It takes place in the future where there is no individual music allowed. All the music is controlled by this GlobalSoft group. There are a group of rebel kids known as the Bohemians who want a Rhapsody. Really really entertaining and funny. I love the theatre in general, but this was a cool change from the norm.
I'm going to miss London.
:'(
-H
Sunday, June 3, 2007
London Day 2!
So we were a bit lazy this morning and didn't leave the hostel till almost 11 AM. I guess our attempt at partying tired us out!
Anyway, as we were headed out the door I made a comment to Hannah about how we should do something outside because it was so pretty. One of the hostel workers overheard this and told us to go to Camden Market. Luckily, we took his advice.
On our way to the market, we stopped at King's Cross. We tried to enter platform 9 and 3/4 just like Harry. I ran as fast as I could but still no luck! The platform was actually marked and they had a basket that look like it was halfway through the wall. I really enjoyed this silly stop.
Camden Market was very neat. It was an eclectic mixture and there were tons of people. They were selling mostly clothes and accessories. It was very punk too. We walked around for quite some time and then headed to the British Museum.
The British Museum was free, which of course is always great. We didn't spend too much time in there but instead focused on seeing the Egyptian stuff. We got to see lots of mummies including mummified cats and falcons. It was creepy! After the museum, we had some lunch and then headed to this gorgeous park where Princess Diana's memorial playground is. I enjoyed seeing all the children playing. It was the perfect weather for a day at the park!
Next, we went to Traflagar Square. The square had a lot of statues and fountains and also provided us with an excellant view. There weren't any pigeons there to feed. Feeding them is now banned, it is kind of sad but I think it is a lot cleaner that way. While trying to leave the square, we got bombarded by this abnoxious yet slightly entertaining Scottish man. He went on and on about politics and the environment. He had all these sayings and stuff about the topics that sounded a little rehearsed. Sometime in the conversation, we came to find out that he is actually a stand-up comic. Figures!
Overall, I think we accomplished a lot today. We still have a ton to do tomorrow so we're getting to bed early. Good night!
-MLE
Anyway, as we were headed out the door I made a comment to Hannah about how we should do something outside because it was so pretty. One of the hostel workers overheard this and told us to go to Camden Market. Luckily, we took his advice.
On our way to the market, we stopped at King's Cross. We tried to enter platform 9 and 3/4 just like Harry. I ran as fast as I could but still no luck! The platform was actually marked and they had a basket that look like it was halfway through the wall. I really enjoyed this silly stop.
Camden Market was very neat. It was an eclectic mixture and there were tons of people. They were selling mostly clothes and accessories. It was very punk too. We walked around for quite some time and then headed to the British Museum.
The British Museum was free, which of course is always great. We didn't spend too much time in there but instead focused on seeing the Egyptian stuff. We got to see lots of mummies including mummified cats and falcons. It was creepy! After the museum, we had some lunch and then headed to this gorgeous park where Princess Diana's memorial playground is. I enjoyed seeing all the children playing. It was the perfect weather for a day at the park!
Next, we went to Traflagar Square. The square had a lot of statues and fountains and also provided us with an excellant view. There weren't any pigeons there to feed. Feeding them is now banned, it is kind of sad but I think it is a lot cleaner that way. While trying to leave the square, we got bombarded by this abnoxious yet slightly entertaining Scottish man. He went on and on about politics and the environment. He had all these sayings and stuff about the topics that sounded a little rehearsed. Sometime in the conversation, we came to find out that he is actually a stand-up comic. Figures!
Overall, I think we accomplished a lot today. We still have a ton to do tomorrow so we're getting to bed early. Good night!
-MLE
There is too much to do in London!
There really is so much to do and so little time. If Emily and I both weren't really tired from our adventures last night, we might have done more today. We did accomplish a lot though.
After breakfast, we went to King's Cross railroad station and took pictures by Platform 9 and 3/4! There is a trolley that is bolted down to the wall that looks like it is half way in the wall and half out. It was really funny. I couldn't believe that actually had a real sign for it and everything. Hilarious.
