EUR09

Wed., April 2 - Day 1
Bonjour Paris! But it's more like "hola Paris," because I keep forgetting to not speak Spanish. France greeted me with pink toilet paper, and I must say I felt rather welcomed. Our hotel is 4 blocks from the Eiffel Tower. Can anyone say 'ballin'?!! Someone proposed (ESPOUSE MOI) as we were coming down from the Tower. City of love? Without a doubt, my friend. Speaking of which - we escaped our 2 Spanish companions as tey seemed a little too into the idea of partying with Americans, but our German buddy, Christoph, is definitely a keeper - a.k.a. Facebook friend for life.

Thurs., April 3 - Day 2
A tad bit tired. Laurel and I made a "Day Reflections" video. We had Parisian desserts and wine on the mall of the Eiffel Tower.

Fri., April 4 - Day 3 (reflection of Day 2)
Well, here we are again in Paireeeee. Yesterday we had breakfast at Silvie's apartment. She is so kind and welcoming. It could not have been a better start to the day. We then ran over and bought our Parisian desserts and then metroed to Notre Dame. I couldn't decide if I was more in awe at how spectacular of a place it was or that I was standing in the palce where Disney made a movie. Sarah and I decided both and sang like Esmeralda outside the doors. God help the outcasts - who ironically enough - happen to be us here. I also came to the conclusion that we are on a Disney tour as all the places we go have Disney inspiration. If they actually don't, we pretend they do. The Ceine River urns right by Notre Dame and I was feeling rather tempted to check the costs of a boat ride. Next, we walked all over town to - (refer to Jenna Frey and Laurel Hughes' blogs). We sat outside an art museum eating crepes nutella - I don't think there exists a better chocolate product - we found an unmarked cathedral witha garden and giant haead and hand statue - lovers unite- and we climbed to the top of Sacre Bleu - (not the real name, but easier to remember that way) - and we were able to overlook the whole city. The Louvre was next on the list and I saw Mona Lisa's smile. On the way to Arc du Triumph I ate French fries and decided they are, in fact, the best in France. The banana I ate was the best, too. The Arc was huge and impressive and touching. At this point we had reached the Louvre's "Free" period and after exploring the wonderful world of art I asked information, "Ou e Che Papa?" Basically, that's saying, "Where's daddy's place?" but really I was talking about a restaurant. I got some rather clever remarks back before I figured out that I needed to clarify a bit more. Finally, we made it to "Daddy's Place" and atea delicious French meal. We ended the night at E.T. with Silvie.

Sat., April 4 - Day 3 (reflection of day 3)
I went with Jenna in the a.m. to E.T. and then we bought breakfast to have at Silvie's. What an incredible woman. Also, I ate "French toast," but literally. I was sad to leave Paris - mostly because of Silvie. The sophisteicated, attractive Parisians with their baguettes and crepes in berets making the city of love such a charming palce won me over. Charmed. Check. Now, let's get some waffles. Fo free.

Sun., April 5 - Day 4
Last night we had a night on the town in Brussels. Meaning I spent 11euro on that which I cannot purchase in the States. Barry serenaded us at Celtica- the bar with the world's longest happy hour. Today is Palm Sunday and we stopped in the cathedral for palms and to pray. Then webegan our search for the peeing boy fountain. We ate Belgium waffles in the grand Plaza and bought Godiva chocolate. Brussels is such a peaceful, friendly place. It even attracts kind people like Zen from New Zealand. So we saw the mini boy pissing and soon thereafter we found the pissing girl named Jenna where La Yenna reenacted the scene. Right across the cobbley road was Delirium, the world's Guinness Record holder for the most beers served. We swapped childhood - meaning mostly high school - stories at our giant barrel tables. I was most tempted to buy the barrel to use at Niagra Falls, but I resisted the temptation. Next, we found Brussels' mini Retiro park filled with lovers, which I suppose is allowed since they still speak French in Belgium. I took a little siesta and then we packed up for the train station. We said our goodbyes to Travis (the dog), the "assistant" boy at Hotel Sabina, and to the lovely land of chocolate, "nature inspired" fountain, and waffles (that aren't free, but probably only because they're not fries). I bought each of the girls a flower, because they are great and I'm lucky to have them. Now that I'm realizing my dream of backpacking/duffling through Europe I feel like I'm growing in every way. I just feel so grateful. God has blessed me, graced me, with an awesome life.

