Mighty Mountains

This weekend I traveled to Annecy France with my host family where we stayed in a chateau near the lake. I had no idea what was in store. We spent the weekend grilling, playing games, and laying in the sun. The lake is surrounded by the Alps and was breath taking. The water was crystal clear. Out coasting in the water were sailboats drifting along. The water was very cold from where the alps had just begun to warm up and was melting into the lake. You really get the best of both worlds...beach/lake meets mighty mountains. We spent the entire day out by the water and mountains. We had a picnic, played frisbee, and tanned. Many of you know my soul is most at ease or rejuvenated by nature and laying in the sun; so this was a complete gift for me. I have been backpacking several times in Colorado and have summited very large mountains, but this was unlike anything I have seen. It was heavenly! Before leaving Annecy we meandered through the town and grabbed some ice creamed  at Glaces des Alps and admired the antiqued buildings.

The Lake where we swam and spent most of the weekend. 

This was before we toasted on the grill. I must have had 3! So delicious and colorful!

An old Prison in the center on Annecy France. 

Annecy France. July 6-7, 2013

Happy 4th of July Ya'll!

Last Sunday I met up with the family that I am staying in their home until July 31. They have been so welcoming and loving. When meeting them I got off the train, they welcomed me with hugs and gifts. The girls are precious and remind me alot of my nieces. Noelie is 9 and Selene is 5. Noelie just had her birthday this week and it was fun to be apart of her birthday party. When arriving at their home for the first night, for dinner they made a tastey dish. Translated it is called tomato pie. It has a pie crust with mustard, tomatoes and cheese. So yummy. Most of our meals at their home start with the main dish and we end with bread, cheese, and a dessert. The bread is amazing. I said prior to arriving here I was going to with hold off from eating bread. Well, that is just impossible! So as a trade off I do a workout dvd every afternoon. Seems like and even trade to me. Right!? I am adjusting well with the family but only wish I knew more french. I am having to be patient with myself, which can be challenging for me to extend to myself. (Another way in which I am growing here.) For the extravert I am, it's been difficult not to spark up conversation like I desire, with people outside of my host family. I am learning a lot! Noelie likes to play school so I learn much from her as she uses her chalkboard to teach me words. There is a lot of miming during the day with my interactions with the girls but somehow we have become close regardless of the language barrier. It's been really amazing to see how God can use people regardless of their differences and language. I have definitely seen Gods hand in ways I haven't before. Very exciting experience for me.  The girls are still in school. So this past week I have been conducting school at the house for me in order to improve my french. It's getting better but I am having trouble pronouncing some of their words. "Tu" Is a killer word for me and unfortunately I cannot ignore using it. I cannot quite make the "u" right sounds. The family and I have laughed alot in my efforts to learn. It's been somewhat of a bonding experience. Yesterday was the 4th of July. I didn't think it would be that big of a deal missing it in the US. But surprisingly I missed the cookouts, friends, and laying out by some water. So, I took it upon myself to lay out yesterday. Wasn't quite as toasty as Atlanta, but definitely more pleasurable! No humidity here folks! My sweet host family wished me a happy 4th of July and decided we were going to grill burgers for dinner! They said, "We will have an American meal just for you!" I felt so special and so loved. Definately a 4th of July I won't forget! Happy 4th ya'll!

My First day there and they already want to do my hair! 

Noelie's Birthday Party! She is 9!!!

Was woken up by these two jumping in my bed! "Cozy, Cozy!"

PERFECT WEATHER!!!!!!

I was trying to explain to the girls that on the 4th of July my uncles, aunts, and cousins get together and grill out. I was explaining that my family may call me since my uncles and aunts are all together. Yep, Apparently I have uncles and idiots. Opps! 

HAPPY 4th Of JULY!!!!!!!

Oui Oui!

