Ladies, go back to mom and dad's house and find your old clothes, pull out the Z Cavariccis and put them aside for next year. They are all the rage in Europe so they'll be hitting our shores soon enough. Oh, it would be nice if you could find some in a horribly ugly flower print, SUPER STYLING! Guys, if you have any, they may make a comeback for us as well.
Another note for the ladies: just because you're stylish does not mean you're attractive. French women are very stylish but oh brother, they aren't exactly winning any Ms. World competitions. Oh and that little cancer stick dangling out of the corner of your mouth makes you look stupid.
Calves. No, not baby cows but those two wonderful muscle groups below your knee, how come French women don't seem to have any? They walk everywhere, oftentimes in the most ridiculous high heels yet they've got the most shapeless, ugly calves of any group of women I've encountered in my many journeys. Dammit, buy some Sketcher Shapeups or something, PLEASE!
Hey, you there. Yeah, you, guy who has stood for the last 4 stops on the Metro before sitting down next to the blonde. Don't think she doesn't realize you sat down specifically because she's attractive. You may be French but you're not at all smooth.
I have to give my brother a shoutout for getting me to go the Luxembourg Gardens as they were totally amazing. I've always meant to go there but just never bothered walking the 3, yes THREE, blocks out if my way to get there. The flowers, lawns, fountains, walkways, and buildings were all great. Enjoyable place to eat some Boursin, baguette, and drink some wine.
Speaking of having a picnic in the middle of the park, Philadelphia needs to relax the open-container laws. The sheer number of people who would meet in the park, the public gardens, in the river bank, or any other public space and have a huge picnic with wine, beer, and whatever else people bring was staggering. Old, young, tourists, natives, immigrants, natural-born, it didn't seem to matter. There's something really nice about being able to meet up after work/school for conversation, small food, and a shared bottle or four that I think many would take up in the city's squares and parks. Heck, I'll bring the corkscrew if you're up for it!
Reg mentioned about Paris bein the City of Lights, she failed to mention that at the end if June/beginning of July it is also the City of Perpetual Light. No one told the Big Guy upstairs to turn the lights out. I love Paris, especially at night, but twilight Paris (this trip that lasted until about 11pm) just isn't as pretty.
Let's talk about the sites for just a minute or two.
Notre Dame: best church in the world as far as I'm concerned. We did mass there twice. Something about the place brings me great peace, which some of you would argue I need a great deal more of. It would've been nice if others did not take pictures in the middle of religious services, it's rude.
Eiffel Tower: I'm not sure how long Reg has wanted to see it but everytime a glimpse was caught, she went batty. Well over 100 years later and it is still a sight to marvel, especially lit up.
Champs Eleysee: you're much longer than people think. A big change has occurred over the past few years as rents go even higher (is that even possible?) is that there less cafés to enjoy but more shops to buy clothing at.
Arc de Triomphe: yeah, you won, then you lost, then you won, then lost, and then the Yanks bailed your asses out...TWICE! Still it's a great way to cap of the avenue as well as a good centerpiece of what has to be the nuttiest traffic circle in the world.
Louvre: take me to David's "The Oath of the Horatii" and leave me there. Seriously, you could. I enjoy most of his work even though he fell out favor sue to being Napoleon's personal painter, but still think the "Oath" is completely under-appreciated. Go ahead, keep the crowds around the "Coronation of Napoleon", it makes it easier for me to sit in peace and enjoy my painting. Also, did you know there are tons of other paintings in the Italian Renaissance rooms besides te "Mona Lisa"? No? Neither did most of the people there. There's miles of art in this place and people will oftentimes make it out as she's the only thing worth seeing, BAH!
Okay, that's it for now. Next update will be about Brugge (Bruges for the Walloons out there). It may be my favorite place in Europe outside of London.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
City of lights, city of no right angles
I've been to France once before when I spent a few hours in Strasbourg. You can ask mom, I spent the entire time lost. I usually have a pretty decent sense of direction, but something about this country throws off my inner compass. (Coming from a grid city, I find the constant name changes and endless diagonals confusing.) Nick's been using this to his advantage, constantly surprising with the different sites of Paris.
Day one was the the easiest day for him to do this, since we were trying to figure out how to get places from our hotel. I think he may have been surprised a few times himself.Unbelievably, we're wrapping up day 4, but we've managed to hit most of the major sites and still spend many hours lazing in the city parks. We've visited the louvre, notre dame, the d'orsay, Rodin museum (which means I need to finally visit the one in Philly), Montmartre, so many neighborhoods and patisseres. We've picnicked in multiple parks, become fluent in riding the Metro, walked everyday until our feet ached, and then walked some more. And everytime we see the Eiffel tower (from ANYwhere in town) I apparently squeal "GEEE!" (pronounced with a hard 'g'.)
