Stuff We Do!

Birthday Season & Christmastime!

2009-12-10T08:47:00.005-05:00

December is a busy month and we've had a great start so far!

Adrien's birthday was a few days ago and we celebrated twice. The first was a homemade dinner of his choosing, complete with colorful birthday decor and balloons and a bag of birthday presents. The second was a lovely dinner with friends at our favorite raw restaurant, Grassroot, in Tampa.

And here's one we all can relate to... putting up the Christmas tree! This year we graduated to a 6 ft tree, which is a big change from last year's 2 footer. The theme this year is "gold." Very imaginative, as you can clearly see! ;]

Next on my list... Christmas shopping!

Facebook, scared of the addiction!

2009-11-21T13:46:00.002-05:00

Everyone is on Facebook!

I asked someone the other day whether they had a facebook, and they looked at me as though I asked whether they have a cell phone. I have to admit I was weary for a while of joining Facebook, I just wasn't sure how I felt about this "Open Book Lifestyle." Though I'm still a little weary about it, I just spent over 2 hours on it. I guess that's not a lot to most of you, but I feel like I just spent my entire day, uploading pictures commenting on peoples pages and liking everything I see. So now I find myself facing another problem, deciding when Facebook has become an addiction or just something I do for fun. I mean, yes it can be fun, but is checking your facebook on your iphon every 30 mins too crazy? When does it end?

Adrien

... aaaand we're back!

2009-10-13T18:24:00.003-04:00

It's as if I haven't talked about it enough, but I have to say it again... the food we ate in Europe was amazing. We did have a few absolutely horrible meals (ahem, in Milan... and we know how I feel about Milan), but overall, I can't say enough good things about the food.

Seafood tastes of the sea - it's perfectly salty and fresh and delicious and was one of my favorite things to order.

The pizza was equally impressive, and since there's no such thing as doughy crust over there, it was right up my alley - crispy and thin with more toppings than crust.

The smoothest ice cream, the richest chocolate, the freshest bread - I haven't had enough! So now that we're back in Tampa, I've been trying to recreate all things French.

We went to the grocery store last week after we got back, and shopped for the essentials: bread, cheese, and wine... okay, okay and some produce! Unfortunately the tastes just aren't the same... somehow the skin on tomatoes here is tougher, the mozzarella has no taste, and the wine is... well, less than great.

I haven't figured out how, but I MUST figure out a way to bring the taste of France into MY kitchen without going bankrupt!

I'm gonna see what I can do over the next few days...

Recap of the past few days...

2009-10-08T18:03:00.004-04:00

We've had such a crazy week. Knowing it was the last one before we came back to Tampa, we wanted to make sure we got in all the major stuff.

We went scuba diving, drove to Eze which is famous for their perfume (and consequently spent a billion euros on beautiful scents - totally worth it), ate at a teeny weeny and very intimate 20-person restaurant and had a gorgeous dinner, slept in a castle, went to countless markets, went to Biot (the city where the glass with bubbles originated!), a botanical garden, went to a wedding, celebrated a 76th birthday, an 80th birthday, and a 53 year anniversary, had amazing family dinners (large family dinners... and I emphasize the word large here), and hiked a few mountain trails.

Get ready...

Biot

Chocolate bread is AMAZING!

Our night view from the castle apartment...

Family dinner for Adrien's grandmother's Birthday.

Villefranche

Villefranche again!

I'm sure I'm still leaving details out - we had an incredible time and some of my most memorable time spent was while I was eating! I've never had such delicious and tasty food in all my life.

After a very long and exhausting trip home and a teary goodbye at the airport, Adrien and I are back in Tampa enjoying friends and family, but looking forward to being able to go back.

I'll be around! ...talking mostly about food!

Erin

What happened to Spain??!!?!?

2009-09-29T03:05:00.002-04:00

Okay, so some of you are probably wondering what the hell happened to us going to Spain. Well, here's the story:
After going through Italy we spent over 6 hours in a train at a time. Certainly it was an experience, but not a pleasant one I can assure you. So that kinda scratched the idea of 30 hours of train to and from Spain within 4 days. So then we decided we would fly down. Unfortunately due to the time we started to look for tickets we couldn't find anything under 230Euros (approx. $336) per person!! That would have been over 700 just for the trip there and backs, to stay 2 days. Also not a desirable option. But, the effort did not stop there, we had also looked at ships, but unfortunately non were leaving from Nice, and those that we found were cruise ships, and as fun as that may have been, it would have taken over 2 weeks to get there!