Tues., April 7 - Day 6
Amsterdam was weird. Mix Traverse City in the summer and Las Vegas and you get this city. Cnals divide the streets and there are more bikes than cars. Everyone is friendly. The city itself is gorgeous. I even like the fashion there better. Yet, legalized weed and prostitution put a whole different spin on the personality of Amsterdam. It's overflowing with young people. Other highlights include Woke to Walk and, of course, the 3 meandering people who came stumbling to our doorstep. Rugbyand field hockey players were staying at Hans Brinker with us. We arrived during their Tights and Brights party. We mostly just wandered around and yesterday we ended our day at the Flying Pig, where we were supposed to be staying. I splurged and got Diet Coke, a Sprite, and a water. Just call me a rebel. Well, I must say, I'm happy to be moving on safe and sound. Oh yes, and my bff, Voda, texted me this: Disfruta de tus vacaciones de Semana Santa. Evita distracciones y respeta las normas. Recuerda, lo importante es volver. (Translation: Enjoy your Easter/Spring Break vacation. Avoid distractions and respect the traditions/norms. Remember, what's important is returning.) Thank you, Voda, I will return to Spain. No worries.

Wed., April 8 - Day 7
Frankfurt was delightful. We had dinner outside of typical German food - I ate cheese and potato salad. A river runs through the modern city. Today we walked around, saw St. Peter's Church, and strolled across a bridge and around a Plaza. We had to part ways with La Bamba. Also, today we went to an indoor 2 story market, which was deliciously pleasant. My highlight for Germany, however, would have to be watching MTV in English in our PJs last night at the hotel. I've been wondering what Paris (Hilton) has been up to. I'm so hapy I finally know.

The train ride to Zurich is brilliant. There are villages snuggled between mountains surrounded by lush green fields and bountiful trees. I love it. I think Paris (Hilton) would, too.

Fri., April 10 - Day 9
Zurich was perfect. We met our precious little Marc the Shark at teh train station and he showed us the way to his qaint home built on the highest mountain of Zurich. We dropped our stuff at the attic apartment he had set up for us and then we hiked up a bit for a panoramic view of the whole city. We were feeling a bit hungry and Marc informed us that it was too expensive to eat out and he would be making us a typical Swiss dish - apple macaroni (or pronounced similarly). We ventured past the rows of garden huts and did what we could to help our Swiss chef make dinner. We met his roommates and neighbors - Matheiu, Dominic, Sammy, Rafael, and Lukas. Everyone was so kind and welcoming and they all spoke English to include us as much as possible. After dinner we were all ready for bed, but Marc insisted we join the guys and Matheiu's girlfriend, Nicole, for drinks. I sipped at my quarter shot/mixed drink and listened to them all speak in Swiss German. It's definitely not harsh or angry sounding and I loved reading facial expressions. Sarah and I like to make up stories to pretend to understand and at times I was kind of, but not really, close. I slept on a couch and it felt like home.

In the morning we all got ready to go and Marc, concerned and confused, asked, "Well, you don't want to eat anything?" We peeked into the kitchen and, yes, Marky Marc had the table set with a braided loaf of Swiss bread and marmelade ready to go. So we had a delightful breakfast (and bed budumdum) with our host and then hit the road for our new friend to guide us around the city.

Marc showed us his University, a.k.a. Einstein's Hogwarts, Grossmunster, Fraumunster, the most expensive shopping street, and then got us to Lake Zurich where we hopped on a boat and poor Marc had to go to class. I'd have felt worse for him, but he rides a cable car up to Hoggyhogs and even though he laughed as we acted like five-year-olds in Disney World oohing and aahing and squealing (Le Ginger) with excitement, I know his own joy at the sight of a cable car was rejuvinated.

The boat was amazing. I felt pure happiness, joy, gratefulness, contentment during our excursion. Something about water brings me a great sense of peace.