As we were walking out of our hostel Emily said out loud "I wonder if there is anything we should do outside since it is so pretty?" One of the staff just happened to be walking by and told us we should really go to Camden Market. We're staying in Camden I believe, our stop is Swiss Cottage. Anyway, after King's Cross we headed over there, and boy were we surprised. It was like a mile long road of nothing but tons of people and tons of really cool stores and stands. There was one huge section where vendors had their clothes, bags, jewelry, ect. hanging all around. There were also a lot of souvenir shops and many many hot topic like stores and some stores even more hardcore than hot topic. We didn't go into a lot of those, but I did get some sweet presents for Marissa, Ansley, and Will. You are going to love what I got you all!
After our awesome adventure to Camden Market, we headed over to the British Museum. We didn't stay too long, but we saw some of the Greek stuff and a lot of the Egyptian stuff. We're a little sick of museums, but the mummies were cool. After the museum we shopped a little at some stores near by, and then we went to Kensington Parks. We saw the Kensington Palaces aka Embassies, and we went to the Princess Diana memorial park. We weren't actually allowed to go inside because we didn't have kids. I guess what rule is to prevent pedophiles or something, but it was a little weird.
After that we headed to Trafalgar Square where we took a lot of pictures and talked to a very long time with an older Scottish Man. I was getting something to drink and Emily was getting ice cream when this guy just asked us where we were from. I knew instantly he was from Scotland seeing as in I could only understand every 3rd word coming from his mouth. He ended up talking our ears off about pollution, George Bush, Katrina damage, Tobacco, and other random stuff. He had a horrible mouth on him, but he asked us to excuse that because he was a stand up comedian and had to swear. Really funny dude, but he totally crossed the personal space boundaries!
Anyway, we're zonked, so I'm about to head to bed. Tomorrow is a big day. We're going to try to do Big Ben, Westminster, Buckingham, candy shopping (and germaline mom), and anything else we can squeeze in. See you all soon! Love you!
-H
After breakfast, we went to King's Cross railroad station and took pictures by Platform 9 and 3/4! There is a trolley that is bolted down to the wall that looks like it is half way in the wall and half out. It was really funny. I couldn't believe that actually had a real sign for it and everything. Hilarious.
As we were walking out of our hostel Emily said out loud "I wonder if there is anything we should do outside since it is so pretty?" One of the staff just happened to be walking by and told us we should really go to Camden Market. We're staying in Camden I believe, our stop is Swiss Cottage. Anyway, after King's Cross we headed over there, and boy were we surprised. It was like a mile long road of nothing but tons of people and tons of really cool stores and stands. There was one huge section where vendors had their clothes, bags, jewelry, ect. hanging all around. There were also a lot of souvenir shops and many many hot topic like stores and some stores even more hardcore than hot topic. We didn't go into a lot of those, but I did get some sweet presents for Marissa, Ansley, and Will. You are going to love what I got you all!
After our awesome adventure to Camden Market, we headed over to the British Museum. We didn't stay too long, but we saw some of the Greek stuff and a lot of the Egyptian stuff. We're a little sick of museums, but the mummies were cool. After the museum we shopped a little at some stores near by, and then we went to Kensington Parks. We saw the Kensington Palaces aka Embassies, and we went to the Princess Diana memorial park. We weren't actually allowed to go inside because we didn't have kids. I guess what rule is to prevent pedophiles or something, but it was a little weird.
After that we headed to Trafalgar Square where we took a lot of pictures and talked to a very long time with an older Scottish Man. I was getting something to drink and Emily was getting ice cream when this guy just asked us where we were from. I knew instantly he was from Scotland seeing as in I could only understand every 3rd word coming from his mouth. He ended up talking our ears off about pollution, George Bush, Katrina damage, Tobacco, and other random stuff. He had a horrible mouth on him, but he asked us to excuse that because he was a stand up comedian and had to swear. Really funny dude, but he totally crossed the personal space boundaries!
