tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46785748418566152372024-02-18T19:49:07.757-06:00Life in the Bike LaneStarlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-90577286419615543722010-10-23T13:18:00.000-05:002010-10-23T13:18:55.493-05:00Cyclocross Race Weekend<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another busy weekend awaits us. As the end of cyclocross season come towards an end, the number of events has increased exponentially. On the list of events for today, a cyclocross event early in the morning at Terry Hershey Park where Brad would be attending his first sanctioned ride. He's been looking forward to this all week so I wanted to be there to capture some moments for him.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waiting for the fun to begin at the start line. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brad took off with a group of about 20 men and 2 women. When he came back around the bend he was about 10 people from the leader. Jodi and I cheered for him to let him know to push it. As he completed his first lap, I noticed that he had moved up some in the standings and was now around 7th place. From previous races, I know that as long as Brad can keep his pace he will continue to move up in the rank as riders fatigue and drop off. As we waited for him to come back around the bend and rush past us again, I started to wonder why he hadn't come past yet. Waiting....waiting....waiting. Then I see Brad walking his bike back to the start line. Damn.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flat front tire. Needless to say, his race for today was over at the point. He took it well, but I know he was fuming inside and quite upset. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have another race tomorrow up in the Woodlands, so hopefully he'll get some better luck and finish the race strong. </span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-28036137424647524122010-10-17T00:00:00.000-05:002010-10-17T00:00:35.841-05:00Marinated Goat Cheese<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>ith Brad out of town this weekend working at the Bike Around the Bay ride, I decided to take advantage of the empty house and have some friends over for a girls night in. With the help of my friend Keslie, we decided on a theme of "Cupcakes and Cocktails." We threw around various ideas for our shindig such as "Let Them Eat Cake" a Marie Antoinette theme complete with every desert possible and champagne and "Cheerio at the English Pub" with English pub food including fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and beer. We ultimately chose "Cupcakes and Cocktails" because Keslie is an aspiring Martha Stewart with her baking habit and cupcakes are one item she loves to make.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3QTYbkSk__KBMB4uYy0hkiURISRTjswNP_C2qzhMXxveXjvV5LP4T4VFQ_k2zNxPiaBsHUvbHxcBQImKZbJhEcTvl4p2nbtUCobaw-h4Q75QzzEk_DlcfxKwmTEbuzBTQOOD3HOq_EMw/s1600/Cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3QTYbkSk__KBMB4uYy0hkiURISRTjswNP_C2qzhMXxveXjvV5LP4T4VFQ_k2zNxPiaBsHUvbHxcBQImKZbJhEcTvl4p2nbtUCobaw-h4Q75QzzEk_DlcfxKwmTEbuzBTQOOD3HOq_EMw/s640/Cupcakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(I cheated and bought my selection of cupcakes from Crave. I'm not Martha Stewart like Keslie)</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To counteract the sweetness of the cupcakes, I picked a handful of side dishes to snack on. I made a Mexican Pot Sticker, Bruschetta on french baguette, and Marinated Goat Cheese. I decided not to make the baguette this time as I wanted to make sure it came out right so I bought a loaf at the farmers market this morning. I'm still working on my bread making skills, but I promise when I get baguettes figured out I'll show you on here. The marinated goat cheese on baguette was delicious. There is something about goat cheese that I love. It's tangy, smooth, and is wonderful on bread. This appetizer is super easy to make and something that can be easily thrown together if you are in a rush before a get together. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(adapted from <a href="http://umamigirl.com/2010/03/win-win.html">Umami Girl</a>) <span id="goog_1405014895"></span><span id="goog_1405014896"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 log of goat cheese (~8 oz)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup of EVOO</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh thyme springs</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pinch of sea salt and fresh ground pepper</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pinch of red pepper flakes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 clove of garlic, minced</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place goat cheese in a small dish. Pour olive oil over the log and then sprinkle with remaining ingredients. Cover and let rest in refrigerator or at least 1 hour and up to a couple of days. Prior to enjoying, remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow cheese to soften for easy spreading. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Spread onto french baguette or crackers. </span></span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-48970350227044385752010-10-10T12:57:00.001-05:002010-10-10T12:57:58.486-05:00Yetti Cross<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cooler (albeit slight) temperatures of the "fall" in Houston mean the start of cyclocross racing for Brad. This year is Brad's second year to race in the local event called Yetti Cross. Last year the race location was minutes from our place downtown and this year they moved the new location to again minutes from our place out of the city limits. Lucky us! For those unfamiliar with cyclocross, its a racing event which I would describe as a mix of road bike crits with mountain bike terrain. Bikes typically consist of road style bikes, with beefier breaks and tires to handle the ground. Obstacles are part of the course with several where riders have to dismount, jump over some obstacle (tree log, board plank, etc) and remount and continue pushing on. It doesn't look easy....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So for your viewing pleasure, here is my man looking all sorts of fine in his bike gear working hard!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHDm0hrM246-Zw1PV3d5EWQCmQH_BJmIHvupqwekadd3dqggkvkr6QIA4sy-S0VZRfiOmvCCs2McTUawJqulE5ukEAhIUi4NrcqVg0lUkQm9OeAyiXmSfoHPKnmHIKS5d0fg877MXqZdb/s1600/9.22.10+Brad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHDm0hrM246-Zw1PV3d5EWQCmQH_BJmIHvupqwekadd3dqggkvkr6QIA4sy-S0VZRfiOmvCCs2McTUawJqulE5ukEAhIUi4NrcqVg0lUkQm9OeAyiXmSfoHPKnmHIKS5d0fg877MXqZdb/s640/9.22.10+Brad.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our bestest couple friends, Jody and Keslie, even came out to support Brad one Wednesday evening. Don't think look thrilled to be there....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tried out the camera mode on my point and shoot to see if I could get some fun video shots of him jumping an obstacle. Excuse the crazy cheering fiance.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzvrPsSopGnL3vgW5pQjfOqhj8cJfYo0Nj3RWgFm62wQgqd6imE8GowCos7P4GcQmCnV1fo7-ayQ9VxLKojkQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-32485158223398037802010-09-19T19:20:00.000-05:002010-09-19T19:20:12.935-05:00I guess the surprise is on me<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Sunday started with a nice mountain bike ride down Terry Hershey Park to scoop out the new Yetti Cross course for Brad's first race on Wednesday. We needed a relaxing day after celebrating my 30th birthday this week. After all, I'm old now. Afterwards, we jetted to the grocery store since we had nothing left in the fridge. You see, we had a birthday party to participate in later in the day and knew we wouldn't be able to do our normal Sunday evening shopping. Our good friend Maxx was getting older and we needed to make sure he knew it in the best way possible....celebration!! With Maxx's present in tow we headed to his house. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzKjs2a_EuQSvimOZjxw3ayQo7hhzyUviZgC7cnFqKgWpQ_5uWO_VJeek9f3yQEFDN-bibOkR496zimJL7c-7cBmvWbSU_ZnJ58w7Prj3pyjgbBZkunmkccaPvVsYcZNsK322HKvQp5Ck/s1600/Invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzKjs2a_EuQSvimOZjxw3ayQo7hhzyUviZgC7cnFqKgWpQ_5uWO_VJeek9f3yQEFDN-bibOkR496zimJL7c-7cBmvWbSU_ZnJ58w7Prj3pyjgbBZkunmkccaPvVsYcZNsK322HKvQp5Ck/s640/Invite.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrive to the party. There was a bit of confusion....</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7F4ctqHc9cb3BlF47u5K-dMs9m80lt3tIkUqUp0Uc1dcfRRQHi9fQLjMK8PhITghmFNv4emhXQgfcHWkMClRZ_aXpaR22Cn_5DZn8YFsYVDnPq3BJ0ZT-wf0i7Xt-rwmD48r1pj9TiVov/s1600/Entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7F4ctqHc9cb3BlF47u5K-dMs9m80lt3tIkUqUp0Uc1dcfRRQHi9fQLjMK8PhITghmFNv4emhXQgfcHWkMClRZ_aXpaR22Cn_5DZn8YFsYVDnPq3BJ0ZT-wf0i7Xt-rwmD48r1pj9TiVov/s640/Entrance.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wait a minute, you guys aren't friends with Maxx...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6Ev8WjFaoAR0dYnkr-l4jN8aG-KEFQqHR_URv2a8oLzgRDIcPZSY95zB2NaXlO7ACclR6yYDfDOaUx6acAOPpGgYygZpXYajoSH9C34bv5OTe-mlqU2G41RO3j-WlqD3P2_DSM0-Zp1r/s1600/surprise+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6Ev8WjFaoAR0dYnkr-l4jN8aG-KEFQqHR_URv2a8oLzgRDIcPZSY95zB2NaXlO7ACclR6yYDfDOaUx6acAOPpGgYygZpXYajoSH9C34bv5OTe-mlqU2G41RO3j-WlqD3P2_DSM0-Zp1r/s640/surprise+friends.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHoTCWyaEXD57O3xuhiq6Lh1fjidXynMGDuTBjAJn4qovV363gpcDGh3PYuCZHhEQEhATEohMF_HB1pWrAuRHct4SpmDY1CUkstMUQY7Yo-eO_CgicI_VARhRnQkW52iruIw5e7ulDMXT2/s1600/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHoTCWyaEXD57O3xuhiq6Lh1fjidXynMGDuTBjAJn4qovV363gpcDGh3PYuCZHhEQEhATEohMF_HB1pWrAuRHct4SpmDY1CUkstMUQY7Yo-eO_CgicI_VARhRnQkW52iruIw5e7ulDMXT2/s640/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some tears and finger pointing accusations....</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0Ofb_lHJ3gy0wtlutxlBngrrGFFnj40ECk87HtaZ0DbnSme8I-9NAzGFQAppHkdbQyTLqM3sw4XMsYQ1h4CRz_hjOcsioodgZdAykMUkF_z12ExBtJq1GUzMOtZFr4LOPB22j_VKiqeS/s1600/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0Ofb_lHJ3gy0wtlutxlBngrrGFFnj40ECk87HtaZ0DbnSme8I-9NAzGFQAppHkdbQyTLqM3sw4XMsYQ1h4CRz_hjOcsioodgZdAykMUkF_z12ExBtJq1GUzMOtZFr4LOPB22j_VKiqeS/s640/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGFdeRBucEXpNk8u4szIYOrqkQ_VvdtuRI3BtaPq4MS5803QA8RHpwel-rgLWW5OjKXzSNQPkN1rTYhU4JMUH-Yb81f58a8F2QfVZYOsV26Wg-JXxiWjDBmJB9gzdzDQAvy83_5OMD8Q1/s1600/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGFdeRBucEXpNk8u4szIYOrqkQ_VvdtuRI3BtaPq4MS5803QA8RHpwel-rgLWW5OjKXzSNQPkN1rTYhU4JMUH-Yb81f58a8F2QfVZYOsV26Wg-JXxiWjDBmJB9gzdzDQAvy83_5OMD8Q1/s640/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cupcakes found their way into the mix....</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pkslL-I72fy-89xWOIXiAO6-PXNkrOdM2wMitcY5p-YRbqDPlMr3dgZmvVq8zdIPdxAh-4-PplGp857lQLDdmCkwaJxKHjkJG0-DHwwseKuDQXVkCstVtJF0og_ovveM-nGPcujSp4vf/s1600/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pkslL-I72fy-89xWOIXiAO6-PXNkrOdM2wMitcY5p-YRbqDPlMr3dgZmvVq8zdIPdxAh-4-PplGp857lQLDdmCkwaJxKHjkJG0-DHwwseKuDQXVkCstVtJF0og_ovveM-nGPcujSp4vf/s640/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+028.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fake presents were opened...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWsChswkSU0ibjmjMF3vw6uDRkp1dcP_FE6XPbD2LquItLasH0VKj4t7LOJlJ3mZcmc5Ng-jQvoA3_kI8P6FsgQQEo_xOrM5p21yYh-K3m_fH0PWMwqMcuGkWjU-dZsLUlDU7IBAPCQIM/s1600/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWsChswkSU0ibjmjMF3vw6uDRkp1dcP_FE6XPbD2LquItLasH0VKj4t7LOJlJ3mZcmc5Ng-jQvoA3_kI8P6FsgQQEo_xOrM5p21yYh-K3m_fH0PWMwqMcuGkWjU-dZsLUlDU7IBAPCQIM/s640/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bubble wrap became a crowd pleaser....</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtPiNBbaiEVt9WD42iFoBatiq0xGQJ_zURCcv1UHcq51xQtV7zPa7d9bnEwNI6vh_Wg8M2neXT4WN32aGfc0URSBYz-Go_LV3UMGyXfz0ROeE5x8jrRtSQaF9wbimWHl3aV8K5dlDTEqH/s1600/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtPiNBbaiEVt9WD42iFoBatiq0xGQJ_zURCcv1UHcq51xQtV7zPa7d9bnEwNI6vh_Wg8M2neXT4WN32aGfc0URSBYz-Go_LV3UMGyXfz0ROeE5x8jrRtSQaF9wbimWHl3aV8K5dlDTEqH/s640/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+052.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a few drinks....</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0AelSJhCyVE2WWEL7po4DP2FOshE1pPXJYPs0-ljw1fZrLceI39CyH8C7-j0fuB1wa8eX_YEpJ-tahI9FNyKhBXpe9-yHsLx-eG_ugsnnrDm5-3gtLuKTmqDpsk-Kt6gfF0Ow8A7kNiT/s1600/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0AelSJhCyVE2WWEL7po4DP2FOshE1pPXJYPs0-ljw1fZrLceI39CyH8C7-j0fuB1wa8eX_YEpJ-tahI9FNyKhBXpe9-yHsLx-eG_ugsnnrDm5-3gtLuKTmqDpsk-Kt6gfF0Ow8A7kNiT/s640/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+055.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which lead to some rocking out...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXQ2x4a-Ja-8lc1jNM1gA-PlMGAo62GatJHucplGoSpeWoBW35opz6X7ywS7Fx14VdycteVLx1VMW9hsbTcdUMnSls1RBreSqCnwc1uo_FW_-138ZH9RyYoDMvHhXYDgbNpDbuC3daj24/s1600/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXQ2x4a-Ja-8lc1jNM1gA-PlMGAo62GatJHucplGoSpeWoBW35opz6X7ywS7Fx14VdycteVLx1VMW9hsbTcdUMnSls1RBreSqCnwc1uo_FW_-138ZH9RyYoDMvHhXYDgbNpDbuC3daj24/s640/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+057.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brad had a little too much fun and fell onto his knee...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCn8qwbAgwsTM1nP1l2VMjNHUBiEZldqViP6V0I3r-KqrXJBKD4oNhA3NLJHpZlrRHu-H8V2HIWYBlTis10BT4MdEFuNF-jU2NwhjrBZvWzA6zjB5-Tr8UGN5sKfXSA-PcY_njfG49gD9/s1600/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCn8qwbAgwsTM1nP1l2VMjNHUBiEZldqViP6V0I3r-KqrXJBKD4oNhA3NLJHpZlrRHu-H8V2HIWYBlTis10BT4MdEFuNF-jU2NwhjrBZvWzA6zjB5-Tr8UGN5sKfXSA-PcY_njfG49gD9/s640/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+062.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A bit more tears came out....</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAG_45-1OBuzib3_Q-Gt1ve_vmDsY6U6rKTGMRGAkS232bL6tRWNoBLHfAv2I1nhA8DrkqsmWCdo0X5TMOeT37L_heB9QLM32hXX58bkFdhbeBbe_j2LKhI9m67sJdoyATTCjwDL61VB6/s1600/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAG_45-1OBuzib3_Q-Gt1ve_vmDsY6U6rKTGMRGAkS232bL6tRWNoBLHfAv2I1nhA8DrkqsmWCdo0X5TMOeT37L_heB9QLM32hXX58bkFdhbeBbe_j2LKhI9m67sJdoyATTCjwDL61VB6/s640/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+068.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfs5M0zVfWUGdt4rreewTlm2NF9StHXG851CyjwKx1TzzxquzJCK3vkdp2B5DkqMs8c8m_yTpY2DZVX2gJGyrpppRRhZ2UoyppbNmg9V-j6fMVAWOYM7tm18MvBP-CEVgQ6uBkt_tcAO8/s1600/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfs5M0zVfWUGdt4rreewTlm2NF9StHXG851CyjwKx1TzzxquzJCK3vkdp2B5DkqMs8c8m_yTpY2DZVX2gJGyrpppRRhZ2UoyppbNmg9V-j6fMVAWOYM7tm18MvBP-CEVgQ6uBkt_tcAO8/s640/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+076.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Advice was promptly given....</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD671hZXW6puZiBUWAX98SaH39C_d7v3nFftqFuzcg-Pa0nwuWpRkd4P07RzszKwXTMZcnBQm3LEHwdUUAdf-NHKRJK2YKlBg3K-kK2TpMzJNeZ7kHgRMI-kMAPXgle5oKn-7BEghIAv7/s1600/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD671hZXW6puZiBUWAX98SaH39C_d7v3nFftqFuzcg-Pa0nwuWpRkd4P07RzszKwXTMZcnBQm3LEHwdUUAdf-NHKRJK2YKlBg3K-kK2TpMzJNeZ7kHgRMI-kMAPXgle5oKn-7BEghIAv7/s640/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+083.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then everyone smiled and said cheese.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIpbsbI00_Nl9m09UDa8SuFy0Db_OXD09qhyphenhyphenAimqhGTDA_wkFnp_Qmm2ZdvqmOfOQM7Zh4MhMrzOdTlIl-03dCWHWTxy37joJYpJJed__YqLdzIIUcjzi88Xb-2FNhTU7UDsYcFtNTzbR/s1600/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIpbsbI00_Nl9m09UDa8SuFy0Db_OXD09qhyphenhyphenAimqhGTDA_wkFnp_Qmm2ZdvqmOfOQM7Zh4MhMrzOdTlIl-03dCWHWTxy37joJYpJJed__YqLdzIIUcjzi88Xb-2FNhTU7UDsYcFtNTzbR/s640/Starla+%26+Brad+09-12-10+088.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess the surprise was on me. Thank you to Terry and Nancy for capturing all the photos of our special day. </span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-41529593845540484732010-09-08T21:22:00.002-05:002010-09-08T21:30:18.148-05:00The last days of my youth (i.e. I'm turning FREAKING 30!!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the last 364 days I've been dreading what tomorrow is going to bring. Not only will I add another decade onto my life, but I'll be entering a completely different mindset in life. No longer will I be upset if I'm carded buying alcohol, I'll be upset if they don't card me cause I'm obviously way above the legal age. I don't have to eagerly wait to get lower auto insurance premiums cause I'll be looking for my seniors discount soon. Ugh, 10 more years until I have to have mamograms!! It's just depressing thinking about getting older. </span><br />
