Party like a Bavarian....

I am not sure if I have the words to explain how absolutely amazing this bit of my trip was.  My brother and sister in law have a good friend in Hamburg Germany who had visited them in the states and then invited them to come visit him whenever they wanted.  They scheduled the trip and it happened to be right during a free week for me so I decided I would come over and hang out too.  I booked a hostel in town because I had only really met their friend Alex once over Skype and didn't want to impose...well that didn't fly and Alex insisted that I could stay which was so kind and made the trip so much better since it meant I would get to be around Bryce and Nichole 24/7.  Now those of you that know me well know that seeing and spending time with family and close friends mean everything to me.  I used to see Bryce and Nichole at least every other month when we were living in California so the

Family Love!!!

fact that I haven't seen my brother in over a year and a half and Nichole I have seen once in that same amount of time for less then 24 hours I was beyond excited to see them.  Alex graciously offered to come pick me up at the airport with was such a luxury...no busses or metros to take...and as soon as they stepped out of the car I lost it.  Tears of joy...shedding a few as I write this also.  The fact that they were right there in front of me in Germany none the less was so fantastic.  I also finally got to meet Alex face to face witch was great.  We headed back into Hamburg...they all worked out

Non-Stop Good Times!

while I decompressed from the travel then we went out for a great dinner at a cute little wine bar near Alex's flat.  We had a great evening just laughing and talking.  Bryce and Alex are pretty much cut from the same personality mold just living in different countries. The next day we got up and headed to the gym to train...Side note Bryce, Nichole and Alex are very religious about their training.  It needs to happen most days which was good for me...motivation.  Afterwards we headed up to a festival called Kieler Woche (Kiel Week).  Unfortunately it was pouring down rain pretty much the entire day while we were walking around this lovely German festival

Kieler Woche (Kiel Week)...in the rain

but we still had a great time.  I had a sausage right off the grill with spicy mustard.  Nichole ate this big ball of chocolate cake like goodness.  We all enjoyed a beer together before we headed back to Hamburg.  Now some fun facts about Germany that I learned...Like vegas you can drink on the street.  You also can legally drink as a passenger in a vehicle.  I think really the only place you can't drink is on the metro which is a recent law do to too much puke and mess to clean up....Fair enough I think.  I unfortunately did not do either of these novel things but there is still time...I am sure I will be back

Ladies on the town...Hamburg.

 there another time. The following morning we had to get up early to go to the gym and meet a guy who was delivering stuff for Alex's birthday party...oh ya, forgot to mention that another big reason for being there was to celebrate with Alex.  He was having a big celebration with all his family and friends coming in.  While waiting for the delivery of course we needed to do some more training.  Already being a bit sore from the day before I was not excited but I couldn't say no.  The workout kicked my butt however apparently my performance was impressive.  I think I am underestimated

Boat tour

sometimes in my strength....my guns might be little but they pack more of a punch then you would think.  Now by the end of the day I was walking quite stiff but I suppose that is to be expected.  Drinking some good German beer eased the pain.  That evening all of Alex's family arrived and it was such fun meeting them all.  Thankfully they all spoke english really well so we could talk to everyone.  We had a lovely dinner out and then headed home to rest up for the big day.  I think that the day of the party was my favorite day so far in my travels.  One of Alex's friends Melanie was kind enough to

Schlagermove...an excuse to get drunk and dress in bad costumes.

take us on a little walking tour of the city.  We started the day with a boat tour in the harbor.  It was cool to see the city from the water and also see all the cargo ships and containers.  When we got off the boat and headed into the city we were hit by a mob of people dressed in 70's clothing and really bad wigs.  Apparently it is a celebration called Schlagermove which is a celebration of Scheager music.  Can't really describe the music you just have to look it up.  It was hilarious.  Nichole kept going up and asking groups of people if she could take a photo.  She couldn't get enough of it.  After we worked our way through

Love this city...so beautiful!

 the crowed we ended up in a lovely quiet area of town with gorgeous views and beautiful architecture.  We also strolled over to the city hall where I got to eat another wonderful german sausage and we just sat by the water and soaked in the sunshine that had broken through the clouds.   As the day turned to evening we headed back towards Alex's gym where the big party was.  It was really a fun night getting to know all his friends and family, drinking amazing beer and just partying like the Bavarians do.  Now Hamburg is not in Bavaria however that is where Alex is from and he will tell you that it is a proper country so I

I heart this beer...Thank you Alex!

believe him and go with it.  You would too if you heard him talk about it.  And while we are on the subject of Bavaria some of you my recall from may trip last year when I was in Bamburg for my birthday I fell in love...with a beer that is...not a person.  I have not been able to find it anywhere in the states or along my travels and sweet Alex found it and made sure it was there for me.  I couldn't believe he remembered that I liked (or have a slight obsession about it depending on who you ask) it from one Skype call in December but I guess it stuck and I was so grateful! 