The remainder of my time in Paris was full of such history, beauty, and experiences. Too much to share in detail. (See pictures below) Notre Dame was breath taking. The beauty of the church, the detail in the colors of the stain glass windows, and architecture from the inside out. When I toured through the old cathedral, there were men who were singing for a short duration of the time as I passed through. From Notre Dame, I toured through the city and visited the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Basilica of the Sacré Cœur, Pont des Arts, St Martin Canal, Alexander Bridge, and the Palace. There was so much to see! On Saturday I was able to meet up with a friend of Thoms. (who I stayed with in Amsterdam) He showed me around and then we went to a place called Rosa Bonheur. It's a place in the park that overlooks the city. We met up with colleagues of his to eat tapas and have drinks there. Later in the night Rosa Bonheur starts to play music where people can dance! This was a highlight for me! For the extravert I am, I enjoyed meeting new friends, dancing, and getting to relax. For those wondering, they played Whitney Houston, I Wanna dance with Somebody! And my soul was at home! Goodnight Paris...Lyon adventure for the month ahead!

At Republique

Notre Dame

Inside Notre Dame

Love Locks! The entire bridge full!

The Lourve

Forcast: Chaotic Showers

     Unfortunately, I only got to spend 2 days in Amsterdam. I would love to return when I have more time to spend. Such a neat city. Great food, good shopping, canals throughout the city and the people I met there were so kind and helpful! I woke up at my friends Thoms house Thursday morning. My bus from Amsterdam to Paris was departing at 11:30am. I gathered my stuff together and showered to get ready to leave. Thom was gone at the time and I decided to wash my hair and blow it dry...here is when the showers come rolling in. Thom returned home and we were talking while my hair dryer was plugged into the bathroom. I walked back into the bathroom and heard a POP! Yep, I used the wrong converter for my hair dryer and the electricity in Thoms house was now out. We tried to dissect the breaker box but nothing seemed to work. This was a little unfortunate for Thom as he had plans to work at home. I had to leave before we got it figured out and felt awful! Thom placed me on the right tram told me where to get off and we said our goodbyes! I was off, again! I somehow made it to my bus got a seat in the front and tried to get cozy for the 6.5 hour bus trip ahead of me.

     When arriving in Paris I walked to the metro and try to figure out where my place was located. I am not quite sure how I got lost, I must have been so overwhelmed by not being able to speak French like I wanted. I was roaming around like a lost puppy. Don't get me wrong, it's a pretty city to roam but with my bags to haul around? I was getting frustrated, sweaty, and tired. A gentleman offered to help me after about 30-40 minutes of wandering. He was one of the guys that bikes around the city with the carriage you ride in behind. At this point I didn't care. I paid the guy and he took me to my place by bike carriage. Yep, complete tourist moment! HELLO PARIS! I HAVE ARRIVED! When arriving to my room I had to gather the energy to venture out and find food. I wandered through the city looking at shops, cafes, and parks. I then ended up at the Eiffel Tower. It was lit up and twinkling. People were with their friends and families on the lawn in front of the tower with picnics, wine, playing music, and champagne! I was soaking it all in. I was finally here! The chaos rolled out quickly and I then found my way to a cafe where I had dinner and a few drinks. I met a few people briefly and I was able to find my way back home without any trouble. I went to bed and was thrilled for the following day in order to experience the city in a different way. Bonne Nuit Paris! 

Amsterdam!

So because I booked my flight for Tuesday when I meant to book for Monday, I only had one full day in Amsterdam. I started by wondering around the canal where Thom lives and stopped at cafe letting. I had a coffee and open faced BLTA. Amazing! As many of you know, I am such the extravert. I have actually really enjoyed eating and wandering alone! Surprise...right? I wandered into a few shops where I bought some clothes, jewelry, and home decor. I had to cut myself off from shopping. They have so many great stores! I would have left broke. I had my mind set on the one touristy thing I wanted to do before departing was to see the Anne Frank house. I remember reading her story as a young girl. She has such a brave spirit and story. I stood in line for 40 minutes and got to walk through. It was remarkable just to wander through the home and rooms where they were Anne Frank and her family were in hiding. I got chills getting to see the hidden bookcase door. It was an unforgettable experience. For the rest of the day I spent wandering around, taking pictures, and seeing the royal palace. Later when meeting back up with Thom after work we went to grab dinner and then to his small group at his church. This was another highlight of the trip! I find it so amazing how no matter our unique differences, languages, and stories that because we have Christ we feel at home with one another. There is a unity that is present! I had the opportunity to hear parts of these believers stories. We grabbed some drinks after group and headed home. Amsterdam...I wish I could have stayed longer!

