Day Seven, Post Seven

I can't believe we've been in Europe for a week already. It has gone so quickly, but so slowly at the same time. It seems so long ago we were packed into the flight for six hours soaring over the Atlantic, but we have seen so much! From Piccadilly Circus to the top of the Arc de Triumph and now working our way down the boot. Tomorrow we head to the Tuscan sun--land of the wineries and country glory. Probably the part of Italy I am most excited for. But that is not to discount Venice. Today brought gelato (for the third time since we entered this country...), basilicas, city squares, spanning bridges and beautifully scenic canal rides. And just for my mommy, here are our eyes!

We took a 30 minute vaporetto, or water bus, ride down to San Marco Square to see Saint Mark's Basilica. We decided to save our church viewing for Tuscany, but it sure was impressive from the outside. And towering over the square was an extremely tall clock tower--it's bottom half is on the right side of the picture. Put poor downtown Chelsea to shame...those Italians sure knew how to decorate.

And lastly, but not least, we explored yet more of the maze of streets. Jenn, if you're reading, Jon even got you your souvenir. The one downside to Italy's beautiful weather is they still have mosquitos! And apparently they like the taste of me because my bites are huge. Jon is bitter tasting; he didn't get any. But we all knew I am sweeter ;)

Until we are sun kissed in Tuscany, see you all later!

A

And We Move Again

Well hello from Italy now! After 15 joyous hours on a train, we have arrived! And boy was it worth it. Apart from sharing our train cabin with a drug mule (3 am drug searches with the CUTEST labrador retriever revealed the "nice" Russian girl being taken from the train by a customs officer after Fido found something. Not a situation I would care to be in...), it was uneventful. The south of France was absolutely gorgeous. Definitely a pleasant ride until it got dark. About the only thing we did in Paris yesterday was go to the Louvre. The sheer volume of art was a bit overwhelming, but, yes, we did see Mona and all of her splendor.

As for Venice, it is amazing that a city can be so reliant on water as it's sole source of transportation. Every way we look vaporettos and gondolas crisscross the canals, it is very beautiful and like nothing we have seen before.

Our hostel is located literally just down the road from the coolest market ever. Think seaside farmers market. There are strawberries, raspberries, apples, peppers, cabbage, potatoes, leeks, swordfish, mussels, scallops, lamb, horse salami (yeah...), kabobs and more. A very fun Welcome to Venice. Off for more adventures! Miss you all!

A

The Last of England and an AdFRENCHture

On our last day in England we decided to see a smaller town instead of another day in the big city. We took the train into St. Albans which was a pretty nice town with lots of little shops and many pubs. We ate at a pub in town and then walked around the streets and visited the abbey that is pictured above. It was a nice day trip and it was close to the airport so we could fly out to Paris in the evening.

When we got to Paris the first thing we saw was the Notre Dame Cathedral. We took lots of pictures because it was quite an amazing building. We were really hungry so we stopped in to a little bakery and got a baguette and two sandwiches and ate on the banks of the Sienne River.

We then ventured over to the Arc d'triumph. It was in the middle of a busy traffic intersection so the only way to get to it was underground tunnel. We paid six euros to walk up the hundreds of stairs to the top and get a great view of the city.... Here are some of the things we saw....

Thanks for reading and tune in next time for the Louvre and our arrival in Italy.

Smelly Hostel and Warm Beer

Well, despite the title, we actually had a successful day. We started off heading to Westminster Abbey for a tour, but...funny thing really...they use it for services on Sundays! Who would have thought! We did, actually, but the next service was too far away so we just looked in St. Margaret's Church instead.

Then we spent a good portion of the day wandering the streets of London. We got a hotdog from a nice German vender on the bridge, watched some street performers including a woman whose only talent seemed to be tolerating the pain and shame of boasting herself "world's most pierced lady." She was quite terrifying actually.

We finished our day with an eventful trip to Buckingham Palace (see previous post). After a quick trip back to the hostel, we got some fish and chips and a pint at the local pub. Now let me explain our title. For those of you who have been to Europe, you understand the warm beer part. Who in their right mind would intentionally serve beer at room temperature? And our hostel...well smelt terrible. I wish I could contact someone at Unilever and let them know they should kick up their European ad campaign. PU. We are happily moved onto Paris in a clean room and smell-free.

Tomorrow's adventures will be updated as they arise. Until then, love from Europe!

A

Breaking News

We interrupt this day to post. Today, outside Buckingham Palace...Prince Harry was unmistakably spotted. Then confirmed by British police and men with fuzzy hats. Oh, and Jon's suitcase came too.

Here But Not Without Mishaps

We arrived Saturday morning at Heathrow airport in London after a sleepless plane ride from Boston. I went to retrieve my luggage from the carrousel only to find out from the friendly Delta employee that my bag was enjoying it's own journey to Louisville Kentucky. So I am pretty much stranded in London with just my carry on bag. I bought a shirt and some other stuff in town that Delta will reimburse me for and hopefully my bag will arrive today.

We still managed to get out and see some of the sights yesterday though.

The Westminster Cathedral was the first well known landmark that we ran into. It was a beautiful Catholic church with a tribute to St. Patrick and St. Andrew for the McKenzie's and Maher's.

This was our first look Westminster Abbey from the outside. We plan to return on Monday to take a look inside and see what we missed at the Royal wedding.

We had dinner at Lyric's just outside of Picadilly Circus for anyone familiar with the area. I had traditional fish and chips and Amanda had pie and mash (basically shepherds pie). We both loved it and recommend it to anyone coming to London.

We are going to spend the day in Oxford on a recommendation from our elderly English friends we made at dinner. More to come later!

J

En route

Hi all,

We are about to board to go to London! pretty exciting. Should arrive about 5:30 am eastern time. Looking forward to our first day of activities. More later!

A