Euro Post 3 - Switzerland

After a few days in Paris, Hunter and I decided to get the heck out of dodge. We stayed in an awful part of town. That combined with the rain prompted us to leave for greener pastures. After a few boring days eating pizza in the south of France, we made a move to Switzerland.
Geneva was incredible. The proximity of our hotel to the red light district was unparalleled. The Mexican food was more expensive than any other food in Europe. And the city was full of stuff I couldn't afford. Like Rolls Royce Phantoms.

However, it was so beautiful. The city was clean and even in the overcast weather people were flocking to the lake front and drinking beers.

Before Geneva, I had never seen a hooker. I kept asking Hunter, "is that one?" or "what about that lady?" I even saw a hooker with an umbrella. It was like she was a real person standing on a street corner in the rain.

The second biggest tourist attraction in Geneva is this:  (The water jet thingy behind Hunter's giant head.)

Here are some other photos of our weekend in Geneva:

 The highlights include the ultra boring Patek Phillipe museum. I do not recommend this as part of your itinerary in Geneva unless you like classical music, whispering, and 3 floors of watches.

We also visited the natural history museum because it was free. The best part was on the first level where we found this gem:

A two headed turtle!

One humorous thing that happened: We met a gem of a German guy in St. Pierre's Cathedral. While we were climbing the exhaustive single file only stairs, this genius decided he was going to walk down. Meanwhile, there were ten people walking up. The cathedral has tried to avoid this problem by installing traffic lights. So when we met this guy he was forcing his way down the stairs and he yelled, "the light was green, there will be no mercy!" (say that in a German accent) It has now become our motto to yell this - especially on the autobahn.

Ps- sorry for the mis-sized photos. It's tough on the iPad to type, let alone edit the HTML. :(

Euro Post - 2: France!

Food in France is a whole new experience.
Between Hunter's dislike for "weird cheeses" and mayo and my not eating meat, we have had an interesting time. (You are probably asking yourself: "what are weird cheeses?" Since that list is too long, I'll just give you the list of acceptable cheeses: mild cheddar & mozzarella.)
By far the most humorous meal was the day we went to Subway. We've started this running joke where we ask each other, "what kind of pizza do you want for dinner?" because we've had to resort to eating mostly Italian. It doesn't hurt that they have pizza everywhere here! Then, the otherday we decided to have Subway for lunch to change things up. We were near the Notre Dame so it was touristy amd everyone spoke English. It was an easing ordering experience, until we got to the condiments. I asked for mustard on my sandwich. I figured it was France so I was probably getting Dijon. However, the gal reached under the counter and squirted a ton of light colored "mustard" on the sandwich. It was as if she was putting out a fire on my sandwich with the "mustard."
I wasn't too worried because I like mustard and figured I could wipe some off it was too much. Little did I know that it was going to be too much and it was not going to taste like mustard. The sandwich tasted like wasabi. I was eating a wasabi sandwich in a Subway in Paris, France. It was awful. I was so hungry I tried to power through, but I felt like I was the Hulk trying not to get angry. It was all crazy faces and grabbing my forehead in agony. Try snorting a bump of wasabi and that is probably what I felt like.
That's the last time we try something new.
The other exciting event in Paris was visiting the Eiffel tower.

I have a severe fear of heights. I don't like ferris wheels, roller coasters, or glass elevators. I especially dislike floor to ceiling windows in tall windows. The Eiffel Tower isn't exactly my type of tourist attraction.
I cried on the elevator ride up. To make matters worse, people were taking pictures of me freaking out. An 8 year old was coping better than me. When we go to the top I wouldn't look out over the railings. Then I ,add great strides on the way down, I didn't cry. However, I still didn't have the guts to look at the view.

 

The ride up.

 

The ride down.

   

The less scary 2nd tier.

The next post will be soon... Now that I solved the photo issue it will be easier!