Obviously the day after the party was spent laying low and cleaning up but it was still lovely.  There were so many moments where one of us would just say "I am so happy you are here with me."  And truly that is what it's all about.  Just being with each other.  I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful family and now another new amazing friend in Germany.  

My travels are always great and exciting with new adventures around every corner but having others there to share in the moments with you make it just that much better.  It's with a heavy heart I said good bye to Bryce and Nichole since I know it will be quite sometime before I see them again but I also am grateful for this amazing opportunity to hang with them in Germany.  As I move on to my next spot I am really looking forward to shedding some of these layers of clothing and spending some quality time in my swimming costume...Mallorca here I come!

Back to my roots...

So for this edition of my blog I traveled back to the place of my ancestors...Sweden!  My grandpa was a full blooded swede and was incredibly proud of his heritage.  He unfortunately never got to travel there but would have loved to.  This trip was in part for him.  When I was there and walking around there were many times I thought how much he would have loved it and how excited he would have been to be experiencing it.  I was staying in the city of Stockholm which I found out (I am clearly geographically challenged) is a bunch of islands.  You can travel in between them via bridges or boats.  When I finally arrived after my hellish day of travel (5am bus, 6am tube, 8am bus, 11am plane, 2pm bus) I asked at the info desk about catching the metro to Old Town and she looked at me like I was

Old Town Square

crazy.  She said" Don't you just want to walk?  It's only about 5 minutes." In my head I was thinking...if you only knew the day I've had you would not want to walk but I figured it would be fine...I can handle 10 minutes walking (I added 5 since I am pulling a suitcase).  So off I headed.  I have to admit it was a good intro into the city because I crossed one of the bridges and saw how the city changes from newer to old.  I also got a feel for how small the town really is.  I knew immediately it was my kinda town.  As I crossed over into the old town area I was even more excited.  It

Harbor view City Hall 

was medieval with cobblestone streets (rough on the suitcase but such charm).  The walk really ended up being about 20 minutes because of the location of my Hostel but it was worth it.  The place I was staying was perfect!  Walking distance to everything but removed enough that there was no crazy party noise. I had fantastic roommates and the place had a great kitchen which was much needed due to the crazy expensive meals there.  I had one meal out while I was there and it was about 22 dollars.  Now you might say that sounds ok...well let me just tell you what is was...one spicy tuna roll.  Yep that's right...no drink no

Still friends.....after 20 years!

 miso soup.  Nothing else...just that.  Crazy right!  It was all worth it though because I was having lunch with a friend whom I haven't seen in about 20 years.  We spent some summers together in our younger jump roping days and just haven't been in touch till now.  It was so great to see her and just catch up.  The photo is taken in her Design studio where she is an architect.  She is doing quite well as a host for a home type show in Sweden and then getting quite a bit of recognition for her buildings.  I was so happy to hear about how well she is doing and just to have her back in my life.  We were

Loving the views!

laughing because we haven't seen each other for so long but it was so easy to just pick back up again.  I will definitly be going back and seeing her.  She walked me around the area where she lives which was just across the bridge from where I was staying but was the more up and coming art scene area.  There were lots of cool shops and gorgeous views.  After lunch I just cruised around town and took in some more sights like the city hall, the palace, and the old church.  I had done a city walk the first day so I just used that as my basis and then just let myself get "lost" in the side streets and alley ways.  I felt really safe here.  Plus the cool part is there is day light all the time.  It

My Family...in Sweden!