After our "strenuous" boat tour viewing lakeside homes among the Swiss Alps we decided we could use a small siesta. We wandered over to a park that mirrored the University building with all of Zurich lying in between. We siestaed for a short while until we decided that the three six-year-old boys playing football were more exciting. sarah, Le Ginger ,and I joined the game and we had so much fun. Once they beat us we moved our stuff and our snoozing Yenna to the sideline instead of behind the goal. Then Alexander, but he goes by Alex since there is another Alexander in his kindergarten class, came over and asked me to play football with him. Of course, I took on the wee one and he beat me 10-3. Not bad for my third time playing soccer. Sarah played some more, too, and even got yelled at in Swiss German. She responded, shocked, "I know!"

After all these adventures we headed back to the mountain, stopping for a quick photo on a puente. Gosh, I can't get over how much I love fuentes y puentes. And I am still in love with T-Pain and Lonely Island's latest and greatest, which I rapped for a hot second on the boat. Anyway, Sarah gave me a HUGE compliment and said, "Caitlin, I feel like you're the sister I never had." We embraced on the Swiss streets and laughed, but I am truly and genuinely touched.

On the way "home" Laurel and I shared a Magnum. How is that ice cream so delicious? I'm thinking Coca-Cola is not the only ones who experimented with various additives.

We were ready to make PB sandwiches when our Martha Stewart host, Marc, interjected to tell us we'd be eating with them, beacuase Dominic was making spaghetti.

Whoa - I almost forgot. On the way to the park we bought a giant chocolate bunny to share. Then we actually ran into Lukas and Dominic. I had a small flashback to driving with Jonatan in Soraya's car for the first time. I added seeing people I know in Zurich to my list of "cool moments in Europe." Whoohoo for having 2! Ok, 3, because I saw 4 Chinos one day in Madrid at Reina Sofia and Retiro.

We prepared for dinner and the party and before we know it it was party time. Weirdest coincidence ever - Faby - a Swiss exchange student from FHS was there. At the party. We talked about Farmington, Mich in Switzerland. Frickin awesome. I hung out with all the guys, Nicole, Martin, Florence, Sarah, and Mijiram mostly. I learned some Swiss German from Matheiu. Shoguit/ Bo g:)it/No Worries. I'm coming back.

So also I had a Swiss kiss with Lukas. He is adorable and handsome and gifted in photography, and coolness, I'd say. I hope to see him again soon.

Sat., April 11 - Day 10
Venice is unlike anything I've ever seen. Except there was a rolly polly. Who knew there are Italian pill bugs? Canals are streets and the actual roads are unnavigable with their typed paper signs. We had our first hiccup when we arrived at the hostel and Petro informed us that they have issues with Hostel World. He was extremely kind, htough and we ended up at a nearby hotel that was more like an apartment. It was rather cute, our little set-up. We had pizza for dinner and had fun just getting lost around the city. Today we crossed bridge after bridge until we made it to the Piazza San Marco to see the sunrise. There was a light fog that absorbed the oranges and yellows and the boats swayed slightly above their perfect reflections. Next ,after check-out and a peaceful breakfast we bought a nutella and whipped cream combo at a canal and I touched the sea! Getting fully in did not seem like the most hygienic idea. Yesterday we rode on a "gondola," a.k.a.water taxi, and I would describe the packed raft as a romantic, special experience. Venice is filled with mini side streets leading to small plazas, or markets, entirely connected by bridges to go from morano bead store to gelato shop to souvenoir stand or maybe even one that sells all three popular items. Now that we're in Italy, thank goodness our search for Fabio is over. Jenna sat next to him on the train ride to Venice. Dreamy is an understatement.

