Ooooo la la!

Our adventures on Dora


have now lead us back to France for the third time. This time we have taken on a perfumery after crossing the French border and two cities; Nice (Neece as it is pronounced) and Monaco, which is also it's own country. Our first stop once we arrived back in France was a small perfumery producing a large portion of France's exquisite perfumes. We took an on site tour and it was quite fascinating. We learned all about the art of creating the scents that we all love. Did you know that there are people out there employed to just sniff smells and create perfumes? They are called Noses and there are only 50 of them in the entire world. Some of the contraptions they use to produce perfumes and soaps, etc are pretty crazy looking.


Once we left the perfumery we headed to our hotel located right outside of Nice. Let me just tell you... After 10 days of teeny tiny rooms we checked into studio rooms giving us each our own DOUBLE beds, a microwave, refrigerator, and oodles of excess space. It is heaven! We also have a roof top pool and a pretty sweet view of the beach! Not too shabby, eh? This is the view from the cute window in our bathroom


We all went to a french restaurant last night together and tried various cuisines. It was delish! The walk to the restaurant was right through a little town right off the water and we were surround by yachts and beautiful scenery. On the way back to the hotel Amanda and I saw this cute sign and went to take a picture with it when we were greeted by a cute little furry friend. He reminded me of how badly I want a pup of my own!




Anyway, today we were escorted into Nice by our fearless leader Alan and our driver, Avia (his name is pronounced Iva, we call him "Iva the driva") around 9am and had roughly 6 hours to try and see all of Nice. Against some of my better judgement, I entered the shopping realm that the French Rivera is known for and happily embraced some retail therapy. Yes, yes... I somehow resisted in Barcelona but indulged in Nice which is bad but I got some very lovely things, including items for some themed parties we have coming up, and I had an absolute blast shopping so I am cutting myself some slack :)


Once I did enough damage on the retail front, Amanda, Leisha, and I made our way to the beach and relaxed for a few hours before we had to head back to our hotel to get ready. Here is a pic of Amanda and Leisha on the promenade.


The beaches in Nice were some of the cleanest and nicest beaches I have ever seen. Surprisingly, they were far less crowded with topless people as well. We have all agreed today... Nice is niiiiiice! lol! However, this was my first time on a pebble beach and although it is pleasant to be rid if sandy bathing wear, it is quite aggregating to try and walk and lay on pebbles so we ended up renting beach chairs, or lylies as Amanda and the Aussies call them, for 14 Euros! It was the most expensive suntan I have ever gotten but it was wonderfully relaxing!


Once we got back from Nice we got ready and embarked on our hour drive to Monaco to visit the royal palace (the prince of Monaco is getting married this weekend so it is a big to do here) and the Grand Monte Carlo Casino. The drive to Monaco was phenomenal. We stopped along the way to get some photos, just take a look!









Once we made it to Monaco, a torrential rain began and we were all immediately soaking wet. Please keep in mind that we are all dressed in our best to spend an evening amongst the rich and famous who surround Monaco. This was a group of my friends in the elevator on the way back down from the top and a few of us out in front of Dora.



After we dried off a bit we made it to the Grand Casino. It was interesting to see roulette tables, other table games, and virtual games in French. The minimum buy ins were in the 200 Euro range and it was 10 Euro just to get in the casino, so needless to say, I didn't play much. I lost about 15 Euro in the video roulette and gave up quickly but not before I got some cute pics, because after all, that's what this whole experience is about... Capturing wonderful memories!



First thing tomorrow morning we are off to Venice!!! I am so excited to finally get to Italy that I feel like a little kid on Christmas Eve and I can't sleep! We are arriving into Venice around 4pm tomorrow and then we are having some kind of surprise themed party and celebrating Leisha's birthday. I will catch up with you all again after Venice. I am not sure but I don't think we have wifi there so it may be a few days before I can get back in touch.

Here's the link to the photos from this segment of the trip... I'm not exactly sure why but they are all out of order in this album.

https://picasaweb.google.com/118224782848888880659/NiceMonaco?authkey=Gv1sRgCInjn7uslff99QE

Love,

Lindsay


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Nice, France and Monaco!

BarTHElona!

On the way to Barcelona we made a small stop to see The Pont du Gard while we were still in France and it was breath taking! Here's a photo of a portion of our group with the 2,000 year old bridge (built by the Romans) in the back ground.









Barcelona, or barthelona as it is pronounced here by the locals, is fantastic! Last night we went to a flamenco show which is a traditional Spanish show complete with traditional Spanish music and dancers. It was only 8 Euros which is one of the cheapest things we have done entertainment wise and I think it was the most amazing show we've seen so far. It was definitely the perfect way to kick off my Spanish adventure! Our group is really beginning to bond and get to know one another so after the show we all went out together to experience Spain's (Esapana's) night life. Here is a pic of our entire group!



