Back in Spain!

Arrived in Spain this afternoon to a warm welcome from Rubén and his family! Was very excited to get on the train and pass through all of our old stops..Atocha, Chamartín, ect. Relaxed in Ruben's oasis of a backyard and then quick get ready for a night of tapas, wine, and good Spanish conversation!


Oh how I missed this old time tradition of enjoying drink, food and the people you are with...this is probably one of my favorite things about the Spanish way of life. Can't wait to enjoy the rest of my time here!



Botellón tomorrow evening in the park in Alcalá..takes me back my friends!!

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Location:Av de Enmedio,Azuqueca de Henares,Spain

A night in Paris...

This afternoon while waiting for the sun to go down to see the magnificence that is Paris by night, I was treated with a whole other side if Paris that I wasn't expecting...Paris by sunset! How beautiful to see the sun setting down over the city creating colorful views and bringing the scorching sun to an end.





I was stunned to find all new views of Paris at this time of the day that were absolutely striking!




As the day came to an end and night finally fell around 10pm..I walked up from the Louvre to the Eiffel tower, enjoying views of the Arc de Triumphe as I passed. When I finally got to the end of my journey the Eiffel Tower lit up on cue..I felt like I belonged in a movie! It was so surreal and such an awesome experience. Tomorrow flight to Madrid and off to the old stomping grounds of Alcalá!!! It's been almost four years...can't hardly wait!! :)







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Location:Quai de l'Oise,Paris,France

Seeing the sights...

Very productive day in Paris...the rundown consits of all this! Eiffel Tower and a picnic of cheese, bread and fruit in Champ de Mars (park beside the tower).


Then to the Arc de Triomphe, Avenue des Champs Élysées (the Rodeo Drive of Paris), a look around the outside of the Louvre.





There we decided to dip our toes in the fountains by the pyramid to cool off! It has been quite warm..but that hasn't slowed us down! After a cool down, we walked through the Tuileries Garden and enjoyed the greenery. I have really liked that about Paris..all of the gardens and parks to break up the vastness of the city.


A quick jump across the river to check out Notre-Dame Cathedral and then to the Luxembourg gardens. All this before 8:30pm when we had to find a place to watch the Spain game! Amazing game and met some fun people in the Latin district. Crépes for dinner and a bit of Paris nightlife. It makes me exhausted just recounting the experience!! Really good day though, enjoyed Paris fully and got to see everything I came for! Tomorrow more of Paris and a tour of all the sights by night!!


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Location:Rue Seveste,Paris,France

First day in Paris...

After much confusion of where to stay in the so popular city, we finally got settled in and got to do a bit of exploring. My hostel is very close to the Sacré-Coeur (beautiful church pictured here) ...you can even see it out my window!! So pretty and quite the view! Steph and I grabbed some wine, bread, and cheese and hiked up the stairs to sit and enjoy the view over the whole city! Relaxing afternoon after a crazy morning.





I am staying in Monmarte so we visited Moulin Rouge as well, just to see the big flashing lights and take a few pics. Trying to use a bit of French in the restaurants and shops, but that darn pronunciation is getting me..haha! Tomorrow Eiffel tower!!




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Location:Rue Seveste,Paris,France

To the port...

Early rising this morning and off to Kinsale for a day of sail boats and Irish history. Did a walking tour through downtown and learned all about the days when Kinsale was a busy port town. Beautiful views surrounding us, we walked through the old coast houses, churches, and castle. All of the houses in town are painted all if these interesting colors which gives this town a very charming and fresh appeal.














After our history lesson we shared a delicious lunch at the 'Spaniard' and then strolled down to the docks to view the weekend festival.Beautiful weather, great friends, amazing landscapes!! Last day in Ireland is a success...but let's face it anything that gets you out of Cork for the day is a success! ;)

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Location:Kinsale, Cork County, Ireland

Kissing the Blarney Stone

Arrived in Cork today and went out to Blarney to kiss the infamous Blarney stone. You know, the one you have to hang upside down off the side of the castle to get to... Yeah I had no idea either but it was a great adventure!!


On my way to the castle I met a great girl, Beth-Ann from Boston. We ended up doing the castle tour together and of course kissing that Blarney stone..now we are two very eloquent ladies...or at least that's what the myth says. We ended up sharing tapas and wine and a night of 'good ol' fun! Haha! Now we are off the Kinsale for the sailing festival!
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Location:MacCurtain St,Cork,Ireland