<div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although the idea of getting older makes me miserable, I thought maybe if I reminded myself of what my 20's brought me it may help prepare me for what my 30's will bring. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Summer of 2000 and 2001</b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b></b>Worked as a counselor at Camp Saginaw in Oxford, PA where I met my best friend, Gemma. My summers were spent helping with swim lessons, comforting home-sick 6-10 year olds, folding endless loads of laundry, and meeting some of the best people I've ever met. My "american" accent was made fun of constantly and I learned way more about vegemite then I ever cared to. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUVXBZwq6VpcgEGqbcl7B3Q-25qxpHfcS8n9e2cbN8Q0n6blYI-jpWQhPvXJ5nF-bkaOi4l3zWdwfyKfDQYGLvfTdets6w1wnbdxC9fKpoyHssAOskRFLp0KkQ9EZ02V57fxlmxJ9gYMJ/s1600/camp021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUVXBZwq6VpcgEGqbcl7B3Q-25qxpHfcS8n9e2cbN8Q0n6blYI-jpWQhPvXJ5nF-bkaOi4l3zWdwfyKfDQYGLvfTdets6w1wnbdxC9fKpoyHssAOskRFLp0KkQ9EZ02V57fxlmxJ9gYMJ/s640/camp021.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>May 2005</b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b></b>Graduated 2nd in my class from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree! That's Dr. Starla to you buddy. Following graduation, I promptly packed up all my stuff and the kitties and moved out to Cincinnati, OH to start my residency at University Hospital. It was scary to move further than a 45 min drive from my parents, but I needed to get my career completed. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeUKSzl8pjgyyvh38iez-_wpOcfhE0BEgoT-KQ7MltYPaBJ1d-1yj-Pd4rUZD3F6Z56jXA1iTa3wUMJR-MbYn-6WGbYQmixn93LrSqq86VEV7nRkG81rfIAFo5jZa8v1X30dNQ2eE3yj5/s1600/CPostHooding+(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeUKSzl8pjgyyvh38iez-_wpOcfhE0BEgoT-KQ7MltYPaBJ1d-1yj-Pd4rUZD3F6Z56jXA1iTa3wUMJR-MbYn-6WGbYQmixn93LrSqq86VEV7nRkG81rfIAFo5jZa8v1X30dNQ2eE3yj5/s640/CPostHooding+(5).jpg" width="608" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmfaxwSTISBKIdxBSawqoGVep1D2Lm7t8-jqus3FCCow0xwoyAXLdZyuJXx7Mi6FYqsglr0TWRADiixxpZKdSHyRCqUZudlrrXf0KXJ_XUEbhoJPP_CZNZfi2dccKhOP0WvPs2QUFlzvF/s1600/CPostHooding+(11).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmfaxwSTISBKIdxBSawqoGVep1D2Lm7t8-jqus3FCCow0xwoyAXLdZyuJXx7Mi6FYqsglr0TWRADiixxpZKdSHyRCqUZudlrrXf0KXJ_XUEbhoJPP_CZNZfi2dccKhOP0WvPs2QUFlzvF/s640/CPostHooding+(11).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>June 2007</b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finished two hellish years of residency in Cincinnati where I specialized in Oncology Pharmacy. Two years filled with accomplishment, progress, satisfaction, sadness, heartbreak, and self-renewal. Although those years brought a large share of all the hurt I've ever felt in my life, I firmly believe that the person I am today was created by my need to be myself and find out who I really am. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpsrPPGIbBogsK6J0i5TuCN1clCeqLhu-Aby9Njgvr7ZuXXUpYScopPb1dzuNW3kNAraiQU1p_cZKvNqFW089wwTMWlR59x3Y3vVXnCEIbpBFA3Onxl9hyphenhyphensNDYi3QV3Q9_f-tRYRBZLL_/s1600/IMG_2370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpsrPPGIbBogsK6J0i5TuCN1clCeqLhu-Aby9Njgvr7ZuXXUpYScopPb1dzuNW3kNAraiQU1p_cZKvNqFW089wwTMWlR59x3Y3vVXnCEIbpBFA3Onxl9hyphenhyphensNDYi3QV3Q9_f-tRYRBZLL_/s640/IMG_2370.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1zE5LBvuKb1HNd4dvII4CBJelObERyfjKo2eo01_SoU56blfrGm2KKQMGC-voTWAGCZUoWyk0MMEHNwTzw4JZC7-7R1ZcqNASYt-lMrm2apq7M2BIszzx7WyzqjboT8pxJUzrmROu6zw/s1600/n511124338_71914_709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1zE5LBvuKb1HNd4dvII4CBJelObERyfjKo2eo01_SoU56blfrGm2KKQMGC-voTWAGCZUoWyk0MMEHNwTzw4JZC7-7R1ZcqNASYt-lMrm2apq7M2BIszzx7WyzqjboT8pxJUzrmROu6zw/s640/n511124338_71914_709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>March 2008</b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Traveled to New York City to meet up with my best friend Gemma and take in the city sights. Gemma flew all the way from England to hang out with me in the Big Apple. As both first-timers we successfully maneuvered around the subway system, saw a broadway musical, saluted the giant lady of the country, and took in the never sleeping city at full force. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqeTXvYqbXyD60mb_h5ifXMqzqNcgufszc4ZqWCNckY5ZMz_pm38ajaPP90aa7-aIfRDhAIpgjGl8dhPJB5gEGt009YT3sCHX0i2m6e01ldAsTfwynt2c6EDl04Wd8oypKWWaJOE8GuAK/s1600/CIMG4300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqeTXvYqbXyD60mb_h5ifXMqzqNcgufszc4ZqWCNckY5ZMz_pm38ajaPP90aa7-aIfRDhAIpgjGl8dhPJB5gEGt009YT3sCHX0i2m6e01ldAsTfwynt2c6EDl04Wd8oypKWWaJOE8GuAK/s640/CIMG4300.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>July 2008</b> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Became a world traveler for the 1st time in my life by getting my passport and flying away to the "one happy island" in the Caribbean. Aruba was my first taste of life outside the states. I traveled the island in a jeep reaching places not reached by most tourist, snorkeled at a sunken ship wreak, and soaked in the tropical sun while drinking fruity drinks on the tranquil beaches. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvxh3_MUaDQJjth-ZOKiUrr9_x6KmYDSFwqUfX4csCFd-2QqiLySP0aypbXY3VWsuvX7PY_GUjpl9qwRcwBKHZL9WjlMX4FqNA0ud3DGRhdnjmnFwl-rCLpqO1W2lHFYiVB7MCspQXCuS/s1600/Year+in+review+divi+divi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvxh3_MUaDQJjth-ZOKiUrr9_x6KmYDSFwqUfX4csCFd-2QqiLySP0aypbXY3VWsuvX7PY_GUjpl9qwRcwBKHZL9WjlMX4FqNA0ud3DGRhdnjmnFwl-rCLpqO1W2lHFYiVB7MCspQXCuS/s640/Year+in+review+divi+divi.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-nTpOkbEoJsCbsbnjKr3wdDs7dmI7i25pLOxQ-OrbBcOsdDJg7gp_i0ZBnZCg7yDUDuMEPk-BtP561sto_iUrdGCS4ZMOsgNPHtSOQJhFYXNIvwgy4G5HBR3VfXN_dgLc7Mj_ZLq86wP/s1600/DSC_0071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-nTpOkbEoJsCbsbnjKr3wdDs7dmI7i25pLOxQ-OrbBcOsdDJg7gp_i0ZBnZCg7yDUDuMEPk-BtP561sto_iUrdGCS4ZMOsgNPHtSOQJhFYXNIvwgy4G5HBR3VfXN_dgLc7Mj_ZLq86wP/s640/DSC_0071.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>November 2009</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Met and fell in love with the man of my dreams. He didn't know it at the time, but I knew by the time this picture was taken at Thanksgiving that he was the one. He's filled my life with adventure, passion, giggles, and most certainly love. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAYB4Lh9Q62BdwS7Mle0cdTAHRZU2AYW-LMpNOf51CJamT5DQj_0vpDLx445f72LjAuG2SGz61WnQBypM-62Kk5U2xgbhVPOmt0rz6OP8DDwDoX4sxkSXx_njJMx2CxuBLNtQIVKTfJJH/s1600/DSCN1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAYB4Lh9Q62BdwS7Mle0cdTAHRZU2AYW-LMpNOf51CJamT5DQj_0vpDLx445f72LjAuG2SGz61WnQBypM-62Kk5U2xgbhVPOmt0rz6OP8DDwDoX4sxkSXx_njJMx2CxuBLNtQIVKTfJJH/s640/DSCN1757.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>January 2009</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Purchased my first bike and started a hobby/lifestyle that will last until I am shriveled and dead or unable to use my legs. Through Brad I found a group of riding friends, the Road Rascals, who lead me in developing my biking skills and pushed me to go further than I dreamed possible. Less than 3 months after getting my bike, I completed my first MS 150 ride from Houston to Austin and stood beside my friends in Austin celebrating our achievement. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mv-iCb8mGaJTJmnjCwjfxzc-PJIlOlutAnOhcLZ36xzjZM0uZouiDgYp2Awqi8nxgidccBUzg_8Ec0upm23Kz7ow9iO35hm8rLpYS4DIQgJJ8OeVFi5zVfciyF6aW8IoiREIuQ-DLxDS/s1600/DSCN4997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mv-iCb8mGaJTJmnjCwjfxzc-PJIlOlutAnOhcLZ36xzjZM0uZouiDgYp2Awqi8nxgidccBUzg_8Ec0upm23Kz7ow9iO35hm8rLpYS4DIQgJJ8OeVFi5zVfciyF6aW8IoiREIuQ-DLxDS/s640/DSCN4997.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_QJVV0bR8HGNymzJvy35E7Oysb9USh-_fQpeggI_b4pMNwv19lJn7hlruIRX9Cbg_Xl5penU5aX6zV4s3c6s8xaBlqYZjpm95wmmvXmSN5ePd1TqXTZfkuf4gFNi0sxoi8byGitca4Ua/s1600/DSC_3094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_QJVV0bR8HGNymzJvy35E7Oysb9USh-_fQpeggI_b4pMNwv19lJn7hlruIRX9Cbg_Xl5penU5aX6zV4s3c6s8xaBlqYZjpm95wmmvXmSN5ePd1TqXTZfkuf4gFNi0sxoi8byGitca4Ua/s640/DSC_3094.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>February 2009</b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shredded for the first time in my life at Winter Park in Colorado. Despite having wicked altitude sickness from going from sea level to 10,700 feet in a matter of a few hours, Brad and I managed to ride bikes down the mountain in the dark guided only by head lamps, snowboard for 2 days, injure my wrist, and drive the jeep in crazy blowing snow. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8vgYpkoaZaOxiMazZstmaUqYAP6d580yg4gNxY0tDtXZnMf94QamtPg4FXHxBJ4gWkB73LdZJhC2uQiGINZOapEcPCxlHwqMVSVZ-vD7PHbAAsmH6B47mqukUoTKou64SS_r9pwcuiZ-/s1600/Year+in+review+shredding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8vgYpkoaZaOxiMazZstmaUqYAP6d580yg4gNxY0tDtXZnMf94QamtPg4FXHxBJ4gWkB73LdZJhC2uQiGINZOapEcPCxlHwqMVSVZ-vD7PHbAAsmH6B47mqukUoTKou64SS_r9pwcuiZ-/s640/Year+in+review+shredding.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOcYmeNBVU2IgKPmxuekl2Lhc_4pT9Z-AaZ0soI_h2UY5wCAZDK9i4Iwj_fXVr63jiUMsh8jWgoL6uQrrRm7A1u9txup7s3I1MnUndm90OCJUEliUq5uP30VPP-bDQuclgXxeKwXwbseZ/s1600/Picture+704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOcYmeNBVU2IgKPmxuekl2Lhc_4pT9Z-AaZ0soI_h2UY5wCAZDK9i4Iwj_fXVr63jiUMsh8jWgoL6uQrrRm7A1u9txup7s3I1MnUndm90OCJUEliUq5uP30VPP-bDQuclgXxeKwXwbseZ/s640/Picture+704.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>April 11, 2010</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I lost a part of my heart and soul on this day. The man of my life, my father, was taken away from us this day. My heart aches still so much and I miss him more than words can describe. I miss everything about him and everything that was to come, walking me down the aisle "one of these days" and having grandchildren that he can love. More than anything, I miss my father for making me laugh and inspiring a rivalry passion that noone can ever compete with. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXCMz1oP2IIbtvfWFj4Ud5ymNF9Wow8U90HFk2ASDSqptdryQXJaokMAYrRi3jLDVoYWW-cjZU0CaAqdWF2tQHqOnJ7vBBTAPcNF-ZIgy2lxAa6EjAGTp08kMAfQT1ijU3wlrIxpCrxf4/s1600/Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXCMz1oP2IIbtvfWFj4Ud5ymNF9Wow8U90HFk2ASDSqptdryQXJaokMAYrRi3jLDVoYWW-cjZU0CaAqdWF2tQHqOnJ7vBBTAPcNF-ZIgy2lxAa6EjAGTp08kMAfQT1ijU3wlrIxpCrxf4/s640/Dad.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhlCnQ6hDBG8TgmKAC2f1Po6bRsZbUi7TPQEk2yZQE13eeAbeEJtNN-C2Xy0HYGcrjB-9SWGsyPtOaZ8LXnAvmE06KVP9d845IUhYVDltWVEPswzsdkt_1wJaubK5UzV-gPFafgK3RrDI/s1600/Dad+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhlCnQ6hDBG8TgmKAC2f1Po6bRsZbUi7TPQEk2yZQE13eeAbeEJtNN-C2Xy0HYGcrjB-9SWGsyPtOaZ8LXnAvmE06KVP9d845IUhYVDltWVEPswzsdkt_1wJaubK5UzV-gPFafgK3RrDI/s640/Dad+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>May 2010</b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stretched my wings a little further and ventured over to Europe for a trip of a lifetime. Brad and I flew into London to spend time with my best friend, Gemma, then hopped on the Eurorail to the city of love, Paris. From Paris we traveled further south to the Cote d' Azure in Nice, France. Here we logged our most epic bike ride ever, we climbed to the top of the Col de Madone (975 m or ~3500 ft in 9 miles). </span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-34048022953008632002010-09-06T18:38:00.000-05:002010-09-06T18:38:52.366-05:00The fruits of labor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR85noi87PEscJbpCFyzwnF_9jnJpd1wV3g_xPKfoZEpXO7DWgiiNfZTXDvClJ0_5Ul0_KNkloL59rHkxbDiiDxQVDqcnG_Sf7GigGt2kiZgBYcXkpCenmb-nZ3vPJmlS3GfEzR7JkeKA0/s1600/Fruits+of+labor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR85noi87PEscJbpCFyzwnF_9jnJpd1wV3g_xPKfoZEpXO7DWgiiNfZTXDvClJ0_5Ul0_KNkloL59rHkxbDiiDxQVDqcnG_Sf7GigGt2kiZgBYcXkpCenmb-nZ3vPJmlS3GfEzR7JkeKA0/s640/Fruits+of+labor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh baked french bagette + a dollop of goat cheese + <a href="http://starleej.blogspot.com/2010/09/slow-roasted-tomatoes.html">slow roasted tomatoes</a> = heaven</span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-84872024236868918302010-09-06T15:59:00.000-05:002010-09-06T15:59:32.953-05:00Slow Roasted Tomatoes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's nearing the end of the summer and sure enough the farmers markets and stores are full of fresh fruit and vegetables. One item that I see an abundance of but have never been able to fully enjoy each season is tomatoes. Other than in pico or salsa, tomatoes have not become an integral part of my cooking, likely due to taste issues from both of us. I've really wanted to find a way to love tomatoes like I do the other vegetables I eat on a consistent basis because of the additional nutrients it would add. In my endless food blog stalking, I found a recipe for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://pinchmysalt.com/2009/09/22/smitten-with-slow-roasted-cherry-tomatoes/">slow roasted tomatoes</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> at Pinch My Salt that looked tempting. I wondered if Brad would even give it a try since he's a tomato hater. So on the night we invited our friends Keslie and Jody over for dinner I decided to give it a try, since I knew that Keslie would eat anything related to tomatoes. </span><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's just say....there was none left over by the end of the night. Brad and Jody, both veggie haters even enjoyed them. As Brad said, they taste like marinara sauce. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This recipe is incredibly easy and most people probably already have the ingredients in their cabinets. First get as many tomatoes as you desire. I figure if I'm going to be keeping the oven on for quite a few hours, I might as well make up a huge batch. You can store them for later, the ones you don't devour after they are finished baking, by placing them in a container with some olive oil and placing in the fridge. You can also freeze them in plastic bags for several months as well, if they last that long. As far which tomatoes to use, just about any will do. I've used small cherry, grape, or pear tomatoes because they are a bit sweeter and take less time to roast, but Roma tomatoes will also work. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After washing the tomatoes and slicing them in half, lay them cut side up on a cooking pan lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil and season with a bit of corse kosher salt. For the additional seasonings, any Italian type of herb will work (thyme, oregano, rosemary, fennel seed, and marjoram). For the latest batch I made, I mixed even amounts of thyme and oregano, and added a little bit of marjoram and dried rosemary. It's best, especially if you use fennel seeds, to grind them up to a fine powder with either a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. Since I had neither, I opted to not use fennel seeds, and just used my dried herbs. Sprinkle the herb mixture on top of all the tomatoes and make sure everything is coated evenly. Throw some unpeeled garlic cloves on the pan as well. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghP0N8zPy6tPtRpfo1s5xAntIhgstBwbXg79geb-MxzfdoZ3fajMPIlDIOJ-6mhjm4wuZ3IN_Ck-Uxn1_kYgMPcDj8dAAPTXgjt68jCaD7C27ufBRAPBe6jX-W3xNtz4xXrF2vhVv0u_26/s1600/Slow+Roasted+Tomatoes+Prepped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghP0N8zPy6tPtRpfo1s5xAntIhgstBwbXg79geb-MxzfdoZ3fajMPIlDIOJ-6mhjm4wuZ3IN_Ck-Uxn1_kYgMPcDj8dAAPTXgjt68jCaD7C27ufBRAPBe6jX-W3xNtz4xXrF2vhVv0u_26/s640/Slow+Roasted+Tomatoes+Prepped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heat the oven to 225 degrees and cook for 3-4 hours. Enjoy the lovely smells throughout your entire house while they cook. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tomatoes. When I've used cherry tomatoes, between 3-4 hours worked great. Just watch them starting early in the cooking time. They are done when they are shriveled but still have a bit of moisture left. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHde4NH2qtSZy0LpqOTg6Xso_Xj-IAzwDaI7VT1LRJ9G8fRovpf87l_HWUxeSsrUsBlSTnTy8vwKjCJz89Q-N8DkyNtjSFdFNm0XXUq193LBQwPzoMUVbcyWghUXM5a8BYlXTp2B9ytaL/s1600/Slow+Roasted+Tomatoes+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHde4NH2qtSZy0LpqOTg6Xso_Xj-IAzwDaI7VT1LRJ9G8fRovpf87l_HWUxeSsrUsBlSTnTy8vwKjCJz89Q-N8DkyNtjSFdFNm0XXUq193LBQwPzoMUVbcyWghUXM5a8BYlXTp2B9ytaL/s640/Slow+Roasted+Tomatoes+finished.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I'd love to eat them all up right now, I need to keep some of these for future hungry times. I used a canning jar, filled it with tomatoes, place a few garlic cloves in there, added some olive oil and store it in the fridge. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes </span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(adapted from </span></span><a href="http://pinchmysalt.com/2009/09/22/smitten-with-slow-roasted-cherry-tomatoes/" style="color: #ba020e; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Slow Roasted Tomatoes from Smitten Kitchen"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Pinch My Salt</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">)</span></span></div><div style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Cherry, grape or pear tomatoes (or whatever tomatoes you like)<br />
Garlic cloves, unpeeled<br />
Olive oil<br />
Kosher salt<br />