doesn't start to get dark until about 10:30 and then is light again by about 3am.  It makes sleeping a bit tricky but gives you tons of time to explore!  Now I did get to do one other really cool thing while I was in Stockholm and that was meet some members of my family whom I have never met before.  Like I said I am 1/4 Swedish and recently we have had some family members doing some searching and connecting so I was put in contact, via some emails, with the Lundstroms' in Stockholm.  They were so kind and invited me over for a proper dinner (yes I ate pickled herring) and a chat.  It was a lovely evening talking about family heritage and how were are all connected.  It made me want to find out more.  It also made me miss my grandpa and all his stories that he told and the ones I will never get to know.  I really appreciate the family I have and the new ones I am meeting.  I realize now even more how much we need to just take to heart each moment.  On the morning I left Stockholm I also met up with one more friend whom again I haven't seen for 20 years!  Since she had been out of town for Mid summer (which is a huge celebration in Sweden) she got up super early to come meet me before I got on the bus so we could chat.  It was so great to catch up with her.  We agreed that next trip we have to plan more to do together.
As I left Stockholm I felt like I had just scraped the surface of what I would have liked to see there. This trip was just the intro with more to come here.  It was definitely more about the people I saw then the sights but that was perfect.  It is now with so much excitement that I head on for my next stop!  Check in soon for a bit in Germany.

Shakespeare and the street...

I have to start this blog out with an apology...I'm So Sorry!  I have been out of touch for too long but am coming back.  Sometimes this travel stuff just gets away from me and I forget to sit down and take the time to reflect on what has happened and where I have been.  I seem to enjoy it more when I do so here is the latest.  I am going to step back a few days and recap my final week in London.  I had booked a full day tour of the Cotswolds a while back and now it was time to take it.  I was on a bus and headed out into the countryside by 8:15 am and was really looking forward to it.  Our tour guide was this man who had grown up in the area and fit the perfect description of an english gentleman.  Silver-haired, dashing smile, charming and so kind and helpful...no I did not ask for his number since he was slightly out of my age range but if he's any indication of how the english age sign me up....I'll

Burford Church

take one!  Our first stop was this adorable little town called Burford.  It was full of little side streets with shops just like most towns but it's main attraction was the church.  It was lovely and incredibly old. There were also some original stones in it from when it had first been built which was neat to see.  When you were inside it was kinda tricky to decide whether it was catholic or church or england because the statues and other bits in the church looked a bit Catholic.  The cool part I found out was that these Catholic statues had been saved somehow when Henry VIII came through and destroyed all Catholic items.  They had been

White Swan Hotel

uncovered later and are now on display.  It speaks volumes that words just can't about what the country had been through.  The next town on the tour was our lunch spot.  We walked along a river and ended up at a lovely hotel called the White Swan.  The hotel was right across from a lovely trout farm.  The best part about this spot was our lunch was fresh trout from the river.  It was so tasty.  It is always intersting being on these big bus tours though.  I don't usally take them but these spots were tricky to get to with public transport and there was a living social deal so I took it.  Anyway, what is interesting is the people.  I feel like

Stratford-Upon-Avon Church

everyone is always complaining about something or rushing to get to the next stop.  It makes it so hard to just enjoy the moments you are in and instead you feel like you are in an episode of the Amazing Race looking for the next clue to lead you to your next activity.  I find it really hard but I suppose sometimes it's the way to get in a lot in a small amount of time and then go back for more later if you really enjoy a spot.  Oh, and also on this one add in a lunch stop where you have to sit at a table with a bunch of people you don't know...makes it even better.  I unfortunately sat down at the silent table.  It was like pulling teeth to get a conversation going.  I finally gave up, ate my fish and went for a walk outside.  After my little walk about the bus took us to the spot I was most excited about, Stratford Upon Avon.  This was the home of Shakespeare.  The town definitely had a bit more of a touristy vibe to it but there still was the England charm beneath it.  Once again because I had so little time I was not able to really go in anywhere but I did get to see the outside of his home, his daughters home and then also the lovely church he and his family are buried in.  The church was really beautiful and they had all sorts of stories

Here Lies Shakespeare

about his life in there.  Apparently he was christened in this church also.  They had the baptismal bowl in there too.  I chatted with the tour guide and one of the men in the church about some of the crazy requests they get and apparently on an almost monthly basis they get a request to exhume the body.  There are tales that he was buried with some unpublished works that people want to get there hands on.  The church will not allow it for two reasons...One because you just don't do that...it's sacred.  Two because there is a curse supposedly on anyone that digs up the body.  That is what the plaque in the photo is.  The grave has only ever been marked by this plaque...no name.  Gotta love those crazy artists.  Speaking of crazy artists we are gonna switch gears now and touch on the other cool thing I did in London...well I suppose it isn't the only other cool thing but the most different thing.  I went on a walking tour called the London Alternative walking tour.  It was down in the Brick Lane area of London