So unfortunately we were not able to go to Spain, which I am still extremely disappointed about due to the fact that we were going to meet my friend Sam there. I was sooooo looking forward to that, and after all the anticipation, I think I was the most disappointed of all. Now we will have to reschedule and plan a little bit ahead of time. Which means we'll all have to come back at the same time, you hear that Sam?? Meeting in Spain, for real this time, next year!! We'll swim there if necessary haha.

On a somewhat positive note, not going was good because we were able to help my family with a rather large leak in the house. Good thing we've only had 3 days of rain :0) ...

So there's the whole story, I'm really disappointed, but I promise we will make it up.

For me...

2009-09-23T08:11:00.000-04:00

For me, I’ve gotten pretty comfortable here in Nice. I know where I can get a beautiful view, I know the bus system pretty well (at least, I’m confident I could get anywhere between Vieux Nice and Monaco by myself with very little difficulty if any), I know which yogurts I like to get from the grocery store, and I’m even starting to complain about the general public here (!).

My personal favorite so far is the French’s insistence on being THISCLOSE to the person nearest to them at all times, regardless of whether or not they know the other. Oh, I’m sorry sir… the 20 feet of free space in front of you on the bus isn’t sufficient? It’s necessary for you to hold onto the handrail DIRECTLY above me so your armpit can cup my cheek? It’s brilliant, really… Next time I’m just gonna tell the guy to cut out the formalities and take his seat in my lap.

My other gripes for the moment include the absurd amount of smokers in France (and from what I hear, in Europe in general), the shockingly high price of cell phones and the inconvenience it is to get on, and lastly, the fact that everything is closed all day on Sunday! Everything except restaurants anyway… I guess it could be a good thing, making people slow down and enjoy their family’s/friends’ company, but for now I want to take advantage of every minute I’m here. This does not work for me, France!

ANYWAY, it would figure that two weeks before we go back to Tampa, I start feeling a little bit of consistency and comfort in this place, about which, before we got here, I knew nothing beyond what pictures could communicate.

We’re still doing stuff – this afternoon we’re doing some shopping and tomorrow we’ll be in Eze, but despite our busy lifestyle for the moment, I feel like I’ve just started to settle - the initial shock of newness of scenery and language is over.

I’m extremely excited to see my parents and my sister and my dogs, but I’m happy. I like it here. I’m writing this from our apartment inside a castle with a view onto the entire city of Nice on a cool, sunny day. There’s about 40 people below our apartment who are swimming in the sea, a few more a little further away are kayaking, and up on the beach and onto the Promenade is teeming with life and activity.

It’s beautiful. I’ll definitely be back.

"You're ghetto as hell."

2009-09-18T16:03:00.004-04:00

Strangely, it's been raining in Nice for the past few days, so we haven't been out and about as much lately.

SO, we've been in the house playing Scrabble and every other game we could find. On a completely random note, I've had "Lip Gloss" stuck in my head for DAYS for absolutely no reason! And because we've been stuck in the house I've been annoying Adrien with alarming frequency - all of my unused energy makes me break into song without even being provoked!

"WATCHU KNOW 'BOUT ME WATCHUWATCHU KNOW 'BOUT ME?!"

"Adrien, Adrien.. shh, shh.. MAH LIP GLOSS BE POPPIN', I'M SITTIN' AT MAH LOCKER AND ALL THE BOYZ BE STOPPIN'!"

My performances aren't typically well-received. Must be a French thing.

The Zoo @ Cap Ferrat

2009-09-14T03:43:00.001-04:00

This zoo was too fun! I haven't been to many in my life, so I guess my gauge isn't that valid, but I'll go ahead and say it's one of the coolest out there.

It's very very small (the whole thing sits on 1.5 acres) but you'd never notice with all there is to see. Not only is there no shortage of animals, but you can interact with and get so much closer to them than in a regular city zoo.

We picnicked in the middle of the lion's den, gave piggy back rides to lemurs, fed monkeys, and helped a lost goat back to his little dwelling.