Combination of dried Italian herbs (such as fennel, oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)</span></span></div><div style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- Cut enough tomatoes to fill the sheet pan (about 2 small baskets should do the trick) and place them cut-side up on the parchment paper. Scatter a handful of unpeeled garlic cloves throughout the tomatoes. Preheat oven to 225 degrees.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- Drizzle olive oil all over the tomatoes and garlic, then sprinkle lightly with kosher salt.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- Mix together some dried Italian herbs and grind the herbs into a powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle then sprinkle evenly over the tomatoes. You can also omit grinding the herbs if you aren't using fennel seeds.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">- Bake at 225 degrees for 3-4 hours, or until they have shriveled but still contain a bit of moisture inside. The time will depend on the size of your tomatoes, so start checking early.</span></div><div style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- Let cool and eat immediately or store in a covered container with a bit of olive oil in the refrigerator. </span></span></div><div style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Here are some other slow-roasted tomatoes recipes from different food bloggers:</span></span></div><div style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="http://kalynskitchen.blogspot.com/2006/08/how-to-make-slow-roasted-tomatoes.html">Slow-Roasted Tomatoes</a> at Kalyn's Kitchen</span></span></div><div style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/08/slow-roasted-tomatoes/">Slow Roasted Tomatoes</a></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">at Smitten Kitchen</span></span></div></span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-31281351369026458062010-06-26T19:59:00.000-05:002010-06-26T19:59:34.750-05:00Nice - Day 8, 9 and 10<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another early day awoke us as we started the final stretch in our European journey. We carefully packed up all our belongings (although we realized we forgot a crucial item at the hotel) and hauled everything to the dreaded subway steps. A short metro ride took us to Gare Lyon where our train to Nice awaited us. We boarded our train and took our seats on the top level. The train ride was rather uneventful and we didn't understand a single message announced over the intercom. Before we hit the Southern part of France we zoomed along the countryside at nearly 200 mph! At the last stop, we departed the train and stood on the platform in Nice, France. This first thing I noticed, finally some warm weather and sun. Since our hotel was just down the street, we decided to walk the 10 blocks down to it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our hotel was only 4 blocks from the beach and Old Town Nice. That's the only positive I can say about the hotel. I'll leave it at that, as I've already left a horrible review on several travel and hotel websites. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the hotel, we headed to the best place in Nice, the beach. The Cote d'Azur truly describes the scenery around you; beautiful blue ocean along miles of beaches, winding in and out along the coastline. From the beaches the land quickly elevates up into the French Alps with tree covered tops. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, Brad always loves a good photo with his favorite thing in it.....bikes. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfd5PsAA14ZHJDrRYWU9-8LkAagwqf9SGAKRyYs5HQ09f5yboF4iWhKjdHW8xACp0KLEB7G8u1C5Bwxf4QPTJvNp7lQpK-nSIlyKlWU2GjjVUFNBa0oHsGSqrAjyqKul0Ie6Tg43XthW4v/s1600/DSCN0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfd5PsAA14ZHJDrRYWU9-8LkAagwqf9SGAKRyYs5HQ09f5yboF4iWhKjdHW8xACp0KLEB7G8u1C5Bwxf4QPTJvNp7lQpK-nSIlyKlWU2GjjVUFNBa0oHsGSqrAjyqKul0Ie6Tg43XthW4v/s640/DSCN0105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We walked along the coastline for about an hour and then found ourselves in Old Town Nice. This area had tons of restaurants, small markets, bakeries, stores, etc. Exactly how you'd imagine a small French City. We searched for a suitable place to eat, still intimidated to try out a full french restaurant again. To our surprise, and joy, we found an English Pub called Wayne's Bar. The entire staff was British, they served both British and French Food, and had great drink specials every single night! Needless to say, we ate there 2 nights in a row. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day we explored the city further, diving into Old Town to explore the shops. I love to buy Authentic items when I travel so I was looking for something not touristy to purchase. I ended up buying a hand painted oil bottle that was full of color and will make me think of Nice any time I use it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the 10th day of our trip, our plan was to take on the biggest part of our adventure, our own Epic Bike Ride. However, we arrived at the bike rental shop only to find out our pre-rented bikes were still at another shop and wouldn't be there until 2 pm or we could drive to the other shop to get them. With the skies darkening up and looking at the promise of rain, we asked if we could pick the bikes up in the evening and have them for the next day instead. I'm glad we did, otherwise we would have been really miserable in the rain in addition to the misery we would soon face. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay tuned for Brad's guest blogger post about our Epic Bike Ride. My only comment about day 11 will be OUCH!!!!</span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-51236364308482597202010-05-30T22:54:00.000-05:002010-05-30T22:54:00.475-05:00Paris - Day 7<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our last full day in Paris was spent catching up on a bit of sleep and seeing everything we hadn't seen yet. Since the sun was out shining in blue skies we headed first to the most famous monument in Paris, the Eiffel Tower.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFAXL2cZ7J_VVtuOXR6hSETZhHRs75IqL4hK7pfH5oBwXoO33x0l_E9uDCmun2Xr7izWl3Te_FPzfzIJu8qutjdyFnEbr8RWwLlCAvfO84a8RcTi05JvFPrzc-J9bLI-UMmmUPh-_Zg1E/s1600/Eiffel+Tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFAXL2cZ7J_VVtuOXR6hSETZhHRs75IqL4hK7pfH5oBwXoO33x0l_E9uDCmun2Xr7izWl3Te_FPzfzIJu8qutjdyFnEbr8RWwLlCAvfO84a8RcTi05JvFPrzc-J9bLI-UMmmUPh-_Zg1E/s640/Eiffel+Tower.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We made it to the tower in the late morning, after a feeble attempt to get up early was quickly defeated by the desire to lie in bed until 10 am. We expected long lines since it was the weekend and a beautiful day outside, but we were met with a nice surprise of short lines. Maybe it was because the signs said that the top level was "temporarily" closed and that we could only go up to level 2. We weren't thrilled about the notion of not going to the top, but we were satisfied with what we could do. About 40 minutes later, we cramped ourselves into an elevator and rode up to the 2nd level. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The views were spectacular and you could discern different landmarks around Paris. Jardins du Trocadero.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkgBatfn_8xIvKV5WTb9vs-sP6GnP1N0SDr_8168wHm7mifSWpZ80h7NgbQagUb7lVi97W0EX_ObCjTlXh6KLqY3HWtcSF4q2QPCY8A8R21rsgObOdeSKnyR42W2wk7tUMZBJAXx2Wlvy/s1600/Eiffel+tower+view+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkgBatfn_8xIvKV5WTb9vs-sP6GnP1N0SDr_8168wHm7mifSWpZ80h7NgbQagUb7lVi97W0EX_ObCjTlXh6KLqY3HWtcSF4q2QPCY8A8R21rsgObOdeSKnyR42W2wk7tUMZBJAXx2Wlvy/s640/Eiffel+tower+view+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arc de Triomphe</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-twXrYVIYhHrbQIsYeembwAXh1Y2eIp-rh532rJb-bfNMCsfLKNCDXl7NX2_Ga2XcnVyDmxUPpC1Ecy1btAMYhozS0byhP2v6jVkFinS72XMEPYFlbLRCms_XLq7nkulU-IVlh-DBAJqR/s1600/Eiffel+Arc+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-twXrYVIYhHrbQIsYeembwAXh1Y2eIp-rh532rJb-bfNMCsfLKNCDXl7NX2_Ga2XcnVyDmxUPpC1Ecy1btAMYhozS0byhP2v6jVkFinS72XMEPYFlbLRCms_XLq7nkulU-IVlh-DBAJqR/s640/Eiffel+Arc+view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However wonderful the views were, we hadn't satisfied our desire for height and that feeling of being on top of the world. So, next time you go to the Eiffel tower, don't believe the signs at the bottom saying the top is closed. If you make it to the 2nd level, they let you buy tickets to the top there and the line was super quick (<5 minutes). So after another short ride in a cramped elevator, we made it to the highest point in Paris. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking down the Seine River. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View of the Parc du Champ de Mars</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My boy!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7xqLePBaMu2SB1P5g3bzTjOyGt8W250SFw_3u5zfB0Qmg3HBSFjXiBb8shX_OaDK52gjIApDfafezzBwz8uxvk56iosnOWboyYCBGgYnyfrbjuPqQ9jJ4mCmul04LGYMtY6eLlwPeKkp/s1600/Eiffel+Brad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7xqLePBaMu2SB1P5g3bzTjOyGt8W250SFw_3u5zfB0Qmg3HBSFjXiBb8shX_OaDK52gjIApDfafezzBwz8uxvk56iosnOWboyYCBGgYnyfrbjuPqQ9jJ4mCmul04LGYMtY6eLlwPeKkp/s640/Eiffel+Brad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a cute couple!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoaBrhjK37qQsXyHsKidQCcYQJVZLMUnBR9OjPJonr8R3Sj7b52ms5JrQAf_g89dFmMZZPjkIDqTFSggEj6c331970qxjdgDCqUMPzXDkUbquLPLzlHzwIjC0b8gg330KbyS77wbArmB-/s1600/Eiffel+couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoaBrhjK37qQsXyHsKidQCcYQJVZLMUnBR9OjPJonr8R3Sj7b52ms5JrQAf_g89dFmMZZPjkIDqTFSggEj6c331970qxjdgDCqUMPzXDkUbquLPLzlHzwIjC0b8gg330KbyS77wbArmB-/s640/Eiffel+couple.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the coolness and heights had gotten to us, we headed back down to the bottom to fight through the hundreds of Nigerians selling Eiffel Tower souvenirs on keychains. I'm not sure they understand that when I say "no" to the person standing next to them asking me to buy, that I'm not going to say "yes" to them 3 seconds later! We managed to find a spot to get some pretty awesome shots of the Tower from below. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTtQGPsYwv6ONh-VNJ-WLySMzS1iCpd1uhYbnQBURBC4CTb2H8r-5-RI4bYG0dDn9pw-76mgpGDltZes42EHp0-yBJbRDj_bx3bF89tdR36w948tLkA8odYUFsq_6UjTzvfyVethagY1y/s1600/Eiffel+Tower+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTtQGPsYwv6ONh-VNJ-WLySMzS1iCpd1uhYbnQBURBC4CTb2H8r-5-RI4bYG0dDn9pw-76mgpGDltZes42EHp0-yBJbRDj_bx3bF89tdR36w948tLkA8odYUFsq_6UjTzvfyVethagY1y/s640/Eiffel+Tower+2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the Eiffel Tower we headed to the other most famous spot in Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtBrrky9V_01UXDVJyAgbuW6eYHv_Rpi4Skgf32nHzKQ_u89ajrGBHiI3Y-VuRsNcU_1h0nz_g4_4wt4NO_z41bgDK-PTrkQbXbSGgW22nu_-XezqQn667bT46jqXQVA18hQcVmTpUinG/s1600/Notre+Dame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtBrrky9V_01UXDVJyAgbuW6eYHv_Rpi4Skgf32nHzKQ_u89ajrGBHiI3Y-VuRsNcU_1h0nz_g4_4wt4NO_z41bgDK-PTrkQbXbSGgW22nu_-XezqQn667bT46jqXQVA18hQcVmTpUinG/s640/Notre+Dame.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUmuWyy3qPoFk3kgT9lO8i7ju763lLTw7Jr8QATmPHFuQiwH9nXRVYQ_Inay80hFR4Paqm37CTNcpUHrTs9b9m2w0RN7H-i6jMm_gTqz4DNlwp0-WYa-fCMyy3nfXDlsvl7lu1yGUi7zt/s1600/Notre+Dame+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUmuWyy3qPoFk3kgT9lO8i7ju763lLTw7Jr8QATmPHFuQiwH9nXRVYQ_Inay80hFR4Paqm37CTNcpUHrTs9b9m2w0RN7H-i6jMm_gTqz4DNlwp0-WYa-fCMyy3nfXDlsvl7lu1yGUi7zt/s640/Notre+Dame+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this completed our trip to Paris. The next morning started our last leg of the trip, Nice, France!! Stay tuned for more!</span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-59901323260240714502010-05-27T18:25:00.000-05:002010-05-27T18:25:49.637-05:00Paris - Day 6<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, I must apologize for the length between posts. While we were in Nice, the internet was spotty at best and I couldn't get a reliable signal to upload photos on here. Now, that we are home, I can finally finish our story of our adventures in Europe!</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 6 was another early morning start for us as we were once again headed to the metro to spend the day with royalty. We easily got on the RER C line and took it westward to the last stop, Versailles. After a quick 10 minute walk off the train, and a stop at the tourist information shop to buy tickets without the lines, we descended down the street to the famous palace of France, Chateau de Versailles.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFTMR6Cv1H_pnIPEMNnQIwlLWkfgYLUU6PPHj4AUr_i88SaDsERULmlm0oUtopMd72eP29AH-TsmFoPASxSq9RwDin7Oabwkfa0D2fiWzbYSvB8QTj3-ZWZAAMATH1MiWsoFqZcmA8sUr/s1600/Versailles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFTMR6Cv1H_pnIPEMNnQIwlLWkfgYLUU6PPHj4AUr_i88SaDsERULmlm0oUtopMd72eP29AH-TsmFoPASxSq9RwDin7Oabwkfa0D2fiWzbYSvB8QTj3-ZWZAAMATH1MiWsoFqZcmA8sUr/s640/Versailles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This palace was completed in 1682 by Louis XIV following his desire to move his court and government from Paris to the countryside. He believed that by moving the seat of government from Paris, he would have greater control on the country and distance himself from nobility in Paris. Following completion, only 3 French kings (Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI) resided here until the French Revolution in 1789. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upon arriving to the entrance to the Chateau, we thought we'd have a shorter wait due to having tickets in hand, but alas we still had to wait in a very long line to go through security! Luckily, it moved fairly quickly and we only stood outside for 20 minutes. We received our audio tours and were off to battle the crowds inside. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our first glimpse of the wealth of this palace was in the Royal Chapel. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTjO0lOb7nI9GIMchUpe0x5Z1ZdvH_u4k-GaG-0aHySnph4fn0FB-S5QOz1-21pEvB5e-hgw-DJvDlJFmkuyLOxMoldhX-J5vooEBcaa3L8deQJi8YL3aMXf0GJFqlMgGz9vZbl2aYQ4j/s1600/Versailles+chapel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTjO0lOb7nI9GIMchUpe0x5Z1ZdvH_u4k-GaG-0aHySnph4fn0FB-S5QOz1-21pEvB5e-hgw-DJvDlJFmkuyLOxMoldhX-J5vooEBcaa3L8deQJi8YL3aMXf0GJFqlMgGz9vZbl2aYQ4j/s640/Versailles+chapel.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This chapel was used for daily mass, weddings, baptisms, and special ceremonies. Although you can't tell from this photo, the ceiling is covered in paintings depicting how the french monarchy believed they were chosen by God and through coronation became his "lieutenant" on Earth. The King sat on the second level gallery directly opposite the alter as to be above the public in the nave. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From here we went through the history of France galleries, which was filled with various paintings of Kings and Queens of France, battles, and buildings. We then traveled upstairs to the King's State Apartments which consists of 7 drawing rooms each designed and dedicated to the planets gravitating around Apollo, the sun God (which was Louis XIV's emblem). The rooms were fantastic, but extremely crowded and difficult to get any photos as they were often dimly lit to preserve the paintings and furniture. From here you enter the most recognizable room in Versailles, the Hall of Mirrors. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvMJmqf5KgRrojjZbzWiVKbWKXtNj_ohRxivlJeyUdFhGFxAjus_TyDEGLNG6LWRoQQ5tgD1w9eMY7OLnDg5Etz6udb5FZalzGaRSu9AXf7GviaAIGKPx3VR_jIyUMTLs2OElVrB-cZ44/s1600/Versailles+Hall+of+Mirrors+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvMJmqf5KgRrojjZbzWiVKbWKXtNj_ohRxivlJeyUdFhGFxAjus_TyDEGLNG6LWRoQQ5tgD1w9eMY7OLnDg5Etz6udb5FZalzGaRSu9AXf7GviaAIGKPx3VR_jIyUMTLs2OElVrB-cZ44/s640/Versailles+Hall+of+Mirrors+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLO_sNb1wmELkakiK1XAgsl3SsZjRVjkJc4w1jyJCAnVRMCsK9ioP5u3zjIdAklMdiqIqkMMDffXvXQDiDamf0Io-Q1Gfzee69MteELoxQWiEpBcl1AccPugHR55oP9jwZ5fm6w3PL7tF/s1600/Versailles+Hall+of+Mirrors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLO_sNb1wmELkakiK1XAgsl3SsZjRVjkJc4w1jyJCAnVRMCsK9ioP5u3zjIdAklMdiqIqkMMDffXvXQDiDamf0Io-Q1Gfzee69MteELoxQWiEpBcl1AccPugHR55oP9jwZ5fm6w3PL7tF/s640/Versailles+Hall+of+Mirrors.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hall of Mirrors is very long room which is covered in mirrors on one side and huge windows facing the gardens on the other. This great hall was used for receptions, royal weddings, and ambassadorial presentations. The grandeur of this room is truly hard to appreciate with hundreds of tourist crowding the room, but you can get a good idea from the pictures. By far, this was the best room in the palace to visit. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Directly off the Hall of Mirrors is the entryway to the King's Chamber. Louis XIV moved his bedchamber here to face the rising sun. If you look at the first photo of the front of Versailles, the 3 arched windows in the center on the 2nd floor, are the windows to this room and faced directly east. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEcZWAbnBh_rO1_t3N2TdzWZdd-m_wPgJiyWaD3CM-bgmCqKZOCnRVsLsvU6McRyK3-CLNQgiO6W6kPzyTtqqWGYumaeyYVlSIxa2p1Fzdi_Z3WuhA_gksq52L2ZgpjTUo2GdkYxOSlh1/s1600/Versailles+King%27s+bedchamber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEcZWAbnBh_rO1_t3N2TdzWZdd-m_wPgJiyWaD3CM-bgmCqKZOCnRVsLsvU6McRyK3-CLNQgiO6W6kPzyTtqqWGYumaeyYVlSIxa2p1Fzdi_Z3WuhA_gksq52L2ZgpjTUo2GdkYxOSlh1/s640/Versailles+King%27s+bedchamber.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Directly off of the Hall of Mirrors, is the Queen's Apartments, which consists of 4 rooms, including her bedchamber. Each queen who occupied these rooms made small changes to the decor, however the rooms are preserved with it's last occupants style, Queen Marie-Antoinette. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6sBCP3bbHqxE7RwDEN5qJxuOyU6QMCuwjJwDQrivCZptWrZFYDgfuJR1X58hKBKBcYHwobFZ6PrH1gAJLC-lWKR0jTAR9DAOIeUUCzgtQsB8S0CjCw0fuUcCkWEBcqI2j5cqapHvbNwE/s1600/Versailles+Queen%27s+bedchamber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6sBCP3bbHqxE7RwDEN5qJxuOyU6QMCuwjJwDQrivCZptWrZFYDgfuJR1X58hKBKBcYHwobFZ6PrH1gAJLC-lWKR0jTAR9DAOIeUUCzgtQsB8S0CjCw0fuUcCkWEBcqI2j5cqapHvbNwE/s640/Versailles+Queen%27s+bedchamber.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was in this bed, that 19 children of France were born (in full public display!) And the most famous French Queen, Marie-Antoinette. Let Them Eat Cake!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRAA8uNg8dsoGDwDAFNepNDSWtFpZBEdNSV9UtjvhSoo5xp2uVBrjD3EqbuMvWYJrpAinbnXMEj38c8oPlvg4n4brEKAnCU2okyTB9GkC5-l833yi67Q-b7LRMqEv1w2fo2qsru5MCdyU/s1600/Marie-Antoinette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRAA8uNg8dsoGDwDAFNepNDSWtFpZBEdNSV9UtjvhSoo5xp2uVBrjD3EqbuMvWYJrpAinbnXMEj38c8oPlvg4n4brEKAnCU2okyTB9GkC5-l833yi67Q-b7LRMqEv1w2fo2qsru5MCdyU/s640/Marie-Antoinette.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After taking in the beauty of the interior of Versailles, we then ventured out to perhaps the most beautiful part of the palace, the surrounding gardens. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKnKRsH0ZdXhN_XBtRSpcGj6DLYAHQ0V8-ZTpnAtIcihIhTEV8wPMZZG2lHhelqAWjm_2dhyJIRODtKztvimEicxTJARPbxv4BcZ2HBnRzIrBoUEFi8U6fmKJryKmfH3e0NBW5XNmq5sB/s1600/Versailles+Gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKnKRsH0ZdXhN_XBtRSpcGj6DLYAHQ0V8-ZTpnAtIcihIhTEV8wPMZZG2lHhelqAWjm_2dhyJIRODtKztvimEicxTJARPbxv4BcZ2HBnRzIrBoUEFi8U6fmKJryKmfH3e0NBW5XNmq5sB/s640/Versailles+Gardens.