Mon., April 13 - Day 12
AFter we arrived in Florence we went to dinner with Sarah's friends, Lauren, Alex, and Rachel. They are awesome. Easter morning we went to Lauren's friend's apartment right in front of the Duomo. We had a million dollar view of the traditional celebration where they fly a fake dove into a Japanese hut-like contraption to light off an exhilarating show of fireworks, smoke, and explosions. What better for Easter, the day of peace, than to ignite the sound of war by blowing up a dove? I can't really think of anything. Then we hiked through the city, the large open market with Chinese leather that says "Made in Firenze," across one of the three large bridges, and up the winding countryside to Piazza Michelangelo and Piazza Senorita. It may sound like a trek, but we stopped for gelato to recharge. they were not lying about the beauty under the Tuscan Sun. We relazed and talked and it was perfect. After our adventure to a mini-paradise, Laurel and I swent to the market for a bit and then we all met up again at the bridges to watch a spectacular sunset. We went out to dinner and our dreamy waiter with his forearm tat and eybrow piercing gave me my espresso for free. I'd like to think it was because of my dashing looks and charm - ha! - but really I think it was just karma, because I offered first aide to a lady who sprained her ankle and gave the bus tickets I bought but didn't need to a asweet, young, touristy Indian couply. For the lady with the hurt ankle I said, "Excuse me, ma'am, I have a first aide kit. May I offer you some Fast-Acting Pain Relief Medication?" Gosh, I can't wait to be a doctor. Florence had the perfect balance of tourism and local culture. Our hostel was great - Laurel and I ended the night by playing chess and checkers and I hung out with 2 Americans and 2 Australians for a bit. in the morning I met a really nice family ,too, adn I gave them hostel information form where we've visited - except Amsterdam. I figured they didn't want to stay at a place that has a sign, "Congratulations, you survived the Hans Brinker Hostel," when you leave. It was the second kind family I'd met in 24 hours. The other was on the train and since the mom nursed her 3-year-old son as he stared at me, wide-eyed, I decided I like this family a little bit more. Anyway...Florence was one of the prettiest places I have ever seen. I loved that in a 15 minute walk you could be in the hills looking over a river and a blossoming Italy or in a bustling big city. Speaking of big things, I didn't see the real David, but I saw enough replicas to get the picture. Clark, what we call my AAA gudiebook warned us about Rome's chaotic and rushed atmosphere, but Louis, a.k.a. Louey, a.k.a. Laurel's amazing guidebook, said no such ting. Also, according to Hilary Duff's experiences, I'm fairly positive I'll trust Louey and assume Clark is referring to riding or mopeds with handsome strangers. I'll find out sooooon!

Wed., April 15 - Day 14
Roma was no broma. This city was incredible. To imagine that this was where so much history, culture, balue, and knowledge stemmed from blows my mind. When we got in in the afternoon we were yelled at from a window that we had arrived to our hostel. We were greeted by a dude in a cowboy hat and some sketch Italians. After a bit of flirting and awkward comments with music blasting in the background we got the feel of our hostel. There was a wallet on my bed with credit cards, IDs, and over 100euro. The same girl left her Raybands behind. Strange. We also enjoyed waking up to find a guy and girl lying in bed together chatting away in their underwear and ending the conversation, "So where are you from?" Or perhaps our little buddy, Salvador, was the highlight when we figured out that he kept coming into our room, because he slept there. At least we got a breakfast and 2 sandwiches for the road our of our 2euro breakfast and finally some normal Canadian roommates who we befriended and bonded with over the odd, dirty, party hostel. Although occassionally I guess I do like waking up to jammin' music and at times it does serenade me to sleep.

Monday, after checking in we met up with Claire and Caroline, which was wonderfulllllll. We went to the Coliseum and visited ancient roman ruins and the tomb of the unknown soldier. It was beyond sweet. The skyline of Rome is a mix of trees and buildings with the clouds at the same level and the radiant, open blue sky above. Then we ate gelato at a place where I felt like I was at the stock market, but it's the best in Rome and I vote it the best in the world. Plus, an old manhelped me out, which was cool. We got dinner after visiting the world's first Jewish ghetto and watching the sunset on a bridge, and decided to have a very full Tuesday. In fact, Tuesday we walked over a marathon. A little ambitious? I'd say a lot. But it was stupendous. My day began with Jenna giving me my belated Easter gift and then we went to a market and fountains and piazzas and a castle and finally off to VC a.k.a. Vatican City. WOW. That basically describes it. The Basilica was like nothing I've ever seen. It took my breath away and gave me the chills. We climbed the 521 steps to the top to get a better look at - in Sarah's words - the Pope's bachelor pad, but unfortunately, he was not celebrating the gorgeous day by sunbathing on his roof. Maybe next time. After that we went to the Trevi Fountain, threw in a coin - luckily, we didn't fal lin like the man next to us - or perhaps that's even more luck - and finally the Spanish steps. I felt rather proud of those stairs. It's like a little piece of Spain came to us. They didn't really look Spanish - they were basically just stairs, but at least 'Spanish' is in the name, eh? We ate our last dinner all together and it was perfectly lovely. I was considering going back to Zurich, because I'd really like to see Lukas again, but that little trip will have to wait until England I'm afraid. Shoguit. Shoguit. Now to Genova for an afternoon walk and then to Nice where we hope to skinny dip in a fjord. It shouldn't be too hard to do since we successfully lassoed a unicorn in VC. Pero vamos a ver.