The crowd was small and the location was beautiful, so it was the perfect place to be.

Enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes... mostly tastes.

2009-09-11T18:11:00.004-04:00

We've been having a great time since we arrived (which was only 18 days ago!) and I've been able to see, smell, touch and taste so much, yet it all adds up to only a fraction of what the riviera has to offer.

Every meal we've had at home has been superb, and surpasses most of even the nicest meals I've eaten in Donatello and Armani in Tampa. Last night we had sea bass in a tomato, garlic, and onion sauce with a side of steamed fennel and a fresh salad. On any given day, we have 10 cheeses in the fridge, all completely different and equally delicious - I only wish I could identify them for you! All I know, is what I like... which is nearly everything except anything that resembles blue cheese.

The cheese is particular to France, because unlike in the US, they don't pasteurize or process them, so they're much more aromatic and flavorful. (And here's a fun fact for you: because there's no processing, they also have a lot of probiotic bacteria, which is great for digestion.)

You just can't beat the tastes here.

And don't get me started on Fenocchio! Fenocchio is an ice cream place with 92 flavors, ranging from chocolate, cacao, vanilla bean, and coffee to rosemary, tomato basil, rose, and avocado. They have every fruit, flower, and even random flavors like vanilla with pink peppercorns. It sounds a little odd, but the flavor is so huge and real (no artificial "mango" in this place), it's indescribable.

So far I've had mango, stracchiatella (basically vanilla with chocolate chunks), lemon, peach, violet, rose, cactus, beer, nutella, lavender, hibiscus, and vanilla with pink peppercorn. Outstanding!

I'm finding that beyond the food, I'm getting more and more attached to this place as we go. There's so much beauty everywhere, sometimes I wish I could eat the scenes! It's a beautiful place, and so far I'm loving ever minute of it.

Erin

Tired of me yet?

2009-09-08T19:26:00.004-04:00

The thoughts are flowing what can I say?!

We went to Monaco this afternoon, which if you don't know, is not technically a part of France but is a French principality. It's its own country that is very wealthy, so of course, our day was filled with observing the super rich scurry around this tiny place. We're talking 50 million dollar yachts, equally expensive apartments, and when you have all that I guess a Rolls Royce is just a drop in the bucket, right?

It's a beautiful city, which is no surprise when you see how much money is being pumped into it - and I don't mean that negatively at all. It's very clean, very safe (cameras are everywhere here!), and very chic.

It's right up the road so we were in no rush - just took in the sights, walked around, and visited the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Let me tell you one thing: Ever since I've ben in Europe I've felt guilty about the way I tend to throw adjectives around. "That's an awesome dress! That pedicure was extraordinary! The view onto the manmade lake behind my house is breath taking!" All of these accolades seem just plain stupid when I see these places.

To see the detail and precision with which some of these buildings were made is truly a sight to behold. You can stare at the artwork on the ceiling for hours just appreciating every color, line, and the sheer genius that put everything together.

I'm not just referring to this casino or just one view, but the beaches, the architecture - much of it that's either not man-made, or was made long before the convenience of technology.

Here, you indulge with every sense. I love that.

It's time for bed! Shopping in Nice tomorrow!

Bon nuit (good night),

Erin

So, I suppose I'll tell you about Milan...

2009-09-08T19:07:00.003-04:00

It was dark.

It was gray.

It was expensive.

Men dress very well there.

... That's the jist.

SERIOUSLY! Unless I've missed the point entirely, I'm not clear on what everyone raves about here. Bottom line: Unless I have several thousand dollars I can drop idly while shopping at Prada and Chanel, I'll pass on this city! And even Duomo (the shopping/commercial center) is not drop dead gorgeous! Oh wait, there IS a very impressive gothic church that will stop your stride, but other than that, I was unmoved.

Next?

Erin

Venice Surprise!!!

2009-09-08T18:44:00.003-04:00

So, as you all know by now (apparently), Adrien surprised me with a trip to Venice before we came back to Nice. I was completely blown away by all the work he put into planning that, and completely in the fog before hand -- I would have never in a million years even suspected anything was awry. (And by 'awry' I mean, I had no idea a beautiful hotel, beautiful dinner, and even more beautiful dress were all awaiting me in one of the most romantic cities in the world.)