Hmmm...Where is Thom?

Yesterday was a complete travel day. I left Sweden to fly to Amsterdam with a lay over in Copenhagen. My flight arrived at 6pm where I attempted to take a train to meet Thom without cell phone service. Yep, that was problem number one. I managed to get on the correct train where I introduced myself to the girl sitting next to me. I learned she lives in Portland and was really fun to talk to! I was able to hear part of her story on how she ended up in Amsterdam. I departed the train at Amsterdam Central and followed Thoms directions to where to meet him. I waited... and waited... and then looked back to his email. "Did I get off at the wrong stop?!" Oh my! After waiting for 45 minutes, I pulled some guy aside that was walking to board his train, and asked him if I could use his phone. He kindly looked over the email Thom wrote me and reassured me I was in the right place. I called Thom from this gentlemans phone where I realized both Thom and I had been waiting for each other at opposite sides of the station for the last 45 minutes. In a moment of excitement and relief I thought I saw Thom from afar. I hung up the phone and thanked this kind man for letting me borrow it. In a moment of thrill and relief, I went to race toward my friend Thom when I number of things happened... The busy multitasking American that I am, I began to dart across the station toward Thom and thanked the gentleman quickly. Within about 30 seconds I was grabbed to be kissed goodbye (Oh ya...They do that here, right?) and then quickly realized the guy I was running towards was not Thom. I was like a lost puppy once again. Ugh oh! After finally meeting up with him we walked to his home, dropped my luggage at his home, and grabbed dinner outside at a nearby cafe. It was delicious! Salmon and veggies for those that are wondering. We walked to another place to have apple pie and mint tea. Best I have had by far! I highly recommend it! Grabbed drinks nearby and headed home. More Amsterdam details to be continued...

Goodbye Sweden

Hello Amsterdam!

Thom, myself, and his mint! 

Good Night Amsterdam!

Stockholm

Today we went to Stockholm. We biked to the train station and took the train in from Uppsala to Stockholm. My nephew would have flipped out! Trains were everywhere buddy! When arriving to Stockholm we began to wander through the city. The buildings were amazing! Such color and creativity placed in their architecture. Water flowing under romantic looking bridges throughout the city and mighty light posts throughout town. I was soaking it all in! There were brick roads leading to old churches, the palace, and random nooks throughout the city with little hidden treasures of cafes, fountains, and pastries. We went to a lookout point that overlooks the entire city! It was like a painting. The sky was incredibly blue and you could see the majority of the city. After, we went to a cafe where I had a veggie panini in the park and sat near a fountain. As we finished lunch, we then went shopping and to visit the Palace. I had coffee and a cinnamon pastry in the courtyard of the palace and got to see places where princess Victoria was recently married. I have learned little about Sweden. The pace in Sweden is so much slower, which I got to experience a little. The people here aren't rushed, legally they are allowed to go home every four hours from work to let out their pets, mothers and fathers are extended a 6 months maturity leave by the government, and they bike everywhere. I have learned they are very much about equality here. Throughout the duration of time I have spent in Sweden, I have enjoyed visiting with friends, briefly learning about their culture, and exploring. I have loved it here but on to the next! Amsterdam...Here I Come! Cheers!

 

Arriving in Stockholm...Here I go...

Stockholm

A park in Stockholm where we had lunch!

This is my Favorite picture from the day! Framer! 

The front of the Palace

From the front of the Palace overlooking Stockholm.

One of the guards in front of the Stockholms Palace

The Palace

Courtyard area where cafes and music were.