Sun., April 19 - Day 18
Nice was nice. After a wonderful 8 hours on the train we arrived and grabbed cheese crepes for dinner. On Thursday, it stormed almost all day. At the first hint of sunshine we ran to the beach where it promptly began to rain again. Thus, we had a relaxing day inside hanging out, siesta-ing, and playing cards. Laurel and I did venture out once and we found socca and homemade ravioli, which was invented in Nice. Great success. Friday we got up early and Stefan adn Nathalie took off for Greece and we hopped on a bus to Monaco. We visited a palace there, which is still heavily guarded by a lone marching man and then wound our way up the hill mountains until we reached the exotic garden, which is filled with mostly cacti. We had an incredible view of the city and a fun time frollicking about so much exotic life - the most rare being the Genger following us. At last we skipped down to la plage. We soaked up plenty of Vitamin D after submerging ourselves into the somewhat warmer than frigid waters of the Mediterranean. On the walk to the train we found ourselves in the midst of the most expensive car show in the world, I'd say. Lucky for us, Europeans assume all Americans are rich and as we passed with our sexy beach hair, shunned flip flops, and worn Target bathing suits, the nice men in tuxedos smiled instead of looking past us as our fellow Americans would have done. When we arrived back in Nice we once again headed up. We climbed the Chateau in search of a waterfall, but to our great shock and confusion, it was turned off. My first thought was, "Why God?" But the fakeness of Nice's famous so-called natural beauty was all too real. Therefore, Nice has no waterfall, but they do, on most days, have a lovely fountain-like, man-made flow of water over a miniature cliff at which tourists may ooh and ahh. We watched the sunset and stopped for socca again in Old Nice. Precious. Adorable. Charming. All are words to describe this adventurous, romantic day with Funglahh and Le Ginger.

We awoke almost in time to see the sunrise and sat on the promenade for a bit before heading to a cafe. Then we spent another fabulous ten hours on the train. This time we rode first class and my solo lazy boy chair as a seat definitely added to the overall travel experience. I even "tricked" my fellow coachmates and when a man asked me in French something I assumed to mean, "Is the next stop Montpellier?" I promptly responded with as much French throat noise as possible, "Oui!" He said, "Oui Montpellier?" And I, "Oui, Montpellier." I gathered my things proudly and as the train passed Nimes instead of Montpellier I became somewhat nervous. A neighboring woman began speaking to me, adding to the pressure I was feeling to continue my facade. Luckily, we didn't stop and the woman smiled, made passing gestures, and I smiled back, nodding and commented, "Oui, oui," before getting the heck out of there. We stopped in Montpellier about twenty minutes later. But it was the next stop. Fool the French. Check.

The next train was straight from the 70s and I pretty much had a futon chair to sit on. I proceeded to spend the next five hours chatting with Kevin, an interior designer from Toronto on vacation with his partner. He was inspirational and an absolute joy to have met.

We ended the night with Scott at the Dow Jones bar. Drink prices fluctuate as people make purchases. Unfortunately, the market never crashed. If only the real stock market could experience such a thing.

Tues., April 21 - End of Trip
Barcelona was quite splendid on Sunday. Stunning, actually. Insteead of the promised thunderstorms by weather.com it was clear skies and 21 degrees. We walked along the beach all morning absorbing the fresh sea air and focusing our eyes on the petite sailboats and wind surfers instead of the nude elders. The beaches lacked my beloved surfers and was replaced by sunbathers, ladies offering massages, and men with thick accents selling bear and Coke. One particular man managing to whisper between shouts as he passed us, "Beer, cerveza! Do you like the hashish? Coca-Cola!" How we pulled off looking even an inkling like stoners is beyond us. Clearly, the man was confused so I just replied, "No, gracias." We ate at our second favorite Irish pub and made our way by bus to Gerona. When we finally arrived in Madrid our bags were the first ones out and we joked about having people waiting for us. And what do you know?! Our dear friend Joni was waving at us on the other side of those mysterious frosted glass doors. What an end to a perfect journey.