In short, it was beautiful. I never expected myself to be "one of those" tourists who'd come back to America and say, "Oh, it's so unique you just have to see it! The art! The architecture! The magic! The grandeur! ... I can't describe it." ... and yet! It was that for me. I found it extraordinary, and as everyone else who's visited will tell you, it's spectacular. It's beauty is unique and it truly is great in a way that can't be conveyed properly through my words.

Despite the feast for the senses, the amount of tourists was suffocating, and blocking them out was difficult. They visit Venice in droves and arrive by the hundreds. Venice is a natural beauty, completely romantic and everything one would hope for, but I feel upset that it's being exploited and used like a theme park.

Adrien's mom told me that as a kid she went and it was empty -- a hidden gem. It makes me a little bit sad to think that a place which was once someone's quaint home town has turned into this massive, undulating money-making machine.

BUT, despite that, its beauty is one-of-a-kind and I will definitely be back, albeit in the winter.

Erin

Hike In Vernazza

2009-09-08T13:15:00.002-04:00

Vernazza - in a nutshell.

2009-09-06T23:07:00.001-04:00

SO, without giving you a complete play-by-play of Vernazza, I'll just give you the best points:

- AMAZING seafood meal at the top of a mountain overlooking the city. Our appetizer was "for two" and consisted of sardines, anchovies, octopus, tuna, and squid. It was an impressive spread, and what put it over the top in taste was that it was all caught from the coast that same morning.

Our dinner was also for two and was a seafood stew with swordfish, some of the biggest prawns I've ever seen, shrimp, and mussels. It was spectacular, completely unforgettable. The view was priceless, the meal was exquisite, and the company was perfect.

- Our host at the B&B was adorable! Once we left for the day to explore, she came up to change the linens and (to our surprise) ended up hanging up my clothes, folding Adrien's underwear (!), arranging our toothbrushes to sit 'just so' in a glass, and of course, making the bed. She made us breakfast each morning and brought it to our room's terrace that peeked onto the sea. It was so adorably quaint!

- Cheap gelatto! We're talking 1.50 euros for 2 scoops! If you've ever been to Europe you can appreciate the price of that!

I arrived in Vernazza disappointed about the amount of tourists scrambling around, but I left with such a tremendous appreciation for the city, its people and the land it sits on. It's beautiful, and despite my contempt for the obvious tourist, I can fully understand why everyone seems to flock there.

Milan tomorrow!

Adrien - Vernzza

2009-09-06T17:39:00.001-04:00

I have been wanting to go to Vernazza since I first saw a picture of it over 10 years ago, so arriving at the train station was unreal. Unfortunately, I was not alone, I was pushed and herded by what seemed like over 200 tourists dressed in full Birkenstocks and I love Italy t-shirts. I felt compelled to hide my camera back in my backpack and try to make it as obvious as possible that I was not a part of the tour group following the woman with the big umbrella.

I was a little disappointed to see that so much of the town was catering to the very crowd I wished would go home. I was beginning to wish I had made this trip in the dead of winter, maybe then I could see Vernazza as I had imagined it quaint and rustic… real Italy.

But tonight everything is different. The Vernazza I came to see seems to have come out from hiding. After the whirlwind tourists left, Vernazza was left with only the quite tourists who would rather be a part of a place rather than invade it. The locals were everywhere, talking, laughing, eating. I’m so happy that I get to be here and see this place like this. I love how no one is in a rush, because there’s no where to go. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings… no actually I can.

From La Spezia

2009-09-02T08:57:00.003-04:00

We made it to Italy! There's too much to try to tell you from this internt cafe, but expect plenty of pictures and updates about Vernazza and La Spezia when we return to France on Thusday or Friday.

Dissapointed

2009-08-29T17:19:00.004-04:00

I know I know, as excited as I was to come here, it's crazy that I would have a blog post entitled this, but I do, so there!! The reason I'm disappointed is because of the things that changed. I know change is good (most of the time) and bla bla bla, but sometimes you wish things would stay the same. In the city and all that things are the same, but at my grandparents, soooo much has changed. Being here was like a childhood memory, so it's hard to see it drift away.