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your first impression after walking out of the chateau is how vast the gardens is. From here, you can barely see the very end of the grounds. On weekends, the fountains are turned are turned on for brief periods throughout the day. By the time we made it to the grounds, the first period had passed and we had several hours before the next display started. So instead of walking around and seeing the nearly 50 fountains, we ventured over to see the Grand and Petit Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet. It was nearly a 30 minute walk to get to this area on the grounds, but well worth the exercise. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Grand Trianon was originally constructed to allow Louis XIV to leave the pomp of court life and retire to a more comfortable lifestyle with his mistress. Napoleon Bonaparte also restored the palace during his rule and stayed here often with his wife. The palace is made of pink marble and has additional gardens surrounding it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgMg8rjx-HWXdeSEvS2ZyuG8EoGz1xiwU_G5Hv65yQ7UcGvUC8cVZpiP2OWBKXexLH5TCDy93pSKveoUTG-6UE7kDcXVk2jfYQxySqIncJkrZUqhV-DY7hcuUYqz8BjC0M56qx35DUA5S/s1600/Versaillies+Grand+Trianon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgMg8rjx-HWXdeSEvS2ZyuG8EoGz1xiwU_G5Hv65yQ7UcGvUC8cVZpiP2OWBKXexLH5TCDy93pSKveoUTG-6UE7kDcXVk2jfYQxySqIncJkrZUqhV-DY7hcuUYqz8BjC0M56qx35DUA5S/s640/Versaillies+Grand+Trianon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">King Louis XIV's bedchamber, although revamped by the wife of Napoleon, still contains some of the original decor in the columns and paneling. Most of the furniture in the room was removed during the Revolution. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguL8yQ-IOXNyQFcgvRGULUNWWN6Ne1bQFfM2I2dyvQv2zAigOiwlChSQGy7b6bsVPcLQw9nSju9IWlCcm3pocKfiVKhpTTc1T7sjlHzviwKV1KaGPPnFgVh25M1FzwmzBX4IVrJxGNMVTt/s1600/Versailles+Grand+Trianon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguL8yQ-IOXNyQFcgvRGULUNWWN6Ne1bQFfM2I2dyvQv2zAigOiwlChSQGy7b6bsVPcLQw9nSju9IWlCcm3pocKfiVKhpTTc1T7sjlHzviwKV1KaGPPnFgVh25M1FzwmzBX4IVrJxGNMVTt/s640/Versailles+Grand+Trianon.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the Grand Trianon, a short walk takes you over to the Petit Trianon, best known as Queen Marie-Antoinette's private residence. This is the only place in Versailles were the Queen was able to design her surroundings according to her personal taste, after she obtained the grounds as a gift from her husband, Louis XVI. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU9K6GMvEYUGH1qVdC0HT4rxWL1arssO0OpV-nGaRxM97L8_x2trUzV4KSaD11yx6YOFOXG4ITJcgEgM7Hucvhafvbvi7wuYm5T_FYsAlOzbo6NeH_vWM2DmsFddJzbSCuxT-Odh_LXEt/s1600/Versailles+Petit+Trianon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU9K6GMvEYUGH1qVdC0HT4rxWL1arssO0OpV-nGaRxM97L8_x2trUzV4KSaD11yx6YOFOXG4ITJcgEgM7Hucvhafvbvi7wuYm5T_FYsAlOzbo6NeH_vWM2DmsFddJzbSCuxT-Odh_LXEt/s640/Versailles+Petit+Trianon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although the inside of the palace is unique, very little is able to be seen. What's perhaps my favorite part of Marie-Antoinette's grounds is her hamlets and farm. The grounds are frozen in time and much of the original buildings haven't been restored, which makes the grounds really feel like back in the 18th century. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJX5Zlq8SWdUuqt5f9JJB047IaRLXLftOe7yWgmWsqcGUfzz7k14v-CVVpRjoKe2d0oBOp0Apwv7fJzySQCa7NIlGfJ1Ecvp3N_HZtyp8i0docITwQeeEIufSYGovJTch5eTS8umpbSVzV/s1600/Sneak+Peak+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJX5Zlq8SWdUuqt5f9JJB047IaRLXLftOe7yWgmWsqcGUfzz7k14v-CVVpRjoKe2d0oBOp0Apwv7fJzySQCa7NIlGfJ1Ecvp3N_HZtyp8i0docITwQeeEIufSYGovJTch5eTS8umpbSVzV/s640/Sneak+Peak+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rustic style of the Queen's house is true country charm. It consists of 2 buildings joined by wooden walkway. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This staircase mesmerizes me for some reason. You can just imagine how it looked some 200 years ago when Marie-Antoinette came down them in the early morning to sit out by the lake. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7QQHPBTyIkxYHtFjfcfgDT5JydMxhrrHg8jNdKMZIT0uwzrCeNME77ANswlMdgaY1wUFbpJFJ9murI8-snSDSfLOZZByisJivGOPajSlKByAuZflBpJ9dMwjaLO0pAy2bN47ZWOh5A1y/s1600/Versailles+Queen%27s+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7QQHPBTyIkxYHtFjfcfgDT5JydMxhrrHg8jNdKMZIT0uwzrCeNME77ANswlMdgaY1wUFbpJFJ9murI8-snSDSfLOZZByisJivGOPajSlKByAuZflBpJ9dMwjaLO0pAy2bN47ZWOh5A1y/s640/Versailles+Queen%27s+House.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vNwlpR8RmUrQPt7dVImte1d5OjOD8J6fAHLJxp5XumMyWFIzCbA1sQsCMzhiEhcnvsBWtJDJm4xecliqzHALayR-hv3jKs9CgaJlP6O6AYMaGq-YVp8GM6OfgJNwiaGwXQJO_8peAfCO/s1600/Versailles+Queen%27s+House+stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vNwlpR8RmUrQPt7dVImte1d5OjOD8J6fAHLJxp5XumMyWFIzCbA1sQsCMzhiEhcnvsBWtJDJm4xecliqzHALayR-hv3jKs9CgaJlP6O6AYMaGq-YVp8GM6OfgJNwiaGwXQJO_8peAfCO/s640/Versailles+Queen%27s+House+stairs.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mill was used to grind grain and also for washing. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCTHPuljMA9ucwn8VaOf5YqTpFGeP1hgJuBA6j6_K6S_oODu8NatE-UIBHV8kPzP7mqFJXv3REUTpRXu_4w0avnhyphenhyphen_I5vMpDmIwbTacESs8segzW5B7vM2nf_sTqACjJNyiaq5mkn1l6b/s1600/Versailles+the+Mill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCTHPuljMA9ucwn8VaOf5YqTpFGeP1hgJuBA6j6_K6S_oODu8NatE-UIBHV8kPzP7mqFJXv3REUTpRXu_4w0avnhyphenhyphen_I5vMpDmIwbTacESs8segzW5B7vM2nf_sTqACjJNyiaq5mkn1l6b/s640/Versailles+the+Mill.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another interesting fact about this hamlet is that the farm is still functional and grows crops, keeps cows, and other livestock. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0aqJaUZFN1J6ZrBlNTk0wL82qvb-_ETdWXTOLHjSw3MeFrozGdJU9ZCKj6sTIBDIILvgqJBzN9dx9ReEEGRSQCfpSELkWNi2PwTgysJPdwYT9YHHQxzLJIQoP50AURx0zR_PbsBpx45o/s1600/Versailles+farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0aqJaUZFN1J6ZrBlNTk0wL82qvb-_ETdWXTOLHjSw3MeFrozGdJU9ZCKj6sTIBDIILvgqJBzN9dx9ReEEGRSQCfpSELkWNi2PwTgysJPdwYT9YHHQxzLJIQoP50AURx0zR_PbsBpx45o/s640/Versailles+farm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KK8-kRe_449UbEZHChZ-IiY8q8E1hl5lQmGBPknRZn5wtOpwVCF81rrFHI8JCICixmA7jffGxYJ7PjD86gbxF3E99xQy4DomXnN0JTfA1tO-jAmTdM9Avd5Ba6JuEZ0pMxxXUFHUgZbr/s1600/Versailles+farm+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KK8-kRe_449UbEZHChZ-IiY8q8E1hl5lQmGBPknRZn5wtOpwVCF81rrFHI8JCICixmA7jffGxYJ7PjD86gbxF3E99xQy4DomXnN0JTfA1tO-jAmTdM9Avd5Ba6JuEZ0pMxxXUFHUgZbr/s640/Versailles+farm+house.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We continued to walk around the gardens from the hamlet and saw lots of beautiful scenery. As you can tell, this area is perhaps my favorite part of Versailles, or possibly even the whole trip. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmsImOXJ7w7xA8Cy-pk4Gf76u25KGKF8drXGfnGv0_bf5JvKXfP8jTEDCHxfJBd2ab34XAn488DtEr2FL850kYNUfoAWe7dufhFT2iR1-i4OLioacLq2_g2GXjqW4IzRQwpb6Uakp_UVb/s1600/Versailles+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmsImOXJ7w7xA8Cy-pk4Gf76u25KGKF8drXGfnGv0_bf5JvKXfP8jTEDCHxfJBd2ab34XAn488DtEr2FL850kYNUfoAWe7dufhFT2iR1-i4OLioacLq2_g2GXjqW4IzRQwpb6Uakp_UVb/s640/Versailles+rock.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can you see my man trying to hide in there?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhIcFjEab14x2Wu6TI40xgQ1C9Ieah9dEimSCfa1X1vm5UTRaO0AupN2Qu99lKhRmEO19T_R1mYxbLdYksWYkA-0H1KKWRu1OMzJbjEuYaFD0HUEpTwJlXeTqdGY1_ha-iRooVu5MB2Kb/s1600/Versailles+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhIcFjEab14x2Wu6TI40xgQ1C9Ieah9dEimSCfa1X1vm5UTRaO0AupN2Qu99lKhRmEO19T_R1mYxbLdYksWYkA-0H1KKWRu1OMzJbjEuYaFD0HUEpTwJlXeTqdGY1_ha-iRooVu5MB2Kb/s640/Versailles+tree.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Marie Antoinette's special estate, we traveled back to the main grounds of Versailles to catch the fountain display before we headed back to Paris. Nearly every fountain spurted to life at 3:30 pm and would continue to flow for 1.5 hours. We figured the easiest way to navigate through the gardens was to start at one end and work back towards the Chateau and the exit. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first fountain we stumbled on was the Encelade Grove. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A3v9xdQdSABIYTPp4ox97w1hADu6xlkWbTgnBQYbIJprtyrZl0Uz_EK5ikU1DUimb0zQC-nvtvRe13xx3QPzsGUtiSGDeqMxH3BrXzyGfo1t_sddfzwekRsK77aL1QwOFo3dYbShEYxF/s1600/Versailles+Encelade+Grove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A3v9xdQdSABIYTPp4ox97w1hADu6xlkWbTgnBQYbIJprtyrZl0Uz_EK5ikU1DUimb0zQC-nvtvRe13xx3QPzsGUtiSGDeqMxH3BrXzyGfo1t_sddfzwekRsK77aL1QwOFo3dYbShEYxF/s640/Versailles+Encelade+Grove.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lantona Fountain and Parterre</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrIlaTfSi0JRvoCwQT6lQW2DZlkQ0iyTrygItkfhFAxgVvspjDTMIN7OkYCGDLqaDMN0urLPHb5JiqQKFCLS4XWrf2CLWKWDMIFq5W-2aimBsMimS95BZEwTil5GSQlJiMOokDbgKmpxb/s1600/Versailles+Latona+Fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrIlaTfSi0JRvoCwQT6lQW2DZlkQ0iyTrygItkfhFAxgVvspjDTMIN7OkYCGDLqaDMN0urLPHb5JiqQKFCLS4XWrf2CLWKWDMIFq5W-2aimBsMimS95BZEwTil5GSQlJiMOokDbgKmpxb/s640/Versailles+Latona+Fountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Obelisk Grove</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdXK6XPd20PSF9mlSld3WZbQc85mIKh91YebZ0qfBiGXfLTjyHzw-sK-Ujrk_-Wivh5x9x2t-anIbTRAQGnTqzyHqR4r5dszz909HgVn5HxxeSbWjXaji0UxUm5hZNxmyuRnTrJnKF1Gx/s1600/Versailles+Obelisk+Grove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdXK6XPd20PSF9mlSld3WZbQc85mIKh91YebZ0qfBiGXfLTjyHzw-sK-Ujrk_-Wivh5x9x2t-anIbTRAQGnTqzyHqR4r5dszz909HgVn5HxxeSbWjXaji0UxUm5hZNxmyuRnTrJnKF1Gx/s640/Versailles+Obelisk+Grove.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Starla Fountain Grove</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrY0XzmF9gwsyic7RIErA30y7Vfwjh_lRNC6hqNveHGkKnUeAgfnmnhbGfpr_qv_EpF_WPWsMd4EKiexuw_3yKoIkVvES0LouQefQ2_yCrgiyZj0R4fJtJmwYZF_7_NjbzeUs6fQ9L2tU/s1600/Versailles+Starla+Fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrY0XzmF9gwsyic7RIErA30y7Vfwjh_lRNC6hqNveHGkKnUeAgfnmnhbGfpr_qv_EpF_WPWsMd4EKiexuw_3yKoIkVvES0LouQefQ2_yCrgiyZj0R4fJtJmwYZF_7_NjbzeUs6fQ9L2tU/s640/Versailles+Starla+Fountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just a cool shrub!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Mgt96PRdzkA4NCO0ikTqvKrQUYkK0ff4X9kuWzg-dPTgU-uIwrVTgtD5ztLRlDB8eyIcOJ0Bx-jwY4y0oeeMHBK1-2FNVDJ5rUtKkjroPFvY2-BRgKVLRoNvC4VePIHqA5O-0lgDHWuM/s1600/Versailles+shrub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Mgt96PRdzkA4NCO0ikTqvKrQUYkK0ff4X9kuWzg-dPTgU-uIwrVTgtD5ztLRlDB8eyIcOJ0Bx-jwY4y0oeeMHBK1-2FNVDJ5rUtKkjroPFvY2-BRgKVLRoNvC4VePIHqA5O-0lgDHWuM/s640/Versailles+shrub.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After walking around for another 45 minutes or so, we had enough and our feet were screaming at us. So we headed back to the train to return to our home, Paris. We did get off the train at the Eiffel Tower and thought of trying to go up it, but the lines were loooooooong and it was cloudy out. Got a few photos, which didn't turn out well. Don't fret though, we ventured back to the tower the next morning and I'm glad we did! Check in for Day 7 soon. </span><br />
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</span></div>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-55245558624727007772010-05-17T17:18:00.000-05:002010-05-17T17:18:29.829-05:00Apologies<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I must apologize for how behind I am in updating my blog. I realize that we are on Day 9 of the trip and I'm only up to Day 5! I know everyone wants to see photos (especially the parents) and keep them up to date. Some days I can take up to 150 photos, and then to go though them and pic out a few to process and post, can take me about 2 hours to do. On top of that I'm usually pooped at the end of the day. As soon as I get home, I plan to post a ton more photos on my Flickr site so you can see more of what we saw on our trip. For now, please accept these few photos and the stories behind them. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until Day 6, Au Revoir!</span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-44353092016331824222010-05-17T16:53:00.000-05:002010-05-17T16:53:04.932-05:00Paris - Day 5<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We woke up this Friday morning before 8 am again with the intent on getting moving to see the sites early on in the day to avoid crowds. After looking at our hand map of the Paris streets we figured it would be an easy stroll to the Louvre. We took the tube up to Notre Dame and would walk the rest of the way. Somehow, we got turned around at Notre Dame and ended up heading away and on the wrong side of the river of the Louvre. We finally figured out our mistake and got headed back in the right direction. What seemed like a few blocks walk, turned out to be quite a hike (note to self: Paris maps are deceptive). To add to our frustration, neither of us had eaten breakfast yet, and my cranky partner was making that verbal. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We finally arrived at the Louvre, and despite all the guidebook saying that going first thing in the morning is the best time to avoid crowds, it was a zoo!! It proved to be difficult to get a great photo of the area. We really wanted to get some evening photos with the pyramid lit up as well, but we just couldn't stay around that late. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxI_TiarwbUft9mNgvJK1X3OE_ZhQt3OnOx-FDZnCOi9ehTVzzg7yxpfe2f71eGPO4yoOgvhdS17azQWV4K80nq2h7CaX1_t-UrP2wDBWTB8YmG9wkUjhOesCzNZQEInLwzkXHqiXX_bn_/s1600/Louvre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxI_TiarwbUft9mNgvJK1X3OE_ZhQt3OnOx-FDZnCOi9ehTVzzg7yxpfe2f71eGPO4yoOgvhdS17azQWV4K80nq2h7CaX1_t-UrP2wDBWTB8YmG9wkUjhOesCzNZQEInLwzkXHqiXX_bn_/s640/Louvre.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And what trip would be complete without the notorious point and shoot shot of the pyramid. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUbMVK0aVxQ9VUvpsK55Poena6CarsCUWX4X1t5Xp6JmkLJFY8QvAcLzJRFMKDt7SH7XMeoyeOW6wrw6o8rQGow3P_wXoIjQZnNhSFVfUgUZnV60iNOp1Js570fuDhwHDWMDEFlgnTfGw/s1600/Notorious+pyramid+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUbMVK0aVxQ9VUvpsK55Poena6CarsCUWX4X1t5Xp6JmkLJFY8QvAcLzJRFMKDt7SH7XMeoyeOW6wrw6o8rQGow3P_wXoIjQZnNhSFVfUgUZnV60iNOp1Js570fuDhwHDWMDEFlgnTfGw/s640/Notorious+pyramid+shot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whoops, missed the pyramid a bit. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took the historical entrance through the pyramid and down into the bottom of the Louvre. It was unbelievably busy! We had been thinking about buying a museum pass to allow us access to other museums in hopes of saving money, but ended up working out how little it would save us and then we'd be forced to rush through attractions to get our money worth. We bought our tickets and then found a place to sit and get a bit of breakfast before the hungry monster reared his ugly head. Our plan of actions was thus decided among a chocolate muffin, waffle, and coffee: hit the big ticket items first to avoid the mid-day chaos (as if it wasn't already crazy) and then wonder around other areas. From the lower ground floor (-1, or as we say basement) we headed towards the Denon wing and up to the 1st floor (2nd floor for us). After walking down a long hallway you stand at the bottom of a wide marble staircase which leads up to a breathtaking sculpture and something I was very excited to see. The Winged Victory of Samothrace. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2v1Zokp8pu774X-lyYmgcI-AwhYYU7lT4_cFBnD53KIK825sNWSz5hM2HWHgui8Lz-jVycWUdNSGuqrvWfPhlyiTic1-kGc11h945woNbVex8kEoNHDeGx5p7XW4Tylf7r9BKPYeV6ZKo/s1600/Winged+Goddess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2v1Zokp8pu774X-lyYmgcI-AwhYYU7lT4_cFBnD53KIK825sNWSz5hM2HWHgui8Lz-jVycWUdNSGuqrvWfPhlyiTic1-kGc11h945woNbVex8kEoNHDeGx5p7XW4Tylf7r9BKPYeV6ZKo/s640/Winged+Goddess.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This headless and armless Greek Goddess Nike (Victory) has extraordinary detail in her clinging drapery (note the belly button) and is believed to be honoring a sea battle. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you continue past the goddess and head down the great hall, you enter the Italian paintings sections, which ultimately leads to the worlds most famous painting; Mona Lisa. The room that houses the Mona Lisa is quite large for such a small work of art. After fighting the crowds (and I mean that literally) I was able to get within 15 ft of the large glass display with a nearby guard to snap a poor photo with glass reflection. Sorry. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkevRrwnTN9L5opkT_-n_YKyKJyNg8fBCCGE_xinNKMiFH8yY7k9ZfI-nn7tf6X09taW4TNpn9qyGphkldljJCsAhM6vv-KWglUG8qnsIJVHh2rhGM5fl5u4GWYd5sEci4ZkjVKqAaABk/s1600/Mono+Lisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkevRrwnTN9L5opkT_-n_YKyKJyNg8fBCCGE_xinNKMiFH8yY7k9ZfI-nn7tf6X09taW4TNpn9qyGphkldljJCsAhM6vv-KWglUG8qnsIJVHh2rhGM5fl5u4GWYd5sEci4ZkjVKqAaABk/s640/Mono+Lisa.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To say I've seen it is cool, but honestly I'm not sure I'd fight to see it again. But for the sake of all you brave souls willing to read this, I knew I had to do it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We wandered around the halls observing paintings that we know little about since everything was in French and I've never taken an art class in my life. I was fascinated by the sheer size of the paintings and the amazing detail and colors involved. My favorite part of the museum had to be the Greek/Roman antiquities, including wonderful sculptures of the gods. Here is a few select photos I took. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aphrodite, known as <i>Venus de Milo</i></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHDzDl28xE-aRRqEseB-gV6cnLrBY2IhmGstMmQbycONWnGb5aS0V1LqzfF5cAe0avNye5ZkLw2AClXNaC_kDWQyFrW6A4HNH_Q-85qG5gAQZ1UBVXTCrRAF4MXHvLYnMKZdyjK0Rw1Yu/s1600/Venus+de+Milo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHDzDl28xE-aRRqEseB-gV6cnLrBY2IhmGstMmQbycONWnGb5aS0V1LqzfF5cAe0avNye5ZkLw2AClXNaC_kDWQyFrW6A4HNH_Q-85qG5gAQZ1UBVXTCrRAF4MXHvLYnMKZdyjK0Rw1Yu/s640/Venus+de+Milo.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Athena, goddess of wisdom and strength.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0Z9lmudIq_vT4yK_YAQj5k9Ax-K_ikRLSzwRRH387a2g7SgXGxY8DSBzKNZRWYVYUJUY7MQQx5KJW5ecjaiELRm9dFq1mpfop6SnjN3F4Dt7a458ETIBduhnk6ezb007IoX2rsYYSe68/s1600/Athena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0Z9lmudIq_vT4yK_YAQj5k9Ax-K_ikRLSzwRRH387a2g7SgXGxY8DSBzKNZRWYVYUJUY7MQQx5KJW5ecjaiELRm9dFq1mpfop6SnjN3F4Dt7a458ETIBduhnk6ezb007IoX2rsYYSe68/s640/Athena.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hermaphorodite Sleeping (Hermes + Aphrodite)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQZsgWTIxBhp8wgTBJfmASTsuxDSc03tl7Yyz1jt0HIEessquTFfhmEQFqxWub2tdYeAgQvGCnCcmYNaZj8XvXB8wm1uz1y4Vr_bRO7U2MOogYl7AN25ekiQPaYT-cDIcwthJcLxAix9Y/s1600/Hermaphrodite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQZsgWTIxBhp8wgTBJfmASTsuxDSc03tl7Yyz1jt0HIEessquTFfhmEQFqxWub2tdYeAgQvGCnCcmYNaZj8XvXB8wm1uz1y4Vr_bRO7U2MOogYl7AN25ekiQPaYT-cDIcwthJcLxAix9Y/s640/Hermaphrodite.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Capital from the Apadana, Palace of Darius I. These capitals composed of 6 rows of 6 columns to hold the ceiling of a vast chamber called the "Apadana". </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsR70JFX5S7nWXOJoprB8o9g1yQK-viqxL-Lk2NnxFVltEbtIZZq9ZrSgoTXAxW6_RF6GCBWv3_FKWMZ1VEEX_DApeqXyTZVKyEOPTGSes48vrP0h05vetVSp0Rgdc7YhLCbO6SRmTuPV/s1600/Bull+Capital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsR70JFX5S7nWXOJoprB8o9g1yQK-viqxL-Lk2NnxFVltEbtIZZq9ZrSgoTXAxW6_RF6GCBWv3_FKWMZ1VEEX_DApeqXyTZVKyEOPTGSes48vrP0h05vetVSp0Rgdc7YhLCbO6SRmTuPV/s640/Bull+Capital.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After being their only 2.5 hours, we needed a break and a sanity break from the throngs of crowds with screaming school kids. We decided to leave the Louvre for a break and take the metro (feet burning at this point) up the Champ-Elysees to see the Arc de Triomphe. Of course, like many attractions we have visited in Paris, some construction is underway and obstructs a unobstructed view. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxJHI1bhNipy7VBcwz-x8Bn2Oi4Leww4AE_BlL9wlguuv6aYVcu4c5Fl7a7Z8vfVkoao-YeWiHa7z_BbYlSJIzlqXHurISQJwhajRnRVnpJ69mmW9dUq9VkosjdwUROOZLTgl0fKTAQgb/s1600/Arc+de+Triomphe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxJHI1bhNipy7VBcwz-x8Bn2Oi4Leww4AE_BlL9wlguuv6aYVcu4c5Fl7a7Z8vfVkoao-YeWiHa7z_BbYlSJIzlqXHurISQJwhajRnRVnpJ69mmW9dUq9VkosjdwUROOZLTgl0fKTAQgb/s640/Arc+de+Triomphe.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At least the construction screens are painted to look like the wall!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviLh9-AgjSf3Ya08Xjee9QJggAURecEZ1qMyYiIOF2p2TfH2zwZ8U1xMU6zA127IRKh15jB8eomjq0UL3YlCb6UTm9kGdJa5KOic-kKLl9Ep-4ASMqBA3CXaJszE6miMb7PoHm38FUjbK/s1600/Arc+de+Triomphe+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviLh9-AgjSf3Ya08Xjee9QJggAURecEZ1qMyYiIOF2p2TfH2zwZ8U1xMU6zA127IRKh15jB8eomjq0UL3YlCb6UTm9kGdJa5KOic-kKLl9Ep-4ASMqBA3CXaJszE6miMb7PoHm38FUjbK/s640/Arc+de+Triomphe+2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From here, we slowly walked down the Champ-Elysees back towards the Louvre. We stopped at Starbucks for a latte, stopped at Sephora and witnessed all the employees having a dance off to Michael Jackson's Save the World, and checked out the Grand and Petit Palais. We made it back to Louvre around 4:30 pm, just before it started to rain. I snapped a few more photos of the area around then Louvre. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLN5a_yTxEAjqlVlNGC83AU_1QxVnSIfwEH8AjU8BSLVr9bockP6Pfq4K5P7oyYMoZAQR7koNBjP6CCnhciKxmVgveVJ9yveTqUNl63txl7417QfPn829yYoASsEX9hS9YRH1qUasbx3A2/s1600/Obelisque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLN5a_yTxEAjqlVlNGC83AU_1QxVnSIfwEH8AjU8BSLVr9bockP6Pfq4K5P7oyYMoZAQR7koNBjP6CCnhciKxmVgveVJ9yveTqUNl63txl7417QfPn829yYoASsEX9hS9YRH1qUasbx3A2/s640/Obelisque.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IKRvQIf2P-1qt2E1aJLKYxl0kTC4_JoY9L4L4uKabMyvOnPsLg-VAF5BmS4iSQSe6UcD9Ie5gyO13P2GYVCAisJkp09-OJWTJ1L-xc0O9UfpJt470JNxUTgJ4KZZqA4uR2LNFWlp9hhv/s1600/Louvre+Fontains+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IKRvQIf2P-1qt2E1aJLKYxl0kTC4_JoY9L4L4uKabMyvOnPsLg-VAF5BmS4iSQSe6UcD9Ie5gyO13P2GYVCAisJkp09-OJWTJ1L-xc0O9UfpJt470JNxUTgJ4KZZqA4uR2LNFWlp9hhv/s640/Louvre+Fontains+copy.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSXozE6opMm1OCH9Z8dHEZV26kYyJB30WAaI3xEs3pn5R30wVy-83kKXQ94jvOXnJ0WvF5L7Jhzk8jLv-F0MqiguT6q4sfvXPUpX5SrMY1BMTYvA2tth8w-dpLXTbJ2mrzZuMwLO1ga9D/s1600/Louvre+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSXozE6opMm1OCH9Z8dHEZV26kYyJB30WAaI3xEs3pn5R30wVy-83kKXQ94jvOXnJ0WvF5L7Jhzk8jLv-F0MqiguT6q4sfvXPUpX5SrMY1BMTYvA2tth8w-dpLXTbJ2mrzZuMwLO1ga9D/s640/Louvre+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went back inside hoping this would have lightened up in the density of people....nope! We went back to the smaller sections including Napoleon's apartments, where there was very few people. We were debating whether to go back to the Greek section and look at things again since we rushed earlier with the crowds, but our feet would have no such involvement in continued torture. So we said good-bye to the gigantic palace called the Louvre and headed to St. Germain area again for some dinner. This area of town has an abundance of ethnic eateries, so we ventured to try some greek Gyros. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeqOPTwURnRC7Fsh7asDXtRZ8jvTEf-svXOFIDZc9LnyyF06CG_Xe5_l0p57abws6dYKCmYO8D1cOG2FIOeEVt4v3fXp2gG8oYzvCVVTLCyc9XCVwMsPUMlxBMwP7YkwUl-dweYSwixto/s1600/gyros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeqOPTwURnRC7Fsh7asDXtRZ8jvTEf-svXOFIDZc9LnyyF06CG_Xe5_l0p57abws6dYKCmYO8D1cOG2FIOeEVt4v3fXp2gG8oYzvCVVTLCyc9XCVwMsPUMlxBMwP7YkwUl-dweYSwixto/s640/gyros.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's better than a pita, gyro meat, yogurt sauce, and french fries!!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7CwBkJ2FcJHROfShZbe3z6R1CNKmop_azeR5xK36rI9GvEwJ5lseTh_axcvNVszeDxtwBlWLzgZWY0wQrIoUe07Njv337gAwsJHUsKSYreuAQ2Bia8uRhjEBoDpWajObOPuaZR35y0W4/s1600/DSCN0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7CwBkJ2FcJHROfShZbe3z6R1CNKmop_azeR5xK36rI9GvEwJ5lseTh_axcvNVszeDxtwBlWLzgZWY0wQrIoUe07Njv337gAwsJHUsKSYreuAQ2Bia8uRhjEBoDpWajObOPuaZR35y0W4/s640/DSCN0081.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He he. He always gets the photos of the first bite!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And to finish off the night, crepes of course!!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMX7GyrUo-SCVNETkfiYAo2RhVyZ05jTecBMGyNtWV5v5ORAfbwbNIXlPP8Jsmv3QrVY96Uq-RiiHAmXzAs_qEHZghAO70-zYxPNie09m3Slek4Vp2w3erIxTqoaK-AdNaXQl8cIKuLSe/s1600/DSCN0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMX7GyrUo-SCVNETkfiYAo2RhVyZ05jTecBMGyNtWV5v5ORAfbwbNIXlPP8Jsmv3QrVY96Uq-RiiHAmXzAs_qEHZghAO70-zYxPNie09m3Slek4Vp2w3erIxTqoaK-AdNaXQl8cIKuLSe/s640/DSCN0082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tried Crepe Nutella banana! Delish!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our day was over with at this point, as walking any further would have continue to eat away at our already blistered feet. I guess the benefit of the walking, we haven't gained any weight from the crepes!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And a sneak peak for Day 6:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWyDYWqJKmyxfGMz_ae94sTWfy3VvZr68SVjDUZFCe7qx7qJ2_39dIcxHOymVK2A-eEHgNP-2JVSSQr7iZJaK-h_bUh96kBe1CE_IebYtaWMigB1ZNlrV6YLetNiCzlV0iTbpJ1CS1kSU/s1600/Sneak+Peak+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWyDYWqJKmyxfGMz_ae94sTWfy3VvZr68SVjDUZFCe7qx7qJ2_39dIcxHOymVK2A-eEHgNP-2JVSSQr7iZJaK-h_bUh96kBe1CE_IebYtaWMigB1ZNlrV6YLetNiCzlV0iTbpJ1CS1kSU/s640/Sneak+Peak+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-43461868686620249112010-05-15T16:13:00.001-05:002010-05-15T16:14:15.862-05:00Paris: Day 4 - BONJOUR!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 4 started early and again with little sleep. An early train ride to Paris awaited us, after we again fought human congestion in the tubes due to delays from the same non-functioning Piccadilly line from the previous day. Not only did we fight full trains, but we had luggage to pull along, walk up endless flights of stairs, and maneuver around crowded tube stations. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we arrived at King's Cross/St. Pancras station to depart on Eurorail, we had to say goodbye to my best friend Gemma. The short 3 days I had with her were wonderful. She was a true trooper, dealing with crazy American's who wanted to see everything, trying new food out (so proud of you girl!), and our brutal mispronunciation of English words. It's Gloucester!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUSvz9UW_lmlxeU6YPLmrxybRra8datWdafOAM6pof7AAE4BH6-yA-N3nq0a1R-dvzEDccT2I0EZTjx8QV6844oBVHqii7CTtNV3qnyf_vYseVwMeC3qJoRNHRKSlSLRVUzbT2E3oWO8d/s1600/DSCN0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUSvz9UW_lmlxeU6YPLmrxybRra8datWdafOAM6pof7AAE4BH6-yA-N3nq0a1R-dvzEDccT2I0EZTjx8QV6844oBVHqii7CTtNV3qnyf_vYseVwMeC3qJoRNHRKSlSLRVUzbT2E3oWO8d/s640/DSCN0052.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miss ya Gems!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our short ride to Paris on the Eurorail was spent catching up on sleep for both of us. We arrived at Gard du Nord Station around 1 pm and then the craziness ensued. We were thrust into the busiest station in Paris and then we had to find the right metro to get us close to our hotel. We tried to avoid having to grace our shotty French by buying a carnet (10 tickets) from the machine, but after being told in French how we can't place Euro's in the credit card slot, we had to give up and go to window. "<i>Bonjour, un carnet s'il vous pla<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"><i>î</i><i>t." </i>This was followed by no response as she texted someone. When she finished her conversation, she got us the tickets so we could proceed on with our journey. I'm not saying anything further, as honestly this has been the only unfriendly Parisian we've met </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">so far</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">. We figured out if you just look for the color of the rail line or the number, you can navigate much easier than trying to read the station names. Plus we realized that how we would say the name, sounds nothing like the announcer on the train saying it. </span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrived at Luxembourg Station and climbed another endless flight of stairs up to the streets of Paris. We had about 5 blocks to walk to our hotel, and it wasn't that hard to find. We turned right on rue de Vaugirard and it honestly looked like a typical Paris street. And there nestled into the buildings was our much anticipated hotel, Foutaines du Luxembourg. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cSaxekz5D7bTPfJHn-19-yC3iIF6t0Fnc8IAu-DHjVQ-8YsDrc34L8KMqqJcc3Ihwk4ApS000Ybv_VF1eBwfnXuvUGREm-ScS4QW7CKGh_hs1wiJFJprKCd5cEqqEYFsupuKuY8GbNfd/s1600/Fontaines+du+Luxembourg+outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cSaxekz5D7bTPfJHn-19-yC3iIF6t0Fnc8IAu-DHjVQ-8YsDrc34L8KMqqJcc3Ihwk4ApS000Ybv_VF1eBwfnXuvUGREm-ScS4QW7CKGh_hs1wiJFJprKCd5cEqqEYFsupuKuY8GbNfd/s640/Fontaines+du+Luxembourg+outside.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We greeted the gentleman at the desk, told him our names, and he handed the key straight to us. The only reminder he gave us was to return our key before we leave the hotel each day. We went up the smallest elevator I've ever been in, which basically holds one person plus a bag. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFaLcGq7Wyp-G6jRNSl7V9jItCOWLohQ4rSxOiwc3bBDZrA5DE4hvNm5li1bP3rDKbOP2SRIPhzUCwKH1x2ugBQfOJ-mmb6Up8rEooou9jRuZsJsmQcgaU4R1UZx1iSA2PbVUYs4MjDik/s1600/Elevator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFaLcGq7Wyp-G6jRNSl7V9jItCOWLohQ4rSxOiwc3bBDZrA5DE4hvNm5li1bP3rDKbOP2SRIPhzUCwKH1x2ugBQfOJ-mmb6Up8rEooou9jRuZsJsmQcgaU4R1UZx1iSA2PbVUYs4MjDik/s640/Elevator.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Horrible picture, and I'll have to retake!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the elevator, you pass through a door that leads to the hallway to our room, number 203. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSfu9B4y6Wr0BdAyNwSNokEAb799py18sJF_K4ARinJTxWjl11rTXYeyXXvUpcC_BL3nEJ56m9-4bc9mIPm6y6W_oBaFdOEQTi5LdDvRkVncghxOBrUyehZ3tMTt1N7wgzg8adpuTSB3F/s1600/Fontaines+du+Luxembourg+hallway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSfu9B4y6Wr0BdAyNwSNokEAb799py18sJF_K4ARinJTxWjl11rTXYeyXXvUpcC_BL3nEJ56m9-4bc9mIPm6y6W_oBaFdOEQTi5LdDvRkVncghxOBrUyehZ3tMTt1N7wgzg8adpuTSB3F/s640/Fontaines+du+Luxembourg+hallway.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One amazing thing about this small boutique hotel, is that every room is unique. It previously was used to accommodate the grooms of King Louis XIV, but after recent renovations, it's become a beautiful hotel, which kept several original pieces. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDrXtqR_dMIR6ERczJAc4-RiIE6R1xOHmsvU7JDhXTgok_fqIUtOvTMjwo7-mCCEQDrj9LD9eJSrTF-vcArt0SvhiwWWqb7uYTLvg_OKPJ6uKDA6aqBylqSxVpP6Eiegh2L_1MX9vSnFK/s1600/Fontaines+du+Luxembourg+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDrXtqR_dMIR6ERczJAc4-RiIE6R1xOHmsvU7JDhXTgok_fqIUtOvTMjwo7-mCCEQDrj9LD9eJSrTF-vcArt0SvhiwWWqb7uYTLvg_OKPJ6uKDA6aqBylqSxVpP6Eiegh2L_1MX9vSnFK/s640/Fontaines+du+Luxembourg+room.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rooms is a bit tight, by US standards, but still roomy enough to serve its purpose. The bathroom is nice, but my only complaint is the lack of a shower. Sure, it has a shower head that you can place up on the wall, but alas there is NO shower curtain. If I wanted to walk around in shower water on the floor after I finished I could get a shower in, but I'll survive with a sitting shower or a bath. Heated towel racks and nice robes are definitely a plus in my book. From our window, which when it is open brings in the true sounds of Paris, has a nice feel of living in Paris. A small grocery store with daily deliveries of fresh fruits sit across from us. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowX4lgLk5xaioWgXk9_a8tZsqAlbZkf-aIhqBUWiApnoQmB3mVna8WQkJjsL1PmkcsFNZLJJoeuGHk7hTkKjT79CFfjujntEQlFmXQ7NKwWIKotU-UpsqVHXwqt3lsrvI_-6Qmk2T_AwD/s1600/Fontaines+du+Luxembourg+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowX4lgLk5xaioWgXk9_a8tZsqAlbZkf-aIhqBUWiApnoQmB3mVna8WQkJjsL1PmkcsFNZLJJoeuGHk7hTkKjT79CFfjujntEQlFmXQ7NKwWIKotU-UpsqVHXwqt3lsrvI_-6Qmk2T_AwD/s640/Fontaines+du+Luxembourg+window.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the beautiful steps we walk up (instead of taking the claustrophobic elevator). </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyX8Wfef2pgCBb-36sp1OsTRie1yhfCX-BeFFd780MGSNCpXJZLjtcU0kGmSYo2Xd2YKN9nQsT1xljp9QHhfgKiCzs1rNe2q0Z61ul0XdHd7CF6m2w8fsPbIvcWpgxlslF1udhOPZYRho/s1600/Foutaines+du+Luxembourg+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyX8Wfef2pgCBb-36sp1OsTRie1yhfCX-BeFFd780MGSNCpXJZLjtcU0kGmSYo2Xd2YKN9nQsT1xljp9QHhfgKiCzs1rNe2q0Z61ul0XdHd7CF6m2w8fsPbIvcWpgxlslF1udhOPZYRho/s640/Foutaines+du+Luxembourg+1.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the charming courtyard that the rooms surround. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFIdbA92qam3_GeHSN2jEXm43jR8RAJU1nFVFshEVuJY0pU8ztTbZKVt8HQEJ5nCJhW20jTb43Qkqc3cwnZYoncwj2dBoXkLDA2ngzVJTJ4Ry8rVtG5XQmuiuV2WPtdPMPIn3LYN7ojft/s1600/Fontaines+du+Luxembourg+courtyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFIdbA92qam3_GeHSN2jEXm43jR8RAJU1nFVFshEVuJY0pU8ztTbZKVt8HQEJ5nCJhW20jTb43Qkqc3cwnZYoncwj2dBoXkLDA2ngzVJTJ4Ry8rVtG5XQmuiuV2WPtdPMPIn3LYN7ojft/s640/Fontaines+du+Luxembourg+courtyard.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We immediately fell asleep in the comfy bed for about 2 hours then headed out on the streets of Paris. We walked down to the Rue Cler which hosts many small food shops and markets. We strolled around the area, and found a restaurant/cafe to eat at. Honestly, after we ate, I wanted to run back to the US. The language barrier is very intimidating. I'm afraid to try French since I know I'm butchering their language, and yet I'm afraid to fall back on "<i>Parlez-vous anglais</i><i>?</i>" in order to avoid offending them. We couldn't read the menu and finally the waiter brought one in English. We still felt horrible saying words in English, but we tried and made sure to say "<i>Merci</i>" often. How are we going to survive another week here?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We followed this by hopping on the metro for the ride home and got off at St. Michael. From here we found the main area of St Germain and explored it. It has many small restaurants of all ethnicities and many crepe shops. Who can resist the light pancake with a slathering of Nutella? We certainly couldn't!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-N1LO-f4FZfTcXljnBjBgdS95xyIDaJN-d6aoByKq7xwZXAk2oOiTlbZY_TbiH_EBVPUtaGFkDDwGeKf9Sy1MSKr57VKb3zMCfAXY-SSEDc8hPwC-3lkN-I4zW2ccoT8isrm1LDm5cdZ7/s1600/Brad+vs+crepe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-N1LO-f4FZfTcXljnBjBgdS95xyIDaJN-d6aoByKq7xwZXAk2oOiTlbZY_TbiH_EBVPUtaGFkDDwGeKf9Sy1MSKr57VKb3zMCfAXY-SSEDc8hPwC-3lkN-I4zW2ccoT8isrm1LDm5cdZ7/s640/Brad+vs+crepe.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And add a little coconut.....delish!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And since I've already been asked by a few people on facebook, that is my sapphire ring from my father on my left hand. It's moved there often when either my right hand swells or I'm thinking of my father. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And a quick sneak peak for tomorrows adventures. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-77588102038367563252010-05-15T14:57:00.001-05:002010-05-15T14:57:54.951-05:00London: Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our third and final day in the wonderful city of London. We tried to get out of the door early, but alas I again didn't fall asleep until around 2 am and was slow to get started. Due to a train derailment on the busiest line in London, the subway was PACKED at rush hour. Nothing like having someone you hardly know brushed right up against you. Ugh. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM15kETsvIaxbJvNUo9bu6k3_Cg-b-6rYnwgPZaVdZx1BmNOkPHwkhkgh0S5LrW36ER3IWIqoRgDD0gY8opPQqsWVVouQFfx_IlmsOz4wG2okYeJ9cqw-XBTOTj4zGoUF7YDKxaCjTcUdF/s1600/Train+Ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM15kETsvIaxbJvNUo9bu6k3_Cg-b-6rYnwgPZaVdZx1BmNOkPHwkhkgh0S5LrW36ER3IWIqoRgDD0gY8opPQqsWVVouQFfx_IlmsOz4wG2okYeJ9cqw-XBTOTj4zGoUF7YDKxaCjTcUdF/s640/Train+Ride.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We finally made it to Waterloo station to board our train to Hampton Court Palace (and yes Jud, Steve, and Jerry you were correct, but you sorta cheated!) It was a slow 30 minute ride south of London to the town of Surrey.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqrTQ8xt95GEhBYqNYyPIV6Gx7k8QWv_5MbL8ZyDX-4q0D4bxhtoa6_3y4Joprk7G652wi2SirayLWl44vjNhWGQOorIFlBC3hNo4FgS6nqxvPXZduqBsHlLw0NCQt-iSE5w6o7lTneKA/s1600/Hampton+Court.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqrTQ8xt95GEhBYqNYyPIV6Gx7k8QWv_5MbL8ZyDX-4q0D4bxhtoa6_3y4Joprk7G652wi2SirayLWl44vjNhWGQOorIFlBC3hNo4FgS6nqxvPXZduqBsHlLw0NCQt-iSE5w6o7lTneKA/s640/Hampton+Court.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hampton Court Palace is a small world containing centuries of history for England. What we know of Hampton Court starts in 1514 when Cardinal Thomas Wolsey acquired the house following his rise to power in the Catholic Church and quickly turned the simple manor house into a palace used to entertain King Henry VIII. By 1525 the grandeur of the palace lead Woolsey to present it to King Henry VIII as a gift. Additions to the palace continued over the years, including preparations for Henry's new mistress (and soon to be[headed] Queen) Anne Boleyn. Following her early demise, the hotel welcomed several new wives including Jane Seymour, who's son Prince Edward was baptized in the chapel, and his final marriage (6th) to Catherine Parr which was held in the palace. Following Henry's reign, numerous other monarchs, including King James I, Charles I, Charles II, Queen Mary II, and Queen Anne spent time and holiday's at the palace and pushed for the renovations that now make up Hampton Court Palace.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much of our time there was spent strolling through the various sections listening to our included audioguide. The information that I gained from it only fueled my already robust curiosity about court life and in particular the Tudors. Our first area to explore was the kitchens. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To keep raw ingredients cool back in the time prior to refrigeration, a style of storage called a Fish Court was used. The space is a narrow passage that runs north to south with a set of store rooms on each side. The ceiling is open to the air to help keep the stone walls cool. Fish was stored here as well, and they even had the smell of fish lingering in the air for a complete effect. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLl60oHHaBXIF968TU8QsyveO1CwvEBFvLLsQ3RzpnDCS-HV9OVLp3S3b-UYTMNSuxlDGMFLrMD_GJh5X_xelNV1HsJBxdvF_0stfh_72MftqpRZYSuq3h_ZUYe7SnjyeegqdwCh7i66A3/s1600/Fish+Court.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLl60oHHaBXIF968TU8QsyveO1CwvEBFvLLsQ3RzpnDCS-HV9OVLp3S3b-UYTMNSuxlDGMFLrMD_GJh5X_xelNV1HsJBxdvF_0stfh_72MftqpRZYSuq3h_ZUYe7SnjyeegqdwCh7i66A3/s640/Fish+Court.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To cook roughly 1200 meals a day when court was in session, required large efficient kitchens. These charcoal stoves combined with several roasting pits provided the means to have freshly slaughtered meats every day, instead of cured meats which was the norm for the time period. To continue to add to the effects, a firemaster maintains a pit fire daily and the smells of burning wood fills the halls of the palace as you walk around. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_akkjQrJCGjI5d_vbmvVFzndDX3bRpI2ajFeyfKovY_CgNtGLBcwf_JRn4aMdIa1x6fWoyvAAUvvWI2_vMublO5-uqxX1U7ciLxzZq2rPeWjMWD1_VbgwZBhIg0-RvSl8O3AXtZoA57d/s1600/Stoves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_akkjQrJCGjI5d_vbmvVFzndDX3bRpI2ajFeyfKovY_CgNtGLBcwf_JRn4aMdIa1x6fWoyvAAUvvWI2_vMublO5-uqxX1U7ciLxzZq2rPeWjMWD1_VbgwZBhIg0-RvSl8O3AXtZoA57d/s640/Stoves.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6HAfaPDLTgUN2pq-yODrvg-7M2ApVu0rHh0FXnUh_Qz7hA2GjdUeAOH-IH99ZnatcNBZXErjQnDo4DDXt586UySUPU06NinTPqjgxE1TtCRiA6YW8D5XTtTi43FtULqa7q0Z189BGCNj/s1600/Roasting+pit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6HAfaPDLTgUN2pq-yODrvg-7M2ApVu0rHh0FXnUh_Qz7hA2GjdUeAOH-IH99ZnatcNBZXErjQnDo4DDXt586UySUPU06NinTPqjgxE1TtCRiA6YW8D5XTtTi43FtULqa7q0Z189BGCNj/s640/Roasting+pit.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A hungry court demands a plentiful supply of beer, wine, and ale. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAZzHTj66lud7TXF_CRY52GTSPPvSK4mWr07Lcg10VVEa58nrbqwMY2Yk2Qbbz9htlRRd2hzwodUq54sn7Q_E8l2uVMR-ULQXwZrzqYPnup-eLWPZoM1C-li_7nf8pE-oHitHJAa9fsFf/s1600/wine+barrels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAZzHTj66lud7TXF_CRY52GTSPPvSK4mWr07Lcg10VVEa58nrbqwMY2Yk2Qbbz9htlRRd2hzwodUq54sn7Q_E8l2uVMR-ULQXwZrzqYPnup-eLWPZoM1C-li_7nf8pE-oHitHJAa9fsFf/s640/wine+barrels.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the kitchens we followed the food trail from the kitchens to the Great Hall. The Great Hall is a massive hall used for dining and entertaining. The walls are lined with Abraham tapestries which were commissioned by King Henry in 1546. When you first enter the hall you eyes are immediately drawn upward to the wooden ceiling. Stained glass lines the four sides of the hall and fills the rooms with colo(u)rs. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUHBrViztQO2ph0bxXQ-pI3QWxBO1fO4b_MrInmdZpLjgqraxZixRugDuFGTJNIgl9s0InhjjqWimQSbwihUJ2K4BhlJ3A9O0zceWnOg0b-vX6CFQIXqJoCmyLaMh-PoNB11_hxFBFCtH/s1600/Sneak+Peak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUHBrViztQO2ph0bxXQ-pI3QWxBO1fO4b_MrInmdZpLjgqraxZixRugDuFGTJNIgl9s0InhjjqWimQSbwihUJ2K4BhlJ3A9O0zceWnOg0b-vX6CFQIXqJoCmyLaMh-PoNB11_hxFBFCtH/s640/Sneak+Peak.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOo8k-RG6wW0erKFRZjsnfeAhPEsSTJYQOuXLZ8XfijizRycbrqbGWZQqBUrAnsUg5FmkJoTvOhCPLJdTWKz3iKUmkQaNtG7797zLm3A6ZmMGNUnccm3TRjEFUbWBo3lhBkXOY8MO8a-O5/s1600/Ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOo8k-RG6wW0erKFRZjsnfeAhPEsSTJYQOuXLZ8XfijizRycbrqbGWZQqBUrAnsUg5FmkJoTvOhCPLJdTWKz3iKUmkQaNtG7797zLm3A6ZmMGNUnccm3TRjEFUbWBo3lhBkXOY8MO8a-O5/s640/Ceiling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A girl can wish right......?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQb6_9F1O9UWveW3kkjRu2SFWMw7nYHSEJDH9hSLsxMawGbm1Wcu6rs572hpglsA17td8OFdxuuBPbasmC7-cPVL2jWtxNNcYv3pTWZRCAkovjwtvTvYom6OkuEFAHwKs7oHdprveRLqf/s1600/Queen+and+King.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQb6_9F1O9UWveW3kkjRu2SFWMw7nYHSEJDH9hSLsxMawGbm1Wcu6rs572hpglsA17td8OFdxuuBPbasmC7-cPVL2jWtxNNcYv3pTWZRCAkovjwtvTvYom6OkuEFAHwKs7oHdprveRLqf/s640/Queen+and+King.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From there we went into various rooms used by the court, including watching rooms, the processional route, and the Council Chamber. The Royal Chapel had to be one of my favorite rooms in the palace. Because it is a working chapel, we were not allowed to photograph in there. I found a picture on the web since I can't even begin to describe the beautiful blue vaulted ceiling.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other beautiful ceilings included this ceiling leading up the stairs to the private apartments. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHHmTGTt5LEg2n2oqrKvobYUEiJdBNdaxdW0VQcYnqhvww88Uq45PabsYg6j66Qdf0hx-B3xLEfyyXL8sJuPHFqZF-6xMqclZ7_uyC-r401-l3SdzxxYydqRUj2f0Ygf7287uAFWdWjEW/s1600/Painted+ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHHmTGTt5LEg2n2oqrKvobYUEiJdBNdaxdW0VQcYnqhvww88Uq45PabsYg6j66Qdf0hx-B3xLEfyyXL8sJuPHFqZF-6xMqclZ7_uyC-r401-l3SdzxxYydqRUj2f0Ygf7287uAFWdWjEW/s640/Painted+ceiling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this one in the Great Watching Chamber. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrTm7r6CHob77NFeWqpOMWKqxpfDLQJWL4cFP0_tL4sJQWKjQd9Z96afLoxY4Q1rnyrpjxXhlAdTodNNUHLHLApC8PCjMGlrYyCa10nfGzbnasKXBTgevT7lDjbv7FoI37B5mdW2zbNcH/s1600/Gold+ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrTm7r6CHob77NFeWqpOMWKqxpfDLQJWL4cFP0_tL4sJQWKjQd9Z96afLoxY4Q1rnyrpjxXhlAdTodNNUHLHLApC8PCjMGlrYyCa10nfGzbnasKXBTgevT7lDjbv7FoI37B5mdW2zbNcH/s640/Gold+ceiling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Almost matched to the grandeur inside, the gardens surrounding the palace left us dazzled with the amount of landscaping and upkeep. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And our final adventure at Hampton Court Palace was to find our way through a maze. We had fun time and did find our way out eventually.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSqolkoniiBCgH0VFgE7PJyuo974X1_h5TUWaitcMyvLcPMGUEnuuauGxwT4Z_3W7-cyYPkC4KXrl4vx_ZXGH8_91hRRu9xv4j6G_GJngFf8e72PnDM8LbquvBzMK54g246LaUdaLHRzX/s1600/Maze+couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSqolkoniiBCgH0VFgE7PJyuo974X1_h5TUWaitcMyvLcPMGUEnuuauGxwT4Z_3W7-cyYPkC4KXrl4vx_ZXGH8_91hRRu9xv4j6G_GJngFf8e72PnDM8LbquvBzMK54g246LaUdaLHRzX/s640/Maze+couple.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's all for this day. We were absolutely pooped by the end of the day that we went back to London and got a quick dinner at the pub (I had Steak and Ale Pie, yum!) and hit the sack for an early morning on Thursday. </span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-54022208799285109552010-05-13T16:16:00.000-05:002010-05-13T16:16:20.030-05:00London: Day 2 (Part 2)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As much promised here is the second half of Day 2 in London. After we finished our wonderful time at the Tower of London, we headed to the tube to go north to the British Museum. For a free Museum it is well worth the time to make a stop here. It chronicles the history of Western civilization, including Egypt, Assyria, and Greece. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FsVVbvK1hU1zAcTnpsChvko2bSKzxEZj5N9nzCG63lbG70x-BI8UdrYMqtZSvybLdpg7SAEtKYZJK7llqRnoDLmXtw-NDNWGln7LMaYpDE48WZb4qGTQXYxeWDx4W4UFjuNZYQx12Fnt/s1600/Rosetta+Stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FsVVbvK1hU1zAcTnpsChvko2bSKzxEZj5N9nzCG63lbG70x-BI8UdrYMqtZSvybLdpg7SAEtKYZJK7llqRnoDLmXtw-NDNWGln7LMaYpDE48WZb4qGTQXYxeWDx4W4UFjuNZYQx12Fnt/s640/Rosetta+Stone.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rosetta Stone was unearthed in Egypt in 1799 and lead to significant advancements in decoding Egyptian writing. It contains a single inscription in three languages. The bottom portion is Greek, and the middle is medieval Egyptian. By comparing these two known languages, scientists were able to decipher the top inscription of hieroglyphics. This display was one of the most popular in the museum and was difficult to get up to the front to take a picture. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zjxaBgOXZo08pYd-EXakLnq_1e8FxBO2TzkGPoxkTR0Yj15dwxlExQjDHEEl9UCwIfvmjXtgGQ9tgq58Y7t8ypSbOtKvcwmAoNEUp0Uy-D0s4CycgCaNtcolCs8gaoPDPACH6oCjjG1V/s1600/Ramesses+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zjxaBgOXZo08pYd-EXakLnq_1e8FxBO2TzkGPoxkTR0Yj15dwxlExQjDHEEl9UCwIfvmjXtgGQ9tgq58Y7t8ypSbOtKvcwmAoNEUp0Uy-D0s4CycgCaNtcolCs8gaoPDPACH6oCjjG1V/s640/Ramesses+II.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further down the same Gallery of Egyptian History, is a colossal granite statue of Rameses II from a temple in Thebes. The hole in his chest is believed to be caused in 1817 by Napoleon's expedition trying to remove the statue. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sduDtrt4SagGd2C-jo0I5Y4Cw0FwwzOJTmcrl_CTsd4CfriNYbRYE2K_athpiw3uoF3Um1iw7e8smOZb8ciBtYESKQut_IrBwAT-8jJyxr5naVEK6lBDsNB130w2kjtQuFc3epauaQ1l/s1600/Scarab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sduDtrt4SagGd2C-jo0I5Y4Cw0FwwzOJTmcrl_CTsd4CfriNYbRYE2K_athpiw3uoF3Um1iw7e8smOZb8ciBtYESKQut_IrBwAT-8jJyxr5naVEK6lBDsNB130w2kjtQuFc3epauaQ1l/s640/Scarab.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a bug hater, the idea of seeing a huge granite scarab wasn't something I ventured to in the museum. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfd5f5pl7gmSEdx_aWxgiNzutHV_p7cWDTJ72u3RXxa2WpkfmSZPiswnwsXnhxv-KoT-5PdTKIDtZTP9ee6pB9y-tZO9aWG9FkoQUf4mL0vZcYYnAihjZY-FpG5-fwty7VdJ7N_WKhrUoB/s1600/Nereid+Monument.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfd5f5pl7gmSEdx_aWxgiNzutHV_p7cWDTJ72u3RXxa2WpkfmSZPiswnwsXnhxv-KoT-5PdTKIDtZTP9ee6pB9y-tZO9aWG9FkoQUf4mL0vZcYYnAihjZY-FpG5-fwty7VdJ7N_WKhrUoB/s640/Nereid+Monument.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favorite rooms in the museum contained the Nereid Monument, which was a temple/tomb with statues of the sea nymphs, Nereids. As I was looking at the astonishing details and pieces found at these ruins, my fellow travels were enjoying the room themselves...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They sat and complained that I was wearing them out! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And my favorite photo from the British Museum.....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLmS_QlYV3NM25iIh_2VAkRk1p9hmoAECW13EE14AneCcOxwaHI-tq7JKsQtMEc4ohp-CueDQ3LBd61dLF-FXqg0WyPf6pCdGmLS8eLIbiDH4UIsC59sJ4VvR4vjJ8aCpu-2PVQdyLgFw/s1600/Hand+to+Jaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLmS_QlYV3NM25iIh_2VAkRk1p9hmoAECW13EE14AneCcOxwaHI-tq7JKsQtMEc4ohp-CueDQ3LBd61dLF-FXqg0WyPf6pCdGmLS8eLIbiDH4UIsC59sJ4VvR4vjJ8aCpu-2PVQdyLgFw/s640/Hand+to+Jaw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's what he gets for complaining!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we were leaving the museum, we had our first rain drops fall on our vacation. We ran across the street to Starbucks to warm up with some tea and coffee. When it was safe that we wouldn't melt from the rain, we headed back down towards the Thames to see three of the most recognized sites in London. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVLWXPjlDBd5QYr4mY3RRMG8xrO1dEyNK5fTHGWawErMiU1IIs9xhZFLXlB4L_FG406vgN-tc6ZPJqfyyAAmdTeovUYZhyphenhyphengQIXjgzvwDbHnutRD9Fwf5Qg__p4cAWG6lu5BewQ7bR1ShU/s1600/London+Eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVLWXPjlDBd5QYr4mY3RRMG8xrO1dEyNK5fTHGWawErMiU1IIs9xhZFLXlB4L_FG406vgN-tc6ZPJqfyyAAmdTeovUYZhyphenhyphengQIXjgzvwDbHnutRD9Fwf5Qg__p4cAWG6lu5BewQ7bR1ShU/s640/London+Eye.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The London Eye. And no, we didn't go up it cause I'm not a fan of Ferris Wheels, especially extremely large ones. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8QYnRXPFm2pqiYOHylv7788YuFhJXWeDW3mmeW1XSIF5gotuSjf-_txt0pmDlmxeAOz2Mm4GC0wLWJTF-NfLHhi7QXrDxNdkkCXCbVuwjuZ8kens0XuxQEzp0w4wL96z4NlzS8lamI8P/s1600/Big+Ben.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8QYnRXPFm2pqiYOHylv7788YuFhJXWeDW3mmeW1XSIF5gotuSjf-_txt0pmDlmxeAOz2Mm4GC0wLWJTF-NfLHhi7QXrDxNdkkCXCbVuwjuZ8kens0XuxQEzp0w4wL96z4NlzS8lamI8P/s640/Big+Ben.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Big Ben. As you can see, it was 3 past 6, and we did get to faintly hear the bell toll over the sounds of motor vehicles, scooters, and emergency vehicles. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHDxlUlxXh_GG0XEJMoqYuArLX9FD7ICYMoVMSuMNdHtD9WJP384kAFVyoXdwdthyphenhyphenZA-_feIk6VNfVTavsqIb26Wob9zii0y5Q0JO1ZnV5wZ-IK-u8MWVma6tw-qQZz-1561RuNPVkFe6/s1600/Westminster+Abbey+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHDxlUlxXh_GG0XEJMoqYuArLX9FD7ICYMoVMSuMNdHtD9WJP384kAFVyoXdwdthyphenhyphenZA-_feIk6VNfVTavsqIb26Wob9zii0y5Q0JO1ZnV5wZ-IK-u8MWVma6tw-qQZz-1561RuNPVkFe6/s640/Westminster+Abbey+2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beautiful Westminster Abbey. We really wanted to go inside to see all the tombs and memorials, but it closes early and we were unable to make it on time. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZal3wOhSpDhRhoalfeeZ3ASsB5qLqieEnfV1zFHyWqSPHF2mI7suKQTl1G6KfybNFuv77fDxo1k502YAhcW7O0jB87wl_51bWyJyolmHeeVCxjq0yPvfYEa84DfT-ZLRkzGi20ZkxoNjW/s1600/Westminster+Abbey+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZal3wOhSpDhRhoalfeeZ3ASsB5qLqieEnfV1zFHyWqSPHF2mI7suKQTl1G6KfybNFuv77fDxo1k502YAhcW7O0jB87wl_51bWyJyolmHeeVCxjq0yPvfYEa84DfT-ZLRkzGi20ZkxoNjW/s640/Westminster+Abbey+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And to finish our day we strolled down St James Park to the Queen's residence, Buckingham Palace. The place was a complete chaotic news frenzy, as the new prime minister had been announced that day. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrLe8WdmIx9V_7ckRYeHbaIC9ZJ7VH555_SXOfZcYhghbnnp_S1aJaKNbQhFdAnT1MEDiuGLhZculox-jVnoaUyTEspZgI4JY6ZGw8rlCMJPkHmcw7R-PNJ9EEiRY3lPjfuH5rif5Fz31/s1600/Buckingham+Palace+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrLe8WdmIx9V_7ckRYeHbaIC9ZJ7VH555_SXOfZcYhghbnnp_S1aJaKNbQhFdAnT1MEDiuGLhZculox-jVnoaUyTEspZgI4JY6ZGw8rlCMJPkHmcw7R-PNJ9EEiRY3lPjfuH5rif5Fz31/s640/Buckingham+Palace+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The queen was not at home when we strolled by for a visit (the flag is at full staff). That's too bad, we would have brought the tea. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bxO-_7VbP-KeB0TetZ220oRosU8Yi1mPdIyuJ9VaAF1jqcrYmr9xBQRQIcjJI268R3vg4ZZXmbYl6bKpuWM_K7f6Gg3Hbe-5JL1TUzPwB3kxOWeNSFlQxrKPwX253VTXinscjS7BuoHg/s1600/Buckingham+Palace+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bxO-_7VbP-KeB0TetZ220oRosU8Yi1mPdIyuJ9VaAF1jqcrYmr9xBQRQIcjJI268R3vg4ZZXmbYl6bKpuWM_K7f6Gg3Hbe-5JL1TUzPwB3kxOWeNSFlQxrKPwX253VTXinscjS7BuoHg/s640/Buckingham+Palace+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And since it was mentioned that I seem to be more behind the camera than in front, one to please and show proof that I can be photographed (just don't like to!)