near Spitalfields.  I thought it was just like your average walking tour but it really wasn't.  It was such a cool different area then any where else I have been in London.  Apparently it's the new artsy area...no wonder I liked it.  So my adorable tour guide took us on a walk through the streets near Brick Lane and we learned about the history of the area but also the passion and beauty of the street art.  He had so many cool stories about all the pieces of art along the way.  Some of the art we saw was done illegally and would be considered graffiti if they got caught but many of the big pieces were done with permission from the buildings.  The community there usually is ok with the art that is up because many of the artists are well known and people come to look at it.  If people come to look at a piece on the side of a convenience store many times they will pop in the shop to buy something too.  I was really intrigued buy the community and the lifestyle.  All the thought behind a painting that is put out there for the world to see and make a statement.  Once it's out there though the artist disconnects from it and knows that it will not be there forever because at some point there will be a

 new picture to be painted or statement to be made and they can't stand in the way of that because of an emotional connection to a painting.  There has been a problem with this lately with the Banksy street art.  Now I am sure you have all heard of Banksy.  His work is all over.  There are some in LA that I have seen.  I didn't see any in London but that is beside the point.  Apparently because he has made quite a name for himself his street art is treated differently then everyone else's.  The police actually will put plastic covers over his work but then paint over other artists.  It is not what any of these artists would want and it really isn't fair. They get put in jail if they get caught and then Bansky gets his preserved for life.  Just

 seems really silly.  Anyway, just something to think about next time you see something you think is graffiti.  Outside of the spray painted street art, which is amazing considering how hard it is to control a spray paint can, there also was this really cool piece that was made by using explosives and chipping away at the plaster.  He basically put plaster all over the wall and would place small explosives inside areas he had chipped away at and explode the plaster.  He would then refine it of course but I was just amazed at the beauty that he created on a wall in an alleyway.  We could go up and touch it and really experience it and it was just as beautiful if not more then something you would see in a gallery.  I really enjoied learning so many new things and having my eyes opened to a world I know little about.
So this ends my time in London...for now.  I am headed out to Stockholm to see friends and family.  You will hear all about it quite soon!

A play, a park, and a pirate

It has been another lovely week in London!  As you can see from my Pantone yellow journal I am trying to bring in the sunshine in whatever way I can.  I have gotten used to the complete inconsistency though.  You always have to travel with an umbrella and a pair of sunglasses because you will probably get a bit of both most days.  Always have a back up plan for all events too.  I love dressing in layers though.  That is one of the best parts about the weather.  While dodging raindrops and soaking in moments of sunshine I have done quite a few cool things lately and had some random moments.  I took the tube towards my favorite stop....Westminster.  Just like each time before, I got butterflies stepping out on to the street with Big Ben chiming my arrival.  I am not sure why it surprises me each time but it does.  My favorite pub (st steven's) was getting a face lift so I didn't realy hang out

Tower and Bridge

 there but I did at least pop in.  One of the most interesting things I did this time was going to see a play at the Tower.  Most of you know I have a slight obsession with the Tudor family and I suppose, all the old royal history so the tower and the palaces are just great fun for me.  When I saw that there would be a play at the tower I couldn't pass it up.  I was a bit disappointed when I arrived and saw that it was in a random upstairs room in the newer part of the tower but once it started my whole attitude changed.  It was the story of Anne Boleyn  and her Brother George who were both killed at the

Say hello to the Queen...well at least her ride.

   tower for some not so good choices they made together....look up the story.  With only 2 actors performing and only about 45 of us in the audience it was a very intimate show which really made the story come alive and was absolutely beautiful.  Being royal or trying to become some part of royalty was rough business back then.  It's so sad to see the horrible things that people were forced into so that "the family" could advance.  It was so amazing to experience a story in the actual location where it happened all those years ago.  I did walk around the tower also since I am the nerd that still has an annual pass to the palaces.  The weather was rubbish but during a break in the screaming wind and spitting rain I headed up to the top above the river to take a few photos. As I was up there I noticed a quite shiny and blinged out barge cruising by.  I snapped some photos and then looked it up later....turns out it was a royal barge.  No one special was on board but still it was neat to see.  I did have one almost royal encounter the next day when I was headed out to meet up for my Royal walking tour.  There was a car with a police escort pulling out of Buckingham palace.  I tried to see inside but it was a bit blurry as it