But other than that I love it here, I'm so excited to spend time here and really get to be back in an environment I love. America is great and all, I often times wish that alot of the American ways were here, but Europe is my home. I feel comfortable here. Anyway, that's enough ranting about that for now. Back to the fun stuff, we went shopping downtown and it was awesome. I'll let Erin tell you more about the shopping part, I mostly walked around and took pictures (of the beach ;0)...) and stopped everywhere to eat pain aux chocolat. You can see those pictures on flickr.

We're Here!

2009-08-27T19:26:00.002-04:00

A&E
Originally uploaded by TheNakedHippieBlog

It's Erin this time, and it's almost 1AM in Nice. The second night is difficult to sleep because my body isn't 100% used to the time change. I had ZERO minutes of sleep on the flights over, so going 25 hours on no sleep makes the first night easy.

[Curious side note: I made meatballs for a snack on the trip over and I left them in my carry on, so now my things reek of turkey and garlic! Fun!]

Well, we had a great introduction to the Riviera with a party last night on the Blue Beach. It was simple with champagne and appetizers, but the beach was gorgeous! I've never seen an ocean as blue as the one here. It's beyond description, really... truly spectacular.

Before pictures, lemme enlighten you to a few things:

Things that are different:
- the toilet paper is pink
- there's a shortage of trash cans
- people are generally "all up in your business" as far as personal space goes
- AC is not standard
- fruit grows next to highways
- models have flaws (!)

Things that are the same:
- Sprite
- Oreos

More to come!

Erin

In Phili

2009-08-25T16:55:00.001-04:00

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

Last Min Packing!

2009-08-25T08:22:00.002-04:00

We're packed and ready to go. We leave at 2:15 from Tampa International, so we'll be at the airport at 12.

Here is my (Adrien) Packing List:

PACKING LIST

All Items

Belly Dancing

2009-08-22T22:23:00.004-04:00

We went to the Turkish restaurant off Hillsborough in Tampa and it was pretty fun. Despite the fact the food was mediocre (at best), the belly dancer made the whole evening worthwhile... and now I've (Erin) made it my new plight to learn and master this art!

As far as the food goes, I was disappointed. It's kinda bad now because we've been watching Kitchen Nightmares, that show with chef Gordan Ramsay (the Hell's Kitchen guy). In this particular show Ramsay goes to failing restaurants and tries to turn them around in a week. Most of the time the restaurant isn't doing well because the food isn't that great, the chefs cut corners, they microwave $30 dinners and keep a filthy kitchen. So, now when we go to a restaurant, we can't help but look for all the same things. I think at one point Erin was going to ask to see the kitchen! That whole ignorance is bliss thing definitely makes sense here, but I'm pretty sure that in Europe we won't have too much to complain about.

Let's hope so anyway!

That reminds me of Niles and Frasier (on that show 'Frasier') when they talk about restaurants and decide they are only happy when they can find that one tiny flaw in what is otherwise a flawless restaurant. I think that will be us, haha.

Anyway, I put pictures of tonight on our flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/2sidesofeurope/ . This is where we're going to be keeping all of our pictures, so be sure to check that out.

Adrien

TheNakedHippie.com

3 days, and still no clue!!

2009-08-22T12:05:00.002-04:00

Ok, I know this is weird and most people won't even believe me but, everything seems the same. It' doesn't feel like I'm going or doing anything different, despite the fact that I'm leaving in 3 days. I'm excited as though it were someone else's life, I know a bit deep for a travel blog, but I promise when I get there, the excitement will be completely real. I'm really really looking forward to Vernazza Italy ;0) .... Ok, gotta go, I haven't packed, finished my list or even had lunch, so ... I'm out.

Adrien
TheNakedHippie

I'm excited! I think...

2009-08-19T21:11:00.005-04:00

FIVE, count 'em, FIVE days away already, WOW! Logically I know I'm supposed to be excited, but it hasn't hit me that we're actually leaving in so few days. One might assume that someone as excitable (generally speaking, anyway) as I am would have started packing by now, but no. I've made several lists of what I intend to bring though! That should count for something...

I know after I say this I'll leave you all holding your breath, perched on the edge of your sofa, but I'll go ahead and say it anyway. Ready? Brace yourself...

We're gonna take fun pictures of us packing! Okay there - I said it. Was it everything you ever dreamed it would be? I thought so.