Amanda and I ended up at a McDonalds at about 2am and it was quite the funny experience. So far one of my favorite things to do is to take pictures of food packages in other languages or go to the super market and look at all the groceries in other languages so I ended up taking this photo with some of our Mcdonalds items.




We had a completely free day today, meaning we didn't have a schedule or any pre planned activities, so Amanda and I took advantage and dove head first into Barcelona. We had a bit of difficulty at first navigating the map we were given but after a few hours we got our bearings and figured out the layout of the city. The architecture in Barcelona is stunning. It's mostly the traditional red roofs and Spanish style that I've seen a little in Florida but I fell in love instantly.


















Oddly enough one of the things that I loved the most was a museum that I don't even know the name of. I'll have to google it later when I have some time and figure it out but it was so amazing!! We literally stood and starred at it for half an hour just taking in it's size and beauty. Isn't it awesome?









Here I am on the steps of my mysterious museum that I love so much!









We proceeded to go to the shopping district which was fun and awful all at the same time. I wanted to shop so badly! :( Europe has super trendy, fun clothing and walking away without buying anything was one of the more difficult tasks I have come across so far...especially because the prices we pretty reasonable and everything was so cute. I just had to keep reminding myself that I have to carry everything that I buy with me on my back for the next 6 weeks! Speaking of, I cant believe it's already been a week! It's flying by so fast! Here is a random silly picture I took with a camel that we found while we were in the shopping district, which is known as the gothic district.








Even though we were completely knackered (this is just one if the few words that I have picked up from being around all Aussie, British, and New Zealanders since I have been here meaning tired) Amanda and I pressed on and took the metro over to the beach and I got to take my first dip in the Mediterranean Sea!!! As a side note, I am a HUGE fan of taking the metros in every country. I always feel excited and accomplished afterward. Here's a picture of me while we were at the beach.








We sunbathed for a few hours and enjoyed the chance to lay back, relax, and people watch. Let me just say, being that it is my first time on a European beach, there is no amount of preparation that prepares you for the very open topless beaches. It is just so strange to me to see old women, young women, fat women, and even pregnant women running around without a bathing suit top on. Nevertheless, I am glad to accept every experience that Europe has to offer me.

Although I am sad to say adios to Barthelona, I am very much looking forward to tomorrow's adventure into Nice in the French Rivera!

I love you all! I will catch up with you again from France!

PS- I only get a few minutes of free wifi here is the link to the pictures when they are finished uploading.

https://picasaweb.google.com/118224782848888880659/Barcelona?authkey=Gv1sRgCM6ivrnL0JSRlAE

-Lindsay

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Barcelona, Spain

Back to France!

It was another looooong day on Dora driving from Switzerland to France. It was roughly an 8 hour drive but it went by rather quickly which was nice. We got to design our group trip T shirt that we can purchase in Venice, watched Saving Private Ryan since it took place in France, and Amanda and I watched episodes of Sex and the City on her computer! :)


Once we arrived in Avignon we went directly into the city and went sightseeing and a bunch of us had dinner together at a cute French cafe.









After dinner a few of us rode a little carousel and yet again I felt like I was reliving my childhood while on this trip!



We are off to go bowling as a group tonight so I have just a few spare moments to put this up. Tomorrow morning we have another 9 hour drive ahead of us to Barcelona!!!! I am REALLY looking forward to Spain! I can't wait to tell you everything about it!

I'll check in again soon!

I love you!

-Lindsay

Ps- Here is the link to my album but it's nit finished uploading so there may be more added later.

https://picasaweb.google.com/118224782848888880659/Avignon02?authkey=Gv1sRgCKa6kK-N57XzvQE

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Avignon, France

Funfilled Friday

Yesterday was a REALLY long day on Dora as we left Pais at 8:00am and arrived at our campsite in Switzerland around 7:30pm. However, I must say that I am a newly reformed plane snob! I now appreciate all the beauty and experience that accompanies seeing an entire country as you travel. Flying really takes away all the fun of seeing sights as you go. The trip here was mostly along the French countryside and it was truly beautiful. Once we got into camp we had dinner and a then had a big group party with two other tours. Everyone mingled and loosened up quite a bit so it was a lot of fun. We are staying at a campsite and the accommodations make me feel like I'm 12 again at Camp Lurecrest complete with bunk beds and community bathrooms... although, I must say it only makes the experience that much more fun!






Switzerland is absolutely breathtaking! The Swiss are wonderful people who are all about cleanliness, peace, honesty, and quiet. We spent the day walking all over this beautiful town and exploring Trummelbach Falls. Look at some of these sights, they are amazing!












I spent most of the day with Andrea and Christina who are two sisters from NYC. There are only 6 Americans on this entire trip. The three of us opted not to go to the top of the Swiss Alps today as it was below freezing at the top and snowing and we did not prepare for that weather. Instead we spent a peaceful day sightseeing and relishing all that Lauterbrunnen has to offer. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing day just soaking up the Swiss culture (complete with trying delicious Swiss chocolate)! We probably walked about 10-15 miles all day so thats a great way to work off everything I've been eating :)

We walked into a nearby town to go check out Trummelbach falls which is a local waterfall that we heard is to die for, and it was!!!