St James Park

drove by.  Some people said it was the Queen...maybe it was and maybe it wasn't.  I guess I will never know.  Either way another random moment filling my days in London.  Going on the Royal walk was a great experience too.  I realized that I had not gone on any walking tours really here  in London so I decided to do it.  I also had not walked over by Buckingham palace area since my very first trip with my mom and Priscilla which seems like such a long time ago now.  My tour guide was great and had a wealth of historical tid bits for us.  Also on the tour I met a guy who is going to be traveling the whole west coast soon and it was fun to talk about America and all it's beauty with him.  He was as excited about going over there as I was about coming here.  As our tour progressed the sun started shining and when we got to St James Park it was completely glorious.  I felt a bit like I was at Disneyland minus the rides.  There were people mulling about everywhere feeding ducks, relaxing in the chairs you can rent or just laying in the grass taking a nap.  I just love London on a sunny day.  People really know how to make the most of it.  Apparently people call off work if it's this nice and just go outside.  I suppose if we

House Cleaning Pirate

did that in San Diego we would never go to work but it would be nice.  I also was able to get to go with Belinda and the family to her Royal Ballet School show at the White Lodge.  Ok first off this place was amazing.  There were literally about 20 deer just running free in the park that bordered the long driveway we took to get up to the school.  When we walked in I was in awe of the building.  So beautiful.  There also was some chatter going on around us because one of Belinda's friends (Ed Watson) was with us and he is a well known dancer in the Royal Ballet.  It was kinda funny to hear the little girls going "oh my gosh...that's him"  The show we watched was beautiful.  I loved getting to watch all these little ballet boys and girls doing their dances.  Also knowing Belinda had taught some of the was so neat.  I felt like I got to be a part of her world and it was wonderful.  After the show my work time...if you can call it work...was over and I was moving in with Lauren for the remainder of my time here in London.  We had a weekend out in Twickenham...lots of random crazy moments as always .  Monday rolled around and I popped in to see my little man Rudi and he was just doing his thing as a housecleaning Pirate.  Seriously...can't get enough of this kid.  I have one more week of discovering to do here...I'm thinking underground artsy area and theater time.  I'll keep you posted.

Feels Like home......

I feel as though I am floating on a white fluffy cloud, high in the sky, without a care in the world.  Life is great as I am back in lovely London town.  Even as I write this I breath a sigh comfort in my favorite leather chair in the Kew Inn where I have spent many hours over my trips here.  It feels a bit like my office but better because there is beer and organic cider just steps away.
Travels went great arriving here.  No issues at all....apparently I've got the boarder crossing smile and answers down so they just wave me on through saying "Have a lovely time!"  My coach driver was quite chatty....basically got his life story in the hour.  I could tell you anything you want to know about his entire lineage (back to great

Spiderman Rudi shooting some webs in the garden

  grandpa).  I also was informed that he recently had one wisdom tooth pulled and it was "bloody painful"  When I said well you should try and have them all out at the same time...that's painful.  He responded "All of them?  that's crazy....so all your teeth are false?"  Oh goodness...really...yep he thought I meant that I had all my teeth pulled and replaced with fake ones.  Sometimes I wonder about people.  Anyway, I arrived at my London home and was greeted by my wonderful friends and amazing boys!  Oh my goodness they have changed.  As you can see...Rudi is all boy and hilarious.  For a nearly 3 year old he is talking up a storm and has opinions (which are the correct ones of course) on everything.  He is just as sweet as he is cheeky though.  Always wanting to included everyone in things and congratulating you when you do something well.  My favorite so far is when I do something properly like turn on the TV or fix something that is broken he says with genuine excitement "Well done Sara!"  Just melts my heart. The other beautiful little man in the house is not so little anymore.  George has blown my mind too with his changes.  He has grown leaps and bounds

Just having a bounce!

since I last saw him...sizewise and so many other ways.  I believe I mentioned last year that George has autism and has been mostly non verbal.  That is not the case anymore.  This kid has things to say and is communicating like crazy.  He has learned basic signs and words and is really engaging and communicating.  Bella, Michael, Lauren and George have obviously been working together beautifully together and it is clearly having amazing results.  As you can see from the smile on his face life is good.
I had a couple days before I started work so I stayed with Lauren and we enjoyed some nights out.  The