But really, we've had requests for pictures, so they'll be coming in the next few days. ;]

Have a great week!

Erin

Summer Reading

2009-08-17T21:42:00.005-04:00

I can attest to Erin's competitive nature (especially when playing the Wii), and so can my right arm that still has a bruise or two from the beating she took in the three point contest. But that's a whole different story.

Anyway, in the theme of reading, I do plan on doing some reading while I'm on this trip, mostly online, but I am going to read the "4 hour work week" again. It's my new "Think and Grow Rich". Great book whether you love your job or you hate it. I've always felt what Tim (the author) describes in his book to be the only way for me to live.

Next I have "Creating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism". I know nothing of this book, but the title is similar to a project I'm working on for redefining poverty and making it more livable.

Being that I'm not the fastest reader in the world I'll probably end there, but in case I get ambitious I'll also read "Selling the Invisible". This was a recommended read for me, so I may explore it's merits. Anyway, that's all the reading I'm going to be doing.

I'm really looking forward to designing some more tshirts. So much to do, so little time, I guess we need to extend our trip to 6 months haha. (Spoiler Alert!!: We'll do the 6 month trip end of next year!)

I'm thinking about working on some designs themed after our trip. Let me know if you guys have any ideas for designs. What about a baby line? hmmm

Adrien

TheNakedHippie.com

13!

2009-08-11T11:32:00.004-04:00

Adrien's been dominating me in keeping up with our blog, and you can ask anyone I've played Wii with - I don't take losing well. Actually if I'm honest with myself, I don't even take winning well, hahaha. My opponent(s) is destined to suffer from bruises and low self-esteem regardless of the outcome.

ANYWAY. I'm looking forward to it but I CANNOT believe we're only two weeks away. For the moment I'm a little buried in planning - making packing lists, buying up all of my last minute things (which includes a very cute purse that'll make its debut in our airport pictures, I'm sure), writing a (brief) list of things I want my Mama to come check up on while we're gone, and so on.

My reading list for the plane consists of 3 great reads:

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. This book follows the lives of 4 people living in India in the 1970s and opens up the world of lower castes. It's supposed to be excellent and it fits right in with my current reading theme of the Middle East and India.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. I look so forward to reading this one. It's a story about the author himself who devoted his life to building schools in the most remote villages of Pakistan. He stumbled upon one in particular after a failed attempt to climb K2 and wanted to repay their generous hospitality by building them a school. I'm sure it's rife with adventure and people "rising to the occasion" and everything else that I love reading about.

I haven't figured out why, but despite all of the conflict in the Middle East right now, I imagine the people to be so hospitable and warm that I can't help but want to visit. ... maybe not now, but definitely one day.

And finally, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It shocks me too that despite all the English and English Literature classes I've taken in my life I have never read this book! I honestly don't even have the slightest clue what it's about, and I don't think I'm going to read a thing about it until it arrives on my doorstep.

There are two reasons why I picked this one, the primary one being that I am completely unfamiliar with the "classics" in literature and that's a shame for any bibliophile to admit to. The second reason is because my younger sister has to read it for school and I'm holding onto false hope that she'll fall in love with it and we can fawn over it together, haha!

***

I guess it's on to my to-do list. I keep walking into my kitchen ready to clean, only to look at the destruction, get frustrated and stomp back to my computer only to repeat the process 8 minutes later.

It's time.

Bored at 2am posting from iPhone

2009-08-08T01:28:00.005-04:00

Hangin with my goat.

Uploaded by http://www.flickr.com/photos/2sidesofeurope/

2009-08-04T15:54:00.001-04:00

My first cell phone blog post... Time is going by so quickly but at the same time, it's not going by quickly enough... I can't wait to be there I keep getting flashes as thought I were there... It's so rediculous I actually woke up this mornin thinking I was in my bed at my grandparents house... Here's the most strange part... I even look forward to complaining about stuff there.. I know it sounds odd.. But it's the whole... "the worse day fishing beats the best day working". A bad day in Nice to me better than a good day here right now... Now to bash the US all the time... I mean I'm here for a reason, but still I guess it just boils down to being home sick (I guess).

-Adrien
TheNakedHippie.com

Erin - 27!