I find myself constantly comparing this town to the Paris of my imagination (the one of Gene Kelly films, Pixar's Ratatouille, and disney world). It is simultaneously just like all of those and unlike them at the same time. I really wish I could speak the language.
We've one more full day in Paris before we head to Belgium. The plan for tomorrow is to climb the Eiffel tower, either by foot or by elevator. We'll see how it goes!
Many thanks to Christin, Elizabeth, and Anne for their suggestions!
-R
Day one was the the easiest day for him to do this, since we were trying to figure out how to get places from our hotel. I think he may have been surprised a few times himself.Unbelievably, we're wrapping up day 4, but we've managed to hit most of the major sites and still spend many hours lazing in the city parks. We've visited the louvre, notre dame, the d'orsay, Rodin museum (which means I need to finally visit the one in Philly), Montmartre, so many neighborhoods and patisseres. We've picnicked in multiple parks, become fluent in riding the Metro, walked everyday until our feet ached, and then walked some more. And everytime we see the Eiffel tower (from ANYwhere in town) I apparently squeal "GEEE!" (pronounced with a hard 'g'.)
I find myself constantly comparing this town to the Paris of my imagination (the one of Gene Kelly films, Pixar's Ratatouille, and disney world). It is simultaneously just like all of those and unlike them at the same time. I really wish I could speak the language.
We've one more full day in Paris before we head to Belgium. The plan for tomorrow is to climb the Eiffel tower, either by foot or by elevator. We'll see how it goes!
Many thanks to Christin, Elizabeth, and Anne for their suggestions!
-R
A quick hello
The internet situation is not at all ideal. Suffice to say, we're here and okay. Reg is having a blast. Must be quick about this. Will write more later. Au revoir.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Soon to Depart
Twas the hours before Europe and all through the house
The humans were stirring, the dog quiet as a mouse.
The bags are all packed with some semblance of care
Knowing full well that soon Matt would be there
The Reg and the Nick eating and showering
While visions of Paris made Reg go wowering!
Soon we'll be off over the great Atlantic
So we bid you adieu, from Reg and Nick!
The humans were stirring, the dog quiet as a mouse.
The bags are all packed with some semblance of care
Knowing full well that soon Matt would be there
The Reg and the Nick eating and showering
While visions of Paris made Reg go wowering!
Soon we'll be off over the great Atlantic
So we bid you adieu, from Reg and Nick!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Here we go again
Summertime is fast approaching which means one thing: Reg and Nick on tour!
This year is a quick 10 day jaunt to France and Belgium. Okay, really, we're going to Paris, Brugge, and Brussels, but saying "France" sounds more sophisticated.
This was a much harder decision than it appears. Neither Reg nor myself wanted to plan a vacation, it has seemed like a huge chore. The decision to go on this trip was mine after finding a sweet price on an open-jaw ticket, into Paris, out of Brussels. We'll be gone from June 27th until July 7th.
This will be Reg's first time to any of these places and I must say she's pretty stoked. If she knows that you've been there I'm sure she's let you know and asked for suggestions. If you do have any that aren't, "Go to Notre Dame" (because really, we weren't planning on going there or the Eiffel Tower! {note, huge heaping amount of sarcasm}) please let us know. We're also thinking of spending a day in Chartres and if you do have any experience there, that'd be great. Also, Antwerp, Ghent anyone?
This year is a quick 10 day jaunt to France and Belgium. Okay, really, we're going to Paris, Brugge, and Brussels, but saying "France" sounds more sophisticated.
This was a much harder decision than it appears. Neither Reg nor myself wanted to plan a vacation, it has seemed like a huge chore. The decision to go on this trip was mine after finding a sweet price on an open-jaw ticket, into Paris, out of Brussels. We'll be gone from June 27th until July 7th.
This will be Reg's first time to any of these places and I must say she's pretty stoked. If she knows that you've been there I'm sure she's let you know and asked for suggestions. If you do have any that aren't, "Go to Notre Dame" (because really, we weren't planning on going there or the Eiffel Tower! {note, huge heaping amount of sarcasm}) please let us know. We're also thinking of spending a day in Chartres and if you do have any experience there, that'd be great. Also, Antwerp, Ghent anyone?
Monday, September 20, 2010
On the road again...
how we wish we were on the road again. Life has a way of beating one upside the head and recently that's been the way Reg and I have been feeling.