Kew Manor House

     
sun was gorgeous and we spent evenings at pubs on the Thames.  Stories of these nights are available upon request.
I then moved back to Bella's house to start work.  I say work but it really isn't.  It is enjoying time with some amazing people.  We had a great weekend together.  There were walks in the lovely Kew Garden that is across the street from their house.  The weather was gorgeous and people were out in masses soaking it in.  The pond you see in the photo had tons of little boats you could rent and paddle around in.  It was kinda funny watching people who didn't know how to

My little London Man

row going in circles.  Mind you I shouldn't laugh because I would probably be that person too.  We also hit up Ham Fair.   It had bubbles and a bouncy house which George was mad for. He had such a great time.  Rudi and I just hung out in the grass, looked at old cars, and he played with my camera taking photos.  I definitely ended up with some good shots of my pant leg and random families we don't know but he had a good time and my camera is still intact so that's all that matters.  I can't say no when he say "Sara, can I have a go on your camera?  Is that a good idea?"
Another day we were invited to come have lunch at a beautiful country home is Surrey.  There was a pool and a huge beautiful back garden.  We played football (not american) and the kids swam.  Now here is where I officially knew I was in England.  The temperature outside was maybe just barely 60 degrees at most and these kids were swimming like it was a bright sunny day.  They got out shivering but it didn't matter.  It's so funny because I am sure that any California mom would have never allowed there child outside with out a jacket in that weather let alone in a swimming costume to go in an outdoor pool.  I didn't get in the pool but definitely had my feet in...still wearing a jumper (that's a sweater for you americans).  I'm not quite completely acclimated.  It really was such a lovely day though.  All the kids just ran about while we had tea.  There was scooter riding, game playing and just good conversation with lovely people.  Bella and I were chatting and agreed that it was so lovely to spend the day in the country.  We also both realized how close it is (30 min drive) and how beautiful it is.  I feel like around every corner there is another gem that is wanting to be discovered.  After my first week here it has been quite interesting how different I feel then last time.  It is almost like the new sparkle of the town that I originally felt has given way to a different deeper level.  It was a bit hard to work out what was going on but now I am realizing that this place is really starting to feel like a place I know.  I am having to work harder to discover things that are really new.  I have moved way past the tourist level here and am now trying to dig into the city and find things that I haven't before.  Having this realization has taken me out of my momentary funk and rejuvenated me to get out and explore in a different way.  I am so excited to see London on another level.  Stay tuned for what gem I find next.          

Good friends, rain and knifes in cafes

Blue skies, blue water, and stone beaches....2 of those 3 items were a part of my time in Nice.  Unfortunately the item that was missing most days was the blue skies.  It rained almost everyday at some point.  I felt as though I was in England still not in the South of France.  I didn't mind too much though since I wasn't there really to do any sight seeing it was just a trip to visit my wonderful friends.  My days there mostly consisted of sitting in the back garden with a book and soaking up the bits of sun that appeared in between the clouds.  After all my days of constant walking while I was in Bath this was a welcome bit of rest for me.  My feet were quite thankful!  I did spend one day walking around town again and taking in

The perfect day...good friend and a glass of wine!

some of the sights before the rain hit but we will get to that later.  My first day I was welcomed with a lovely lunch in the back garden.  It was so nice to just sit, relax and chat while sipping a glass of wine.  This is what life is all about.  It's the small simple moments that make life wonderful.  I feel like this excursion to Nice was filled with those.  There were dance parties in the living room with the kids, late night chats around the table and just hanging out.  It was exactly what I needed  and to be able to spend this time with these amazing people was just perfect.  I just feel so lucky that along the way in my random travels I have been able to meet such special people and make life long friendships.  I just firmly believe

Architectural beauty 

that we are placed in certain places at certian times for specific reasons.  Even though reasons are not always clear in the moment you gotta just embrace them all and take them for what they are at the time.
So like I mentioned I did take one day and walk around town. Don't worry guys...it was the middle of the day and the sun was shining.  I figured I couldn't have too much trouble....unfortunately I was wrong but we will get to that.  Lets talk about the good bits first.  So on my wandering through the streets I tried to look at it with different eyes.  Not my I don't like this place eyes but the ones that can appreciate beauty and surprise.  I was pleasantly surprised!  There are a lot of really pretty buildings in Nice if you take the time to look up instead of straight ahead.  I love all the detail on the outside of the buildings and the iron work is quite nice too.  Old town Nice is a place I didn't go too much last time so I did venture over there this time and had a great time!  There was an antique market happening and I was in heaven.  It was really fun to just wander the streets that were alive with people selling their wares.  There was