2009-07-28T09:04:00.004-04:00

I'm obviously disregarding the "official" countdown you see over to the left because I don't count the day we leave. That shouldn't be included anyway, right?!

Anyway, 27 days and my bouncing-off-the-walls excitement has kind of dulled now. I'm really looking forward to going, but I think my brain feels like it's been deceived and is waiting to decide if excitement is truly the appropriate emotional response, haha.

I've been exercising like it's my job in preparation for this little adventure, because let me tell you -- I have plans: Cheese, wine, chocolate, olive oil, more cheese, and a little more chocolate...

Oh, and more cheese...

I'm trying to give myself a head start with tons of cardio, yoga, and pilates... Le sigh.

And OHMAHGOSH, I FORGOT ALL ABOUT THE CROISSANTS! MAN! Watch out, Europe. I'm about to roll through there like... like... like you ain't even seen nobody eva roll through there!

Oh, France! I love you already!

Adrien & Erin WE BOUGHT TICKETS!!

2009-07-26T18:38:00.007-04:00

WE BOUGHT OUR TICKETS TODAY!!!! Ok, here's the break down.
After looking for the best prices all over the web we finally landed tickets for $714 per person, which is pretty good for the time and season.

A couple things to remember when booking your ticket:
-Book tickets as early as possible
-Book departure and return dates between Tuesday and Thursday (those are the cheapest days)
-Research, Research, Research!! Research saves sooo much money
-Keep it short, the trip is long enough look for the no more than 2 stops
-Drive and fly, check prices from several different airports for best prices, sometimes it's worth paying a friend drive you an hour.
-Over 30 pay the toll, be aware that round trip tickets go up in price if you increase your stay to more than 30 days.

Useful Links (these are some of the sites we used to find the best price)
-Kayak.com
-CFares.com
-Cheapoair.com
These sites allow you to search across multiple sites all at once.

So it's official, we've got tickets!

Adrien & Erin
TheNakedHippie.com

Adrien - Not nervous.. Concerned.

2009-07-16T08:40:00.008-04:00

Needless to say I'm excited to go back home. It's been 5 years and I'm itching to get there. I like the States and all, but when I leave Europe it feels like I'm putting my life on pause until I go back; and anyone who knows anything about VCR's or TIVO knows that it's not good to leave things on pause too long, haha.

On the other hand, this is a big step for Erin, her first time out of the country and I'm kind of nervous that my adoration/obsession with my homeland may have built her hopes too high. I mean yeah it's a beautiful place in most people's eyes, but is she going to appreciate it as much as I do. It's like sharing your "most favoritest" movie with someone and having them say, "Yeah, it's ok." IT'S OK??!! That's (insert movie title), it's the best movie in the world!

Either way, I'M EXCITED!!!

Adrien

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Erin-Being left to my own devices-never good!

2009-07-13T10:24:00.001-04:00

Okay, so don't get me wrong -- I'm totally and completely ecstatic about our upcoming trip, but I'm finding that as our departure approaches, my nerves are sneaking up on me. It's not the distance or the length of the trip that intimidates me, but the language! Not being proficient in ANY second language is majorly discouraging and I'm mostly afraid that I'll be too dense to pick up enough to feel at least a little independent. It's odd, but I think if we were going for 6 months I'd feel better about it, because hey -- in 6 months of being totally immersed I'm bound to get a pretty solid handle on the language, right? But 6 weeks?! What can I possibly learn in 6 weeks?!

Although I have to say, preparing for this trip is exhilarating to me! I'm nervous about the language thing but I'm so excited that I really don't even care!

What are we at, like 6 weeks? 42 days, actually! I think I'll go stare at my (growing) packing list!

Au revoir!

Erin

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Erin - Preparations, ahoy!

2009-06-24T14:06:00.001-04:00

Wow, so we're only 61 days away, but I'm already making lists of what to bring, how I'm going to configure my suitcase, what to wear on the plane, and which activities I'm going to need to preoccupy myself en route, as Adrien's already warned me he's going to be in a self-induced coma the whole ride over. Can you imagine? I think he's trying to avoid my pestering -- wrap your head around THAT ONE!

Erin

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Erin - Can't Wait

2009-06-18T21:12:00.001-04:00

Erin

TheNakedHippie.com