After our last post, things got crazy: Reg went back to work, my siblings came up and we attempted to clean my childhood home, Cross-Country practice started, Reg went away for a day or two because of work, school started (and oh, how I could go into that...but I'd probably get fired).
That's not to say its been all bad, in fact I can honestly say that because of the trip I have a much better outlook upon life. Things that would have seemed important a few months ago are no longer so. From Rina and Fitri in Indonesia I have come to understand the importance both of money but also of enjoying life and the simple things. I'd like to say money isn't important but I've come to the conclusion that though it can make things easier, going for a walk, sitting by the fire pit, or coaching my team are much more important.
Don't think I've gone soft, trust me, I could go off on any number of things but the one thing I could rant about might get me in serious trouble with the powers that be at my job. Suffice to say, I enjoy when I actually get to teach, the rest of the stuff...well, ummm, yeah, I'll leave it at that.
Now, back to travel stuff, because that's what this is about. It's time for some tops.
Top Place I Ate:
Hai Scout Cafe, Hoi An, Vietnam. This was THE meal of the trip. It was our first meal in Hoi An and first outside of Ho Chi Minh City in SEA. There were delicious fried spring rolls, a shaved chicken over rice, and a lemon-grass beef wrapped in banana leaf. It was the one meal that spoiled all others. The service was phenomenal, the food excellent, and the ambiance of sitting outside, underneath stars and a nice bamboo grove gave it the tropical feel. It was so awesome that we signed up for a cooking class run by the restaurant.
Top animal:
Elephant. Could it be anything else? I got to ride one. In second place were the butterflies of Kbal Spean.
Top place we stayed:
Okay, this is cheating, but the junk we stayed on, Indochina Sails 2 is my answer to this. So what if it was a semi-luxury junk, I stayed 1 night on it, in a teak-walled cabin, with a granite bathroom, awesome air-conditioning, and a deck where one could see the stars, enjoy a drink, and just hang out. Yeah, top pick.
Best interaction(s) with locals:
Easy, Banda Aceh, with Rina and her family. Discovering the Acehnese way of life, where family and friends are the most important things in one's life was awesome. The hospitality, food, coffee, coffee, coffee, beach on a rainy day, and her dad's driving were all very much appreciated.
Now for 5 pictures, one from each country and then a favorite of Reg's:
Malaysia: The Petronas Towers at night.
Vietnam: Ha Long Bay from the top of Titop Island...all 424 stairs up.
Cambodia: Angkor Wat at sunrise on my birthday...complete with dog.
Indonesia: Pulau Weh: a view from our bed out towards the Straits of Malacca, including our hammock. Oh, life was hard.
Last, but not least, what may be the photo of the trip, courtesy of Reg and an unsuspecting me, because let's face it, I hate my picture being taken:
We'll be back with more soon, we promise.
After our last post, things got crazy: Reg went back to work, my siblings came up and we attempted to clean my childhood home, Cross-Country practice started, Reg went away for a day or two because of work, school started (and oh, how I could go into that...but I'd probably get fired).
That's not to say its been all bad, in fact I can honestly say that because of the trip I have a much better outlook upon life. Things that would have seemed important a few months ago are no longer so. From Rina and Fitri in Indonesia I have come to understand the importance both of money but also of enjoying life and the simple things. I'd like to say money isn't important but I've come to the conclusion that though it can make things easier, going for a walk, sitting by the fire pit, or coaching my team are much more important.
Don't think I've gone soft, trust me, I could go off on any number of things but the one thing I could rant about might get me in serious trouble with the powers that be at my job. Suffice to say, I enjoy when I actually get to teach, the rest of the stuff...well, ummm, yeah, I'll leave it at that.
Now, back to travel stuff, because that's what this is about. It's time for some tops.
Top Place I Ate:
Hai Scout Cafe, Hoi An, Vietnam. This was THE meal of the trip. It was our first meal in Hoi An and first outside of Ho Chi Minh City in SEA. There were delicious fried spring rolls, a shaved chicken over rice, and a lemon-grass beef wrapped in banana leaf. It was the one meal that spoiled all others. The service was phenomenal, the food excellent, and the ambiance of sitting outside, underneath stars and a nice bamboo grove gave it the tropical feel. It was so awesome that we signed up for a cooking class run by the restaurant.
Top animal:
Elephant. Could it be anything else? I got to ride one. In second place were the butterflies of Kbal Spean.
Top place we stayed:
Okay, this is cheating, but the junk we stayed on, Indochina Sails 2 is my answer to this. So what if it was a semi-luxury junk, I stayed 1 night on it, in a teak-walled cabin, with a granite bathroom, awesome air-conditioning, and a deck where one could see the stars, enjoy a drink, and just hang out. Yeah, top pick.