Anyway, we're zonked, so I'm about to head to bed. Tomorrow is a big day. We're going to try to do Big Ben, Westminster, Buckingham, candy shopping (and germaline mom), and anything else we can squeeze in. See you all soon! Love you!
-H
London music is about 30 years too late
Well, I can't really sum up what happened last night better than Emily. It was really crazy and really funny. I did feel safe the whole time because the streets were well lit and there is transportation everywhere. It was really crazy though.
The Big Chill Bar is pretty much exactly like the name. It is lined with sofas and the bar is just kind of a chill area. I've never seen the Big Chill movie, but I'm pretty sure it's in the same decade as the music they were playing. What is really funny is that everyone would sing along while Emily and I were just laughing. Also, European guys are not afraid to dance around without anyone dancing with them. That was really funny. Usually guys in America don't dance unless they're dancing with a girl, or else they'll just bob their head or something. Oh no, not here! The guys there would just dance around when no one was near them! It was hilarious!!! Their dancing is completely different too. It's more like an awkward swaying type thing. There is really no words to describe it, so Emily and I will reenact it for you when we get back.
It was kind of weird when we saw the guys snorting coke. Emily and I were in denial at first because we've never seen or been around anything like that. We were like, did they just do what we thought they just did? Crazy!
Emily has given me her sickness she had in the beginning of our trip. I really despise having head colds more than anything, and now I have one. My throat started hurting once we left the Tower yesterday, and this morning it feels like raw meat. (gross I know, but it's a realistic analogy.) My eyes and sinuses hurt. I'm about to take this Irish medicine Em bought back in Ireland. Hopefully it will work at least while we're out sightseeing.
Oh, I have Emily hooked on Penguin bars now. I'm pretty sure she's bringing a pack home for her family. I think they're my favorite. Maybe more than crunchie! ah!
Glad to hear you had a good time Rissa, and I'm sorry you got sick. I can't wait to hear about everything you did.
Thanks for the email Aunt Hilary. I wouldn't worry about Emily and my poor eating habits. We're actually eating pretty healthy other than the last minute cheap food we buy every now than then. Plus I think our total stair count is way into the thousands, so we're getting some good cardio in while we're here! haha.
-H
The Big Chill Bar is pretty much exactly like the name. It is lined with sofas and the bar is just kind of a chill area. I've never seen the Big Chill movie, but I'm pretty sure it's in the same decade as the music they were playing. What is really funny is that everyone would sing along while Emily and I were just laughing. Also, European guys are not afraid to dance around without anyone dancing with them. That was really funny. Usually guys in America don't dance unless they're dancing with a girl, or else they'll just bob their head or something. Oh no, not here! The guys there would just dance around when no one was near them! It was hilarious!!! Their dancing is completely different too. It's more like an awkward swaying type thing. There is really no words to describe it, so Emily and I will reenact it for you when we get back.
It was kind of weird when we saw the guys snorting coke. Emily and I were in denial at first because we've never seen or been around anything like that. We were like, did they just do what we thought they just did? Crazy!
Emily has given me her sickness she had in the beginning of our trip. I really despise having head colds more than anything, and now I have one. My throat started hurting once we left the Tower yesterday, and this morning it feels like raw meat. (gross I know, but it's a realistic analogy.) My eyes and sinuses hurt. I'm about to take this Irish medicine Em bought back in Ireland. Hopefully it will work at least while we're out sightseeing.
Oh, I have Emily hooked on Penguin bars now. I'm pretty sure she's bringing a pack home for her family. I think they're my favorite. Maybe more than crunchie! ah!
Glad to hear you had a good time Rissa, and I'm sorry you got sick. I can't wait to hear about everything you did.
Thanks for the email Aunt Hilary. I wouldn't worry about Emily and my poor eating habits. We're actually eating pretty healthy other than the last minute cheap food we buy every now than then. Plus I think our total stair count is way into the thousands, so we're getting some good cardio in while we're here! haha.
-H
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