Just a rainy walk in the park

 tons of real silver place settings, vintage linens clothing and anything else you could imagine.  I even saw some crazy swords that looked like they should be headed into some battle on the hip of a knight atop his trusty horse.  Of course I didn't buy anything since I have limited space and a weight limit on my suit case but it was still great fun to just look at it all.  After the market I purchased some food from a super mean lady at the grocery store who made jokes about me to the other patrons in line because she didn't think I understood her even though I did.  Fortunately I can understand a bit of French however I can't really speak any which makes it hard for me to comment back.  Anyway, I tried to shake off the bit of grumpiness the lady gave me and enjoyed a lovely lunch by the sea...then it started raining.  I sought refuge in a park under some trees for a bit then headed into a cafe.  This cafe was one I had been to may times and figured I couldn't have any issues here.  Wrong!  I sat down and there was a lady sitting next to me and she was quite nice and chatted me up a bit in broken English.  Then her friends (2 shady looking guys) showed up.  One sat down with her and the other reached over to my table to grab a chair and gave me a big grin which nicely displayed the empty spot in his mouth where one of his front teeth should have been.  He took the chair then turned back to me and asked me if the lady they were joining had been alone or with any other men.  I wasn't too excited about where this was going but I just politely said " No,no men...she has been alone."  He then proceeded to pull a knife out of his pocket, open it up, point it at the lady and say..."is that the truth?  you were alone?"  She of course said yes then he said ok...ok...I believe you and put the knife away.  They all laughed and he turned to me with his toothless grin again and said in broken english "Ha, Ha...that was just joke... you know like Ha Ha Funny.  She my friend."  I just smiled nodded and continued on reading my book.  All I could think was "Seriously...did he just pull a knife out in the middle of the cafe as a joke?"  And now I know he has a knife in his pocket that he has no problem pulling out and waving around.  The comfort level that I had started to have in Nice again just disappeared completely.  Needless to say Nice still is not my favorite place but some of my favorite people live there so I will return but maybe I should start carrying a knife too.
All in all the 5 days were relaxing and I enjoyed the time with my friends immensely.  Now it's time for me to head back to England....London to be exact and I am beyond excited!          

Music, Moonlight and rolling tourist style

My days in Bath have drawn to a close.  I can't believe how quickly 3 weeks have flown by.  I felt like I would have so much time here to do everything I wanted but as I prepare to leave I realize there are still so many things I want to do.  This town is all that I knew it was and so much more.  It has years and years of history but also feels like it is so in touch with the modern art and culture scene.  I suppose that it has always been the place to be since its beginning and continues along that path.  During my final week I did the day trips I already wrote about and also just had some time to play in the town and with the kiddos.
I think the most fun event I have done since my arrival was the Bath International Music Festival.  This is a week long festival that the whole city gets involved in to bring tons of diverse and amazing music to its

Monsters on Parade

towns-people and visitors.  The whole event started with a night called Party in the City which was basically hundreds of performers spread out in all sorts of venues through out the city performing all night for free.  When I read about it I could hardly believe my luck that I would be in town for this cool event.  The beautiful part about this event too is that Bath is so small you really could walk from venue to venue easily in between acts and see tons of different stuff.  The opening of the evening was super cute.  Since the theme had to do with monsters there was a big parade through town ending at the abby to open the night.  There were hundreds of kids complete with paper machete monsters on sticks walking through town making monster noises.  It was absolutely adorable.  After watching the parade I made my way to the bar I was going to settle myself into for the night.  I had scoped out all the line ups and found a spot where I wanted to hear all the performers so instead of trekking all over town I planned to get a pint, cozy into a big leather chair at Hall and Woodhouse and enjoy some great music.  First off this bar is amazing. It is a good size place but feels

Fireworks over Bath

so cozy too.  It has done the rustic vintage look that is in right now so well with out looking like they are trying too hard.  There also is just something so comfortable about a place that has a huge fire place in it.  The musicians didn't disappoint either.  They were all so fantastic.  It was all kinda folk/americana with a bit of pop mixed in.  I'm gonna give you guys all the band/musicians names and you better check them out.  Some were local but all were great.  I did have my favorites but I will try not to be biased and let you guys decide for your self...here they are: Jamie Beale..just him and his guitar singing about outlaws and prisons.  Hayley Collins...just