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytfWkmPOyKe8oCOCca9mjBcVl-m4MIlVTPeTO0H372paipvAED_-SLOkDHcY2ttOlABHhj47q1X-C4fPfdkL1GOFA0qECSgJmG5QKNafIhZnHZg8BpJCGOTCrFtDXyGEYFTOG_FNp7T35/s1600/Proof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytfWkmPOyKe8oCOCca9mjBcVl-m4MIlVTPeTO0H372paipvAED_-SLOkDHcY2ttOlABHhj47q1X-C4fPfdkL1GOFA0qECSgJmG5QKNafIhZnHZg8BpJCGOTCrFtDXyGEYFTOG_FNp7T35/s640/Proof.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here's a sneak peak of Day 3 events. If you can figure out where we went based on this photo I'll buy you a drink (or a burger) when I return to the states.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5epbPGMt_-RivyHB4hPKQdtEkbWkgI1atOlzIVgV5WppKKKOwbthSL6Md5Dm6ZeFbMnc08vq3ruYfEchBgkFCkz4UQdWt8Hdu0UT416f52-3oJy3AEBv7OMoWs-8t9nSOnm5UuRUnBkRN/s1600/Sneak+Peak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5epbPGMt_-RivyHB4hPKQdtEkbWkgI1atOlzIVgV5WppKKKOwbthSL6Md5Dm6ZeFbMnc08vq3ruYfEchBgkFCkz4UQdWt8Hdu0UT416f52-3oJy3AEBv7OMoWs-8t9nSOnm5UuRUnBkRN/s640/Sneak+Peak.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-45215673241753150422010-05-11T18:27:00.000-05:002010-05-11T18:27:34.813-05:00Let the adventure begin! Day 1 and 2 (Part 1)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, where to start. I guess the beginning will have to do. Starting 24 hours before our flight, we were already getting alerts that delays were starting due to the volcanic ash. As the day went on, I continued to receive text messages pushing back our flight 1 hour, 3 hours, 4.5 hours.... Of course if you call customer service to ask if you really have to be to the airport on time since the plane is obviously delayed, they will tell you "we are working on getting an alternate plane to make the flight on time." The fear of missing our flight pushed us to still get at the airport at least 1 hour ahead of the scheduled flight (5:55 pm).....and I can tell you that airlines lie! There was never a plan to get another plane, so needless to say we sat in Terminal E for over 5 hours waiting for our flight. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIVwJvbyQuFoyG7EcKiKq4uGkq2dXxW7XOi0uGvi1NBlTJaUifeaXB-CBYd-mwDF_liB5nk9Uphw1HJVUQWBnwDhsrMu6kg1IZ6lFs1uPmH-o9CdBfOiABMR4b6B8A09KKBZrEXZqJkEM/s1600/Brad-Airport+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIVwJvbyQuFoyG7EcKiKq4uGkq2dXxW7XOi0uGvi1NBlTJaUifeaXB-CBYd-mwDF_liB5nk9Uphw1HJVUQWBnwDhsrMu6kg1IZ6lFs1uPmH-o9CdBfOiABMR4b6B8A09KKBZrEXZqJkEM/s640/Brad-Airport+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One nice thing about Continental Airlines, is that they obviously felt bad for everyone and not only offered a $12 meal voucher for the terminal, but also rolled up a little stand to hand out drinks and snacks while we waited. When we finally ready to board the flight at 10:30 pm, we both were shot and exhausted (and some us very poor sports).</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eqpCVbag9ZOnvfVGq3RA9c6lYd30J_iC1Z_XdJ7-aCsryOWabPezI-wrkEBM7VE9Sv1DvNZ0JMxPNxgyGOmmiyi497VmIzBe-BuLT4JtkkNnTnJ-Ub2Zs2fk4A80cwzv0Mifm6_c9k-E/s1600/Brad-Airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eqpCVbag9ZOnvfVGq3RA9c6lYd30J_iC1Z_XdJ7-aCsryOWabPezI-wrkEBM7VE9Sv1DvNZ0JMxPNxgyGOmmiyi497VmIzBe-BuLT4JtkkNnTnJ-Ub2Zs2fk4A80cwzv0Mifm6_c9k-E/s640/Brad-Airport.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once we finally boarded the plane, we thought we'd take off quickly.....but we were wrong. Apparently, several people missed the flight (how can you miss a 6 hour delayed flight) and had checked luggage, so the airline had to go through the luggage section and pull their bags for safety reasons. I'm glad our safety is important, but that cost us almost another 45 minutes on the ground. We finally were in the air at 11:30 pm!!!! We had a late night dinner served at 1:30 am, which neither of us really ate since the entire time our plate was out we had turbulence and we thought we may not keep down the food. I finally fell asleep about 2 hours into the flight during the move, but it didn't last long. You see, when you leave after midnight and are heading towards the sunrise, the night gets short....really short. So about 4 hours into the flight the sun was rising. Neither of us slept well, but we finally landed at Heathrow around 4 pm on Monday. Customs was quick and painless and we hopped on the tube to our hotel. The Crown Plaza near Kensington is lovely and was easy to find right off the tube. We met up with Gemma there around 5:30 pm. For those who don't know Gemma, she is my kiwi friend that I've known for almost 9 years since we met at Camp Saginaw in the summer of 2001. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After getting a bit settled into our hotel, we decided to venture out towards Piccadilly Square. We mainly looked around a bit and tried to find a pub to get some supper. We were finally successful and sat down at Cambridge Pub for some classic English food. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMUG-RZpRoeAg9lQog3S9frCt4ADWQjtl4PHu_KAhyphenhyphen-ZCWv87hgPN41u8wGVZvHwAXHs6Nnj5wOj9og02pJv36StMyA9HFqMgrkaCe3Lx12Q1V5XtwNZUEbPxlx0oOAJw7GTzBkTMxEvM/s1600/Fish+and+Chips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMUG-RZpRoeAg9lQog3S9frCt4ADWQjtl4PHu_KAhyphenhyphen-ZCWv87hgPN41u8wGVZvHwAXHs6Nnj5wOj9og02pJv36StMyA9HFqMgrkaCe3Lx12Q1V5XtwNZUEbPxlx0oOAJw7GTzBkTMxEvM/s640/Fish+and+Chips.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's better than Fish and Chips? Nothing!!! It's even better next to an English beer. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrS7JklR_5XbkGDzSu_CQlElpiZMMqpHP1G-IXieht2MbfWC4hh7AuSmLBoFDLDLbGWbIx0xPTB8mPVs3EhF17lRKqdzlioQ4iDvgYuC8EKK-xKsl1KmKwFcz0CBnxXthZvxbUx5YE-E8/s1600/DSCN0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrS7JklR_5XbkGDzSu_CQlElpiZMMqpHP1G-IXieht2MbfWC4hh7AuSmLBoFDLDLbGWbIx0xPTB8mPVs3EhF17lRKqdzlioQ4iDvgYuC8EKK-xKsl1KmKwFcz0CBnxXthZvxbUx5YE-E8/s640/DSCN0042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After we filled our bellies, we walked down to Trafalger Square. Being that is was nearly 10 pm at this time, we couldn't really take pictures. So we continued down towards Parliament (which was a buzz this late due to recent elections) and finally hopped on the tube to return to our hotel. We both fell asleep pretty quickly cause we knew we had a full day ahead of us. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alarms went off early on Day 2 so we could get a move on early in the day. We bought ourselves travelcards for the day since we knew we would be using the tube a lot. Getting the travelcard also made us eligible for 2 for 1 deals at some of the attractions.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hDF7Y_GOTST8g43YlWIHdXWEft9Re94To054hvSpl4jP3XzBrcZQsh8-mrojvBkRz3d69_67GtqxZBuj3Od8fjAMLB7pU5KPHd8cL_riqVZeMUXl151_2jIN-JDqU4TaTQBQX3_Wm4RP/s1600/Tower+of+London+Outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hDF7Y_GOTST8g43YlWIHdXWEft9Re94To054hvSpl4jP3XzBrcZQsh8-mrojvBkRz3d69_67GtqxZBuj3Od8fjAMLB7pU5KPHd8cL_riqVZeMUXl151_2jIN-JDqU4TaTQBQX3_Wm4RP/s640/Tower+of+London+Outside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First stop, the place I've been secretly dying to see, The Tower of London. I'm crazy about Tudor history so to see the place which is so famous in this time period just made me giddy. We arrived before 10 am so we could try to avoid some of the crowds. After walking through the gates we went straight for the Crown Jewels, as there is often a long queue to see them. Unfortunately we couldn't take any pictures in the building and we were watched like hawks every step we took. I can only describe how beautiful the jewels were and how much they show power and wealth. The largest diamond in the world, the Star of Africa (530 carat) is in one of the sceptres which is worn during coronations of the monarchs. It such a shame such beautiful pieces are worn so infrequently. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up, a Beefeater tour around the tower. The beefeaters (Yeoman Wardens) are the official guardsmen of the palace and also give excellent free tours. We started by talking about entryway into the palace. Traitors and prisoners typically entered via the underground gate by way of the Thames River though Traitors Gate. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6l8lVy3hLSiDbhVs35y5sn7JGtZioNpzadAxZ9LVA91KaGN6a4tMi3R3ttVyMRN9YkcCWlmj7vi-1tEdMgGrVioA3nrkDQe_yQgWa9bToOwBAtHUCUL_YHIqVlbqZkopfjkqzECekbnnL/s1600/Traitor+Entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6l8lVy3hLSiDbhVs35y5sn7JGtZioNpzadAxZ9LVA91KaGN6a4tMi3R3ttVyMRN9YkcCWlmj7vi-1tEdMgGrVioA3nrkDQe_yQgWa9bToOwBAtHUCUL_YHIqVlbqZkopfjkqzECekbnnL/s640/Traitor+Entrance.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The river has been pulled back from the walls over the years, but the gate remains in place (and I'm sure the water is more for the effect than anything). Following entrance into the fortress, the prisoners were placed in various holding rooms based on their rank, while waiting for their sentence and punishment. In the center of the fortress right next to the White Tower, is the Tower Green. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihs9UVw4Oxxtsc2rwL3I4n6l5D0zi9OTpHlVQL6huPBNaXMDneuYoVm8hK9EmIBJtgld1niEQoTKQHywwcSe9LQYjKca6EpE8hGd1Eih6jqNxpCwnyfwDOK8qxtRLuONcIih5_SM2YkYr0/s1600/Tower+Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihs9UVw4Oxxtsc2rwL3I4n6l5D0zi9OTpHlVQL6huPBNaXMDneuYoVm8hK9EmIBJtgld1niEQoTKQHywwcSe9LQYjKca6EpE8hGd1Eih6jqNxpCwnyfwDOK8qxtRLuONcIih5_SM2YkYr0/s640/Tower+Green.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the famous place known for it's cruel history of public beheading. This particular area was reserved for more distinguished "guests" such as Anne Bolelyn (2nd wife of Henry VIII), Catherine Howard (5th wife of Henry VIII), and Lady Jane Grey (the 9 day Queen) who received a more "private" beheading ceremony compared to those who were beheaded or hung outside the gates at Tower Hill.. Before a beheading, a scaffold was built, in plain sight so that the prisoners could see the construction from their windows. Imagine watching every nail being hammered into the wood planks that will soon be covered in your blood. Not any easy task to undertake. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We then moved onto the chapel right next to Tower Green where many of the killed prisoners were buried following their execution. Since it's a functioning Christian chapel, no cameras, videocameras, etc were allowed in the room. The Beefeaters said over 1000 remains are buried in the walls and under a tablet on the west wall, including Sir Thomas More, and many higher status people such as Anne and Jane are buried at alters in the fronts of the church. This was the end of our awesome tour. It's hard to believe that all of these guides actually live in the walls of this place while they are employed, so it's a fully functional palace to this day. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up was the White Tower, which is currently under renovation (notice the small section I was able to photograph). Currently, this houses many of the royal armories history. What's unique about this building is how you travel between floors. You still walk up the very steep spiraling staircase (and always back down) which seems to go on forever. If you aren't a mobile person or have trouble with stairs, this place is definitely not for you. I have a few photos of various artifacts from insides, which I may add later, but it was difficult to take great photos as the rooms were dark and I don't think flash was allowed. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From there we explored various towers around the property. It's really hard to imagine how big this place is because there is so many towers with varying displays. Honestly, I have a lot of pictures, but as I'm having to sit in the lobby of the hotel to access the internet, I don't have the time (or energy at midnight) to put them all here. I promise I'll update some of them which I get a down day or a few hours (such as train rides)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spent nearly 4 hours around the Tower, and finally left to explore other parts of London. I'll leave you with a picture of the Tower Bridge immediately outside of the gates. I'm hoping to finish Day 2 tomorrow, during which we continue our adventure to the British Museum and Buckingham Palace (which was quite busy as the new prime minister was announced today). Until then....CHEERS!</span><br />
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</span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-76071155990606188802010-05-05T21:29:00.000-05:002010-05-05T21:29:22.862-05:00Money, Money, Money, Money......MONEY!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In preparation for our quickly approaching trip (T minus 4 days) Brad went ahead and exchanged some currency for us. One thing I realized about the English Pound and Euro is how colorful the bills are. Why hasn't the US adapted a similar currency? With the latest update to our bills, they added a bit of color, but we still have the overwhelming green bill in the end. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, I love this man. He lets me take ridiculous photos of him!</span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-3457255048753895672010-05-02T15:33:00.002-05:002010-05-02T15:42:01.084-05:00Let the Packing Begin<div><span style="font-family: arial;">Enter the suitcase....</span></div><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And within minutes, enter the bubba.....</span><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Toby is just as thrilled as we are about our upcoming trip. So much so, that he promptly plopped his behind into said suitcase and took a nap as soon as we brought the new one home from the store. His fixation with boxes and small enclosures has clouded his judgement on what exactly he can fit into. As you can see, Toby isn't the smallest cat I've met (and certainly not the largest either) but he has the mind of a 8 lb cat. He finds the smallest box we own, and somehow manages to wiggle his way into it. Although his blubber may be overflowing the sides, he appears like he's comfortable and enjoying himself. </span></div>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-67255158572630506942009-07-10T18:41:00.004-05:002009-07-10T18:55:44.637-05:00Hi, my name is Starla, and I'm a Big Brother'aholicI have to make a confession to all my family, friends, and anyone who is brave enough to read posts about my life....<div><br /></div><div>Yes, I'm addicted to Big Brother. I try to hide my addiction by doing it in secret when I think noone is watching, and then deny that I do it when caught with my eyes glued to the TV set. And since I'm in the mood of confessing, I'll also go on to add that I frequent the <a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/mb.asp?cmd=list&forum_id=15">Two Peas in a Bucket NSBR message board </a> to read the pages of posts of people who have the Big Brother live feeds. Maybe it's the excitement of watching people live their lives as if noone is watching them, maybe it's for the pure entertainment factor, maybe it's because it's summertime and there is NOTHING new on TV, but whatever the reason is.....I just can't give it up!</div><div><br /></div><div>So let me introduce the cast of Big Brother 11. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsfftPpdf8Oe_CVaBIXGLsUzUl8WamOQG8xJ0F-poHDJgMoBdzGChSpcbWWXTjaE7Mmv2nFpV-poC_ysb_wcfnTiBD6o_Zgmw7QRTIPWjU4LMZVqnfy4OpxtK10NLMeEgm8rLEv1BPVng/s1600-h/bb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsfftPpdf8Oe_CVaBIXGLsUzUl8WamOQG8xJ0F-poHDJgMoBdzGChSpcbWWXTjaE7Mmv2nFpV-poC_ysb_wcfnTiBD6o_Zgmw7QRTIPWjU4LMZVqnfy4OpxtK10NLMeEgm8rLEv1BPVng/s800/bb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356983522314564210" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And now for the first "surprise" for the season: The houseguests (herein referred to as HG) are split into 4 teams based on high school cliques. We have the athletes, brains, popular, and off beat cliques. Also, they brought back Jesse (from BB 10) as the 13th HG. It should be an interesting season, and I'll seek help for my addiction after the season is over. </div>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-50454355495470375402009-07-05T11:51:00.008-05:002009-07-05T12:36:29.903-05:00Foodie<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">As I've aged I have learned to appreciate food more and I've developed a love to be in the kitchen cooking something new. Obviously, it's best when Brad is in there helping me create some new dinner for us to try. And now with the addition of our <a href="http://starleej.blogspot.com/2009/06/grill-baby-gril.html">grill</a> we already have a list of creations to try in the coming weeks. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">For our 4th of July party I had alot of food to make to keep my guests happy and entertained. I thought I would share two recipes with you since I think both of these are worth trying. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Corn Salsa (or Fiesta Salsa as I call it)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This is my favorite appetizer recipe currently and works for any setting. I will not claim this recipe as my own as I first tried this when my friend Hillary made it. I had to ask her for the recipe as soon as I tried it, and it's been a staple in my recipe collection since. I've changed a few things, and I recommend anyone to add what you like and customize as you see fit. This recipe makes a HUGE batch, so I recommend to half the ingredients otherwise you will have tons left over. Also, I tend to chop my ingredients to small pieces (even the olives) so that it's not too chunky and hard to scoop up. I serve it with either pita chips or tortilla chips.