Best interaction(s) with locals:
Easy, Banda Aceh, with Rina and her family. Discovering the Acehnese way of life, where family and friends are the most important things in one's life was awesome. The hospitality, food, coffee, coffee, coffee, beach on a rainy day, and her dad's driving were all very much appreciated.
Now for 5 pictures, one from each country and then a favorite of Reg's:
Malaysia: The Petronas Towers at night.
Vietnam: Ha Long Bay from the top of Titop Island...all 424 stairs up.
Cambodia: Angkor Wat at sunrise on my birthday...complete with dog.
Indonesia: Pulau Weh: a view from our bed out towards the Straits of Malacca, including our hammock. Oh, life was hard.
Last, but not least, what may be the photo of the trip, courtesy of Reg and an unsuspecting me, because let's face it, I hate my picture being taken:
We'll be back with more soon, we promise.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
"Only in America"
We have arrived back in the good ole U. S. of A. and to celebrate we are doing our first joint post!
On Saturday we went to the Brooks and Dunn Last Rodeo concert.
Being at the show reminded us of all the things that are great about America and also all the reasons why the rest of the world hates us. Being able to kiss your girlfriend in public is great; groping her as you lay her down across a picnic table in the concessions area, markedly less so. Freedom is great, but common sense is better. Perhaps it's that our last stops on the trip were in conservative Muslim areas. Perhaps we were experiencing jet-lag and culture shock. Perhaps Philadelphia country music fans have no class or style. Either way, there should have been fashion police at this thing.
For example:
If I can see your ass-cheeks when you walk, what you're wearing is a shirt, not a dress, and you need to put on some pants.
Dude wearing jeans overalls and no shirt: you look like and escaped convict from O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Hey drunk girl: Your belt should never be wider than your inseam is long. Especially when you are too drunk to figure out how a belt works.
You know it was bad when among the best dressed people we saw all night was the guy in the cut-off Liverpool jersey.
The opening act was Justin Bieber...with a mullet.
Honey, your cleavage, though very impressive, if a bit in need of better support, is NOT an acceptable place to store your cell phone or camera.
On Sunday, we were out and about running some errands and engaging in the great American pastime: spending money! While out, we noticed 5 Vietnamese restaurants within a 7-10 minute drive from our house. We decided to go eat at Phơ Hoa, a Vietnamese chain in Adams Plaza. Our waiter was amazed that we had been to Vietnam and then proceeded to grill us as he's leaving in 2 weeks himself. Good food was had, and though not as cheap as it would've been in Vietnam, still very very affordable.
We do plan on continuing the blog for a bit longer. We plan on putting some of our pictures on it as well as some other things including our Best and Worst lists that many people have asked for.
On Saturday we went to the Brooks and Dunn Last Rodeo concert.
Being at the show reminded us of all the things that are great about America and also all the reasons why the rest of the world hates us. Being able to kiss your girlfriend in public is great; groping her as you lay her down across a picnic table in the concessions area, markedly less so. Freedom is great, but common sense is better. Perhaps it's that our last stops on the trip were in conservative Muslim areas. Perhaps we were experiencing jet-lag and culture shock. Perhaps Philadelphia country music fans have no class or style. Either way, there should have been fashion police at this thing.
For example:
If I can see your ass-cheeks when you walk, what you're wearing is a shirt, not a dress, and you need to put on some pants.
Dude wearing jeans overalls and no shirt: you look like and escaped convict from O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Hey drunk girl: Your belt should never be wider than your inseam is long. Especially when you are too drunk to figure out how a belt works.
You know it was bad when among the best dressed people we saw all night was the guy in the cut-off Liverpool jersey.
The opening act was Justin Bieber...with a mullet.
Honey, your cleavage, though very impressive, if a bit in need of better support, is NOT an acceptable place to store your cell phone or camera.
On Sunday, we were out and about running some errands and engaging in the great American pastime: spending money! While out, we noticed 5 Vietnamese restaurants within a 7-10 minute drive from our house. We decided to go eat at Phơ Hoa, a Vietnamese chain in Adams Plaza. Our waiter was amazed that we had been to Vietnam and then proceeded to grill us as he's leaving in 2 weeks himself. Good food was had, and though not as cheap as it would've been in Vietnam, still very very affordable.
We do plan on continuing the blog for a bit longer. We plan on putting some of our pictures on it as well as some other things including our Best and Worst lists that many people have asked for.
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