Moonlit walk home

her haunting voice and her piano.  Woodfield...adorable group of 20 somethings who were locals.  Violins were involved and sounded great.  BIM...a duo who sang beautifully together and also do some electronic stuff (my favorite...sorry I couldn't help it...please check them out!)  Last group of the night was Cook & the Case....full band, great sound.  Please, Please, Please check them all out.  You wont be disappointed.  Through out the night I enjoyed the music and met some fun people who I wandered around to a couple of the other venues with.  I then watched the end of the night fireworks and headed home guided

Taking in the view 

   by the full moon overhead.  Yes kids...I walked home alone in the dark and I wasn't even scared.  Healing is a slow process but eventually we get there.  I'm happy to say it's getting there.  The walk was absolutely beautiful and a bit haunting but in an amazing way.  The old churches with their ancient cemeteries and towers look spectacular by moonlight.  You can almost hear them whispering their tales of the past to you as you walk by.
I also went on a great daylight walk with my favorite kiddos in Bath.  I babysat them one afternoon and they decided they wanted to walk to the big house on top of the hill.  I said ok but was not 100% sold we were going to make it.  The last walk we went on they barely made it to the pond just inside the park and told me "My battery has gone flat....can we go home?"  They were quite enthusiastic about it though so I figured we would give it a go.  We set off with high hopes and a beautiful sunny sky above us.  There are lots of benches along the way so we took our time and enjoyed the views.  They were so cute getting more and more excited at each bench that brought the goal closer and closer.  When we finally made it they were so excited.  They were also so

Nathans photography...Me and Talia at the "big house"

 proud that they had done it on their own.  They had the cutest moment while we were walking there.  Nathan had brought this Snow White princess necklace with him and when Talia had a moment where she felt that she was loosing energy Nathan looked at here and said "Here...you wear this necklace and it will give you energy."  She popped it on and immediately had a spring in her step.  The whole rest of the walk they kept passing it back and forth to whoever needed some energy.  It worked and we made it.  The views on the top are so beautiful and the day was gorgeous.  We really enjoyed our time.  There also was one other part

New view of Bath

      that the kiddos loved and it was being super close to the cows that freely graze on the grounds.  Then being spring and all there also were a few calfs just hopping around the field.  All in all it was a lovely hike and fun day with the kids.
I did do one final touristy day in Bath.  On this touristy day I was also joined by a new friend who is from San Diego but has recently taken a position in London.  We started the day by going on my favorite walking tour.  This time we had a great tour guide who took a different route that I have never taken before.  We saw many different views of the city that were new to me and new to him also

Roman Baths

 since it was his first time in Bath.  We had lunch at this great little spot called the Pig and Fiddle where we were able to sit outside and enjoy some sunshine, a pint and some burgers.  Side note I just love the names of all these places here...so fun.  I really need to get a book about all the names of pubs and restaurants.  I know there is history behind most of them.  There I go...nerding out again.  Alright back to the day.... after lunch we headed into the Roman Baths.  I didn't go last time because I felt like it was probably over rated.  Well I was wrong....It was pretty impressive once you get in there and think about how long it has been around.  It is huge too.  The major part of the baths is underground....I had no idea!  When you walk around these ancient structures you don't feel like you are in England at all.  You feel like you are in Rome.  The baths that are full are still really warm too.  You wouldn't want to take a dip in them because they are quite yucky and green.  We did dip our fingers in just to check it out...they haven't fallen off yet so I think I am good.  If the waters had not been so green we would have been tempted to have a soak.  You can go into modern versions of these which I might have to do on my next trip.  After our walk through we mustered up all our courage to drink our complimentary cup of  this natural mineral water (not from the baths but from a clean source) which is said to have healing powers.  All the high society folk of the past swore by it.  Well, I took my cup and no magic results yet....Ill keep you posted.
With my natural mineral water sampled, my suitcase packed (only took 3 tries to get the tetras pattern correct inside) and my travel booked I boarded a 4:00am bus for a 7am flight and headed to Nice, France to see my lovely friends there.  I know most of you probably can't believe I am going back after the rough mugging I went through there last year but if you met my friends here you would understand.  They are fantastic!  I am so looking forward to spending time with them and just relaxing.  So goodbye Bath for now...thanks for the lovely time!