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">First, the ingredients:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">16oz bag of frozen sweet white corn -thawed </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">4oz can of sliced black olives</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1 large red bell pepper ( I also use orange and yellow for additional colors)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1 small red onion chopped finely</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1 heaping tablespoon minced garlic </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Fresh cilantro chopped (approx 3/4 cup, or to taste)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1 can black beans drained (optional, but I always add)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Cherry tomatoes chopped in small pieces (optional, but I always add)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">2-4 ripe avocados chopped</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdKvibGehJHfz5iEPYRNfaAlxufAn6Emqid1ZRWelxiffENY7Yu7CGggx5ir_K7XZy2lW0X8JNtQnpWjkzIBk9XzyGUZaO27sXrbTMLP7rXeel1Lf_9stwn_X1VGxQEcX8LUKaJgCHbYd/s1600-h/DSC_0174.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdKvibGehJHfz5iEPYRNfaAlxufAn6Emqid1ZRWelxiffENY7Yu7CGggx5ir_K7XZy2lW0X8JNtQnpWjkzIBk9XzyGUZaO27sXrbTMLP7rXeel1Lf_9stwn_X1VGxQEcX8LUKaJgCHbYd/s800/DSC_0174.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355025949265863858" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Dressing:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1/3 cup EVOO (extra virgin olive oil for those non-Rachel Ray watchers)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">3 tablespoons cider vinegar</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1 teaspoon oregano</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper (or to taste)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD2qG8HZ_BaISWqCDceo0KZko7LJQcAlVEpDK2Bx_Rtnq8eflot1ex_pgx6q2BwE5TEU1phcNCYIyQIQzlWsOm67CSPvi1AnXwYn4R4OVWTFVqN_5BK6ZylNb20w-pdmccqZpYckLyWe-/s1600-h/DSC_0178.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD2qG8HZ_BaISWqCDceo0KZko7LJQcAlVEpDK2Bx_Rtnq8eflot1ex_pgx6q2BwE5TEU1phcNCYIyQIQzlWsOm67CSPvi1AnXwYn4R4OVWTFVqN_5BK6ZylNb20w-pdmccqZpYckLyWe-/s800/DSC_0178.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355026725582473362" /></a><br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I prepare everything before hand by combining all the ingredients (except the avocados and dressing) and keeping refrigerated until serving. Just prior to serving, cut up the avocados and add to salsa mixture. Then whisk up dressing and pour over salsa and mix well. Viola! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Potato Salad</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">I found this recipe on <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/potato-salad-recipe/index.html">Food Network by Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa)</a> and decided to try it for our party. I must say....it was delish!. I'm very particular about potato salad, and it's either good or it's not good, no in between. The dill in this dish makes to flavors intense. Also, watch the salt. I used way less than what was indicated (also if you use regular salt it will be saltier than if you use Kosher salt). </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Ingredients:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">3 lbs small white potatoes (I used red potatoes and didn't remove the skins)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Kosher salt</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1 cup mayo</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1/2 cup buttermilk (I didn't have this, so I used about 1/4 skim milk and it worked fine)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">2 tablespoons dijon mustard</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1/2 cup chopped fresh dill</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Freshly ground black pepper</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1/2 cup chopped celery</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1/2 cup copped red onion</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Directions:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Boil the potatoes and 2 tablesppons of salt in a large pot of water. Once the pot is boiling, lower the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are barely tender when pierced with a knife. Drain the potatoes in a colander, then place the colander with the potatoes over the empty pot and cover with a clean, dry kitchen town. Allow the potatoes to steam for 15-20 minutes. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">While the potatoes are cooking, whisk together in a small bowl the mayo, buttermilk (or milk) dijon and whole-grain mustard, dill, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Set aside. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in quarter or half (I made small pieces). Place the cut potatoes in a large bowel. While the potatoes are still warm, pour enough dressing over them to moisten. Add the celery and red onion, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Toss well, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend. Serve cold or at room temp. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9NULwL3mRxSNbedNiFZrfaWlijtJBN4aov0Uz5cNSUzG743FsqA2ud-ZjcLjc_J92pfAPh_yEBrdk91k8QE0W0Wx8b05uh886vXoVEeKuASnBn7ZqfXnR0SaY76-hBZaOkk2F31eN2gA/s1600-h/DSC_0171.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9NULwL3mRxSNbedNiFZrfaWlijtJBN4aov0Uz5cNSUzG743FsqA2ud-ZjcLjc_J92pfAPh_yEBrdk91k8QE0W0Wx8b05uh886vXoVEeKuASnBn7ZqfXnR0SaY76-hBZaOkk2F31eN2gA/s800/DSC_0171.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355030321761869714" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-8948777828092139372009-06-28T10:54:00.009-05:002009-07-05T11:51:49.308-05:00Grill Baby Grill<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">After much debate and shopping around, just waiting for the perfect fit, we found and bought our first grill. After all, our lonely downtown facing patio was in need of something to fill the space. Although our trusty grill plate for the gas stove has provided us with some delicious grilled meats and vegetables, the lure of outdoor cooking has been on Brad's mind since we moved into this place. So here is the birth of our grill....</span><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">First, we really didn't feel like hauling a huge, heavy box up 2 flights of stairs, so we brought up the individual pieces to the 3rd floor (where the patio is) and kept them inside. Mind you, it was 100+ degrees outside at the time we started this project, so spending as little time outside was our goal. I insisted Brad READ THE DIRECTIONS, since I know men like to forget this step!<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeKc3UFc36XdYsZGi2O9tjLDLtVkK3EURThxT4r9BormTnaRkkMf1QhkujvD3SDdP7o-rIrNpgBkfkKym_xPI7Eq-AWotA-1uuQr1mplofgLJVVJJcSkuRwZOShE7GrFeasKdysjXcH2x/s1600-h/DSC_0153.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352409099705164578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeKc3UFc36XdYsZGi2O9tjLDLtVkK3EURThxT4r9BormTnaRkkMf1QhkujvD3SDdP7o-rIrNpgBkfkKym_xPI7Eq-AWotA-1uuQr1mplofgLJVVJJcSkuRwZOShE7GrFeasKdysjXcH2x/s800/DSC_0153.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">The start. You don't notice, but I'm standing in the doorway to the house....in the cool AC environment.<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKq8uaqgW5EmruWZmhJAiOciB1jA82sYO3V5HzGp0uUMkHzdwU5bddFS-T9dosa2Qmsk1oJxUUuVrep9r4qlftZFeczBky14A0-4IBxwBgGkGjmry96-FYTdVfAtbW0NKx-WVrLIili2u/s1600-h/grill+work1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352411888931141666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKq8uaqgW5EmruWZmhJAiOciB1jA82sYO3V5HzGp0uUMkHzdwU5bddFS-T9dosa2Qmsk1oJxUUuVrep9r4qlftZFeczBky14A0-4IBxwBgGkGjmry96-FYTdVfAtbW0NKx-WVrLIili2u/s800/grill+work1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7qnehzk4ognk1eiOotLSj5Kuh0_pVL0I5cYCFSyYuy61NhMzDiDZ1xZ-9CR9WLqtz4-4sZIGoLzaOHP3r75GAC99pHMaf0A1Sf2TlpGw6PwKKdca7VPkgrPTiw96W1UVeXftgdYyte2E/s1600-h/grill+work2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352413631205723058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7qnehzk4ognk1eiOotLSj5Kuh0_pVL0I5cYCFSyYuy61NhMzDiDZ1xZ-9CR9WLqtz4-4sZIGoLzaOHP3r75GAC99pHMaf0A1Sf2TlpGw6PwKKdca7VPkgrPTiw96W1UVeXftgdYyte2E/s800/grill+work2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Almost done!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35XzCdHcoQmYcCRCquGzJl574irxwCIBslewNXLLEg_qKdPqIRQX29EERl9cGF7Del7qEBZ3H21YGj8a24r_xpz4tu0-K5Dj03Nik8Tp6i8hIdzJD5Bgv0qNCWGB2litFfDsQzSxOXfLo/s1600-h/grill+work3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352414758059924130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35XzCdHcoQmYcCRCquGzJl574irxwCIBslewNXLLEg_qKdPqIRQX29EERl9cGF7Del7qEBZ3H21YGj8a24r_xpz4tu0-K5Dj03Nik8Tp6i8hIdzJD5Bgv0qNCWGB2litFfDsQzSxOXfLo/s800/grill+work3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Like a proud parent!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1_LRljcKwv_uRw7dSnLb-8TSbwRBahEzhCG3sgWbfCKjj561-j-uZ107vyioQBphTGRiTDKnd2DosmwSCmV0YizKwSIp6hDldGamCz5T-gm3dMH4LeTTpGIi1XXYo5c3D5GtIzbE8Ccs/s1600-h/DSC_0166.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352416389844684722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1_LRljcKwv_uRw7dSnLb-8TSbwRBahEzhCG3sgWbfCKjj561-j-uZ107vyioQBphTGRiTDKnd2DosmwSCmV0YizKwSIp6hDldGamCz5T-gm3dMH4LeTTpGIi1XXYo5c3D5GtIzbE8Ccs/s800/DSC_0166.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-12227538966220726872009-06-11T21:36:00.002-05:002009-06-11T21:38:29.413-05:00Change of DirectionI haven't posted on here in quite some time, mostly due to being busy at work with new projects, presentations, and spending loads of time with my beau. I really want to get back into blogging so that my friends/family can keep up with my crazy life. So with that, I'm planning on changing a few things on here and maybe head in a new direction. Stay tuned, as the changes should start soon....<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-51307949178916934782009-02-21T19:03:00.006-06:002009-02-21T21:53:19.916-06:00Greetings from Winter Park<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Day 1:</span></div>We made it to Winter Park yesterday after a short flight to Denver. The drive to Winter Park was beautiful with steep mountain passes and even a bit of snow covered roads. Since we couldn't get into our condo until around 4 pm, we drove around the towns of Winter Park and Fraser (seriously took about 5 minutes to drive through both). The best part of our wandering was when we stopped at the grocery store to get some supplies. And I got carded for the beer. So we asked if Brad looked old enough to buy alcohol, and the cashier said she thought he was at least <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">36</span>!!!! He wasn't too happy about that, but I was laughing. Finally made it to our condo and got settled in. We both were feeling a bit of altitude sickness with horrible headaches, but that wasn't going to stop us from our first night of activities......SNOW BIKES. After the slopes had cleared off the riders and the sun had set, we strapped on our classy reflective vests and headlamps and headed to the top of the mountain. It was pitch black with an overcast sky and a heavy snow starting to fall, and add in some strong winds and needless to say we weren't warm and cozy. At the summit, it was nearly impossible to see anything, so you followed the reflective vest of the person in front of you. We both were ready to get down the mountain due to being cold and the blowing snow in your face. As we progressed down the mountain, we realized how much fun we were having (and it got warmer and less wind down the mountain). We had enough fun that we went for a second run. We have a couple of pictures but unfortunately we aren't able to load Brad's memory card on my computer. So I'll add the pics when we return. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Day 2: </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Woke up early this morning to hit our first day on the slopes. I was greeted with a lovely wind burn on my face from the evening before. My schedule was the full day Burton Learn to Ride class. Brad was going to hit the slopes off the bat and "shake off the rust". </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Shot of the slopes at the base. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1Ndrrmh_cNBs02ML-2TBd-SEZ2gyA2jZBtW3qJCP4MKK8dU3vpgubrvsJeSfuSPUDl5XV2HfRD-rH-9cxzVMIKbJ8OlXcUjDOl13DI-o026W2MZYsmlRU-w0TaqpWqqUG6a6_LavTS96/s1600-h/IMG_0003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1Ndrrmh_cNBs02ML-2TBd-SEZ2gyA2jZBtW3qJCP4MKK8dU3vpgubrvsJeSfuSPUDl5XV2HfRD-rH-9cxzVMIKbJ8OlXcUjDOl13DI-o026W2MZYsmlRU-w0TaqpWqqUG6a6_LavTS96/s400/IMG_0003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305460385863505234" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Brad and I (sorry for the squinting)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0juVZJstcpxCgN6pcqgqbRYHErnFlBVj3rGU24k6fVtH1vw7iu7GcMADJw2kVazrCI3B5ax7Aa_LTtsFrXCs_zkR0K0OX3lrJ7fU_rmdhZiu2xEPKdugcs-kowG4-AbLAaW0refjwEua/s1600-h/IMG_0006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0juVZJstcpxCgN6pcqgqbRYHErnFlBVj3rGU24k6fVtH1vw7iu7GcMADJw2kVazrCI3B5ax7Aa_LTtsFrXCs_zkR0K0OX3lrJ7fU_rmdhZiu2xEPKdugcs-kowG4-AbLAaW0refjwEua/s400/IMG_0006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305460763661434338" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Beginning of class. We had 3 people (all girls) in our class so we were able to really learn alot and at a quick pace. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5jDYH59fqXRKhWO30bAAtRrrE58KIQvqktEQ1EO5Uk4L7jzCYqUIgFLUwCxCAgAwTCy3jHvq7z3jRMALf2AaJOR8kqeR-SJeVzgvUdl68a6kjeoylHK4zyR99x3THxHmRGLWVpBBxBVT/s1600-h/IMG_0007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5jDYH59fqXRKhWO30bAAtRrrE58KIQvqktEQ1EO5Uk4L7jzCYqUIgFLUwCxCAgAwTCy3jHvq7z3jRMALf2AaJOR8kqeR-SJeVzgvUdl68a6kjeoylHK4zyR99x3THxHmRGLWVpBBxBVT/s400/IMG_0007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305461529572291682" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Bunny slopes for the morning. I swear these little kids were showing us up!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiqTz-ToGIk1qeLcfzHT3Z799ow8dVVYoUpijyq29gNU1iUC04xJ5gKGY-Sm2jhID6diwe6yC7vPkEiZKSNnVomXvCCEruh-gqM43Qob4LbHJ4peTacgrH4BjoEYck4vnR_ydKqNsiGzr/s1600-h/IMG_0009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiqTz-ToGIk1qeLcfzHT3Z799ow8dVVYoUpijyq29gNU1iUC04xJ5gKGY-Sm2jhID6diwe6yC7vPkEiZKSNnVomXvCCEruh-gqM43Qob4LbHJ4peTacgrH4BjoEYck4vnR_ydKqNsiGzr/s400/IMG_0009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305461532626731922" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Brad managed to have a good morning on his own. He started on some greens and did a few blues. We met up for lunch and relaxed back in our condo (across the street from the slopes). In the afternoon, my class headed up the mountain to try real runs. I was doing pretty well and was getting down my turns pretty easily and felt very comfortable. Then.... disaster struck. I took as nasty fall and hit my head, but that wasn't what was hurting after the fall. I managed to jam my right wrist pretty bad, so much so that putting any weight on it or moving it was (and still is) very painful. I managed to make it down the mountain, but not without several more falls to increase my wrist pain and make me lose my confidence. Brad had a much better afternoon than me, making it up to Mary Jane peak and taking a long trail down the mountain. He even managed to go down a mogul trail after trying to follow some other snowboarders. So, all in all, our first day was awesome. I hoping the wrist gets better before Monday when I give snowboarding another try. </span>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-8307581156071872902009-01-05T21:46:00.002-06:002009-01-05T21:55:17.759-06:00New Year, New Beginning<div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">That time of year when everyone makes plans and goals for the next 365 days is upon us again. The gyms fill up with people hoping to lose the weight they gained in the previous year, people rush to join a club or group in something they've always been interested in, and people make lists of those things they wish to accomplish. For me, my only goal for the year is to be HAPPIER than the previous year (of course losing a couple of pounds certainly wouldn't upset me). </span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/28/l_1133aaffbb3943d183efdb0bb46759cb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/28/l_1133aaffbb3943d183efdb0bb46759cb.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">I'm feeling this year I will accomplish my goal.....with someone like Brad in my life, that's not hard to complete. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Happy New Year!!<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div></div>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678574841856615237.post-63817968555784395822008-12-16T17:55:00.003-06:002008-12-16T18:05:57.453-06:00Don't say never....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">.....cause it will always happen. "I'll never see snow in Houston" is what was uttered out of my lips when I first moved down south. Houston doesn't have a "winter" season, but we have Summer 1, Summer 2, Summer 3, and Fall. However, I was proven wrong when I walked out of work last Thursday to find this outside....</span><div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v722/Dazeepetals/1210081759a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 600px;" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v722/Dazeepetals/1210081759a.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">What tickles me is that for some kids in Houston, this is the first snowfall they have ever seen. I've seen hundreds and every time I love it, except when I had to drive home in it in Cincinnati (6 hours to go 19 miles!!)</span><br /><br /><br /></div>Starlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17743612509680419761noreply@blogger.com0