Euro Post - 1

I'm finally posting from Europe. Oh, happy days!
The Internet connection at most places hasn't been very good. So, here are the highlights of the past week:
Day 1- After we stepped in to our hotel room in London, I could tell Hunter hated it. I honestly thought he was going to walk out. He's used to the finer things in life and we have a 4 week trip to fund with no jobs until July. I can put with almost anything to save a buck so I was fine, but I was really worried he was going to turn around and walk out.
Day 2- We visited the Tower of London and walked 5 miles. 5 miles while it was 80 degrees F in London. We have no AC in our cheap room.
Day 3- While at the ATM, Hunter says to me, "Where's my credit card?" My first thought was that we came across a pick-pocket with a penchant for BofA Visa cards, but it was probably more likely that Hunter "misplaced" it. It wouldn't be the first time and it won't be the last. Thankfully, he left it on the table at the place we had dinner the night before. If I had 5 bucks for everytime that's happened we would haven been staying in a nicer hotel. Thankfully, we were able to get the card back quickly and be on our way.
Day 4- We took a train to Bath. Hunter ate a Waterbuffalo burger. Where in bloodly hell does one get a Waterbuffalo in England?
Day 5- Stonehenge and Lacock for the win! They filmed parts of Harry Potter in Lacock. And you should Google Stonehenge if you're confused about that one.
(side note: Hunter just said, "John Edwards is going to get off." Then I laughed like a 12 year old boy.)
Day 6- We visited the Roman Baths in Bath. But that's not interesting, you know what is? Bathing with a dish towel. We stayed at the YMCA (I KNOW) and we forgot to bring our own towels. So, I sent out the man to procure some towels while I got all the beauty rest I could muster. He returned with a 5 pack of dish towels. We split evenly, 3 for me and 2 for him.
Day 7- Today! We are in Paris. I have already used all the dirty language I know cursing out a ticket machine. However, the young man at the front desk of out hotel is a hottie. As a result, I'm not allowed dowstairs without a chaperone.
More later....
Ciao!

Europe 2012

Tomorrow I am off to Europe for 4 weeks of travel and fun before I start my full time job in July. Right now, I am still deciding what to bring...

The Gear
1. Backpack(s)

One for day-trips and one for my clothes.

The big duffle has straps on the back that tuck away so you can wear it or carry it over your shoulder. When buying this I had to remember, "bring only what you can carry." Let's hope it's not too heavy when full. It's an Osprey bag so it has a lifetime warranty. I'm pretty excited about it. 

2. The Shoes

I can't leave home without my New Balance Minimus Trail shoes or my Rainbows.



Any other shoes I might need? Should I bring my Five Fingers?

3. The iPad

I'm thinking I should leave the computer at home and just take this. My only concerns is: how will I update my blog without a keyboard?? Or upload photos?

4. The Boyfriend.



He's very helpful when I need someone to carry something for me. He will also help to ensure that no one will snatch me.


Any experiences travelers out there have any suggestions on things I should remember to bring??

Why should you wear real shoes?

Well, here is a video from Yahoo! News talking about just that issue. (They won't let me insert the video directly.)

My thought: their argument is weak. The main point the podiatrist is trying to make is that people should wear what makes them comfortable.

No More Excuses- EVER

If a 92 year old woman from Hawaii can finish a marathon - we can all do it. Or at least it makes you realize that you are the one holding yourself back so you have to get out there and do it.

Check out the article here: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/04/04/general-us-oldest-marathoner_8391163.html

Here's a picture for the extra inspirations

My favorite part: Her nickname is Gladyator. I hope I'm that tough and determined at her age. Though, I'll probably win a potato chip contest first. Unlike marathons, those things are addicting.

P.S. The Nashville Half is right around the corner! Only 32 days. Eek!

REI is sometimes really cool

While searching for info on the pros and cons of wearing shoes while running, I found a nifty piece of expert advice on REI.com about how to buy running shoes.

My favorite part? The lesson on how to tie your laces. I just tie my shoes like they taught me in grade school, but apparently there is more. Who knew?