Here is a pic of the three of us while inside of the waterfall. It is a natural waterfall that flows from melting glaciers and they said it flows at about 20,000 liters per second. We took a lift mid way up and walked the rest of the way. The water was FREEZING but we had a blast!!!





It was about a 30 minute walk each way to the town of Trummelbach from Lauterbrunnen and we were all just gawking at how beautiful it is. I'm trying to take a bunch of pictures but every time I look at them they just can't do the scenery any justice. On our walk we passed cute little cows and people outside chopping wood and cultivating their gardens... I love it! I swear I have to pinch myself everyday and remind myself of where I am and that I am actually in Europe!






Tomorrow is an all day road trip again back to France as we are headed to Avignon which is supposed to be superb! I'll catch up with you all again soon from France. Instead of sending out an email I've pasted the link below to all my photos from Switzerland so check them out. I miss you and love you!

https://picasaweb.google.com/118224782848888880659/Switzerland?authkey=Gv1sRgCNuOlM6ShOXhJg

-Lindsay

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Ole Pari!

No one pronounces Paris in France as it is said. They pronounce it without the 's'. It's "Pari" and we've had the most amazing day in Ole Pari! This morning it started out raining cats and dogs which I thought was going to ruin the day since I didn't want to spend all day in museums but then the sun came out and I finally got to truly experience Paris! We saw The Louvre


this morning and it was incredible but I was itching to get out into the city and experience the local life. Once the sun came out we were able to wander around and go sight seeing all over Paris and it was phenomenal!! I got to practice my french and we sauntered everywhere getting lost at times but enjoying every minute. This pic is me at the top of the Arc de Triumphe and me pointing at the Eiffel Tower!


The traffic is crazy here as there aren't any designated traffic lanes and everyone drives all on top of each other, frequently getting into accidents. Later in the afternoon we took a bike tour


that went all over Paris and it was so much fun because a) bike riding again reminds me of childhood b) it's very Parisian and relaxing and c) Amanda and I got mixed together with people from two other tour groups so we met a bunch of new people. We were the "wolf pack" by the way which is why some of us where doing the funny faces.


Tonight we went to a real French cabaret show and it was interesting to say the least! I honestly can't put into words how to describe it but I will say I think it was over priced and not a must see.

All in all, It's unbelievable how much fun I am having! Amanda and I took the metro all over town today to try and be as "local" as we could. Out of 9 colored lines we made it on to 4 different lines so we feel accomplished. For dinner we had a picnic under the Eiffel Tower with our tour group and then enjoyed a bottle of French wine and it was truly incredible! Every minute of everyday I can't believe all that I am seeing and doing!

Dad, your purple jacket came in such handy today when it was raining because covered my entire body as well as my book bag and I remember Mom telling me in REI that I would like a bigger jacket and it proved totally useful today.


Tomorrow we are headed to Switzerland and I'm contemplating either going to the top if the Swiss Alps or sky diving down from the top depending on the weather so I'll keep you all updated! I love you!

-Lindsay


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Paris, France

WOW!!!

I arrived in London at roughly 7:30 on Monday morning and it took me until about 10:30am to make it to my hostel. Part of this was because it was a long adventure from the airport but the other part was because after I successfully made it from the plane, to a train, to the tube I had the hardest time navigating the streets of London without getting lost. So far everything is amazing! I've been cracking up at all the subtle differences in speech and signage here and I'm trying to adjust quickly. People seem to be irritated if you call the bathroom anything but a toilet, haha.

Once I got to my hostel I met three girls from my tour in my room and they are all awesome. Amanda specifically is doing the whole 49 days with me and she's an Aussie so we are already learning a lot from each other. Jeff and Beckles, she is from Perth so we could totally go visit her sometime. I met up with my group this morning and we took a 2 hour bus ride only to catch a 1.5 hour ferry across the English Channel then catch another 2 hour bus into Paris. I am practicing my French but it's not very good, lol! It's 11:30 here and we've been on the go since 6 this morning so it's been quite a long but very exciting day. I tried escargot tonight and it was delish!



After dinner we went sightseeing all around Paris and it was truly stunning. I can't get over how beautiful the architecture is here. We are getting up super early and going to the louvre first thing tomorrow and trying to see a lot of the city before we go on a bike tour, have a picnic under the eiffel tower, and go to a real cabaret show! I got a sneak peek of the Eiffel tower tonight and it was so awesome. I cant wait to go back tomorrow!





Anyway, that's all I have for now. Oh wait, Mom you will not believe it, our tour bus was nicknamed by our tour leader as Dora the Explorer! I actually laughed out loud when I heard him say that. His name is Alan by the way and he's been doing tours for 5 years and he is hilarious, highly energetic, and extremely passionate about Europe which makes this experience that much more enjoyable!

I love you all!

- Lindsay

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:London and Paris!