Bonjour France, again.

Our first stop in France: Avignon. We strolled through the quaint town, and even stumbled across a jet ski competition on the lake. Probably one of the cooler things I've seen in my life. We only stayed in Avignon for a night, then onto Tours, France. We spent our time in Tours visiting fairy tale castles and enjoying delicious French food. Nothing says a good lunch like a panini and some wifi. Ya know, while sitting next to a giant French Chateau.

Then.... Off to Paris! My most favorite place on earth. We spent our first night finding a grocery store, which turns out to be pretty exciting. Try crossing a giant, never-ending creepy bridge over about 10 train tracks at night. Then buying groceries in a foreign store. Although I must say, the Skippy peanut butter that Cat found in the "international foods" section was probably the greatest peanut butter in the whole wide world. Atta girl Cat. 

Our second day in Paris was absolute perfection in every way. You know those days where you sit there at midnight smiling and say, "ahhhh, that day couldn't have gotten any better." Yep, it was one of those days for sure. We started the day of touring Saint Chapelle, gazing at the most break taking stain glass windows I've ever seen. Then we made our way over to Notre Dame, taking time to wander through the cathedral and the gardens behind. For lunch, I took the girls to my all time favorite restaurant- Cafe St. Regis. When I was in Paris in May, we frequented this cafe and loved it. Of course, I had to return and bring the girls. They absolutely loved it as well, and we couldn't get enough of the lemon chicken, unlimited water and bread, and our new friend, the hilarious waiter. Seriously though, unlimited water becomes like gold when you spend some time in Europe. Anyways, after our most favorite lunch, we strolled through the shops on the island, picking up some beautiful scarves, and indulging in the infamous Berthillion ice cream. Again, made a new hilarious friend at the ice cream stand. Yes Sid, French people actually do understand English. And talking very slow with very exaggerated hand movements of a chocolate ice cream cone just makes you look like an idiot. Especially when they have like, really really good English. We had some good laughs at that ice cream stand. Anyways- as we licked our ice cream cones, we crossed over to the love lock bridge and locked a "cozy pod" lock on the bridge. Locked it to a Hannah Montana lock, made another smooth sailing wish, and tossed that key into the Seine. Turns out smooth sailing wishes into the Seine are much more effective than into the Trevi Fountain, because the day just kept getting better. We then made our way over to the ever-so-lovely Latin Quarter and finally got some banana Nutella crepes. Okay, if heaven had a taste, it would taste like these crepes. And if my Nutella addiction was bad before I came to Europe, it's now exploded into an unhealthy obsession. Anyways- the rest of our day in Paris was filled with food, laughs, friends, fun, all that jazz. Now to the good stuff. I have officially set up the most epic and perfect first kiss a girl could dream of. 

Rewind 4 days back to Florence.. Karli and I are in the hotel lobby and notice this massive group of boys speaking English. So obviously we start talking to them, and we find out they are a rugby team from California. They go to Cal Poly. They were only in Florence for one night. We particularly noticed this one kid who was SO HOT and super nice. But obviously we would never see this random guy again. So we just talked and dreamed and joked all week about the hot rugby player from Florence who we met for 5 minutes. 

Okay, fast forward to that night in Paris.. You know, the night of the day filled with perfection. So one of my besties on this trip is named Karli. We do everything together (us, and the cozy pod of course). She hasn't had her first kiss yet so the whole trip we've been joking around that we're gonna make her kiss someone on top of the Eiffel Tower. Cause lets be real, that's magical. She was all nervous but we were like whatever, we'll see..

So we stop at the Eiffel Tower for 10 minutes. Literally, the bus driver gave us 10 minutes to take pictures, then back to the bus. 10 MINUTES. So we are running to watch the twinkling lights on the tower, and who do we see? THE WHOLE RUGBY TEAM. We freak out that we randomly see them again! Seriously, what are the odds of seeing them again. In Paris. Hundreds of miles away from Florence. We chat with the boys for a few minutes, then they start to head off. I sit there thinking, wait, they can't leave yet! So, I frantically run after them and out-of-breath ask if one of them will come back and be Karli's first kiss. And who should volunteer but the hot one we had been talking about all week. He doesn't even think twice and follows me over to the group! Then... The most UNREAL FIRST KISS EVER.. Under the twinkling Eiffel Tower! And I'm not talking an awkward smooch on the lips, I'm taking a full on grab the face good kiss. WE WERE DYING!!! Screaming, laughing, hugging, snapping pictures. The random guy we met in Florence, just happens to be in Paris at the exact moment we are, under the Eiffel Tower, and becomes Karli's first kiss. THAT JUST DOESN'T HAPPENNNNN!! Straight out of a movie. Mega props to my girl Karli.

Safe to say, that was a perfect day and night in probably the most magical city in the world. The remaining days in Paris were absolutely lovely in every way. We visited Palace of Versailles and rented bikes to ride around the gardens. We found Marie Antoinette's cottage village and it was the most charming place I have ever seen. I wanted to go to this area when we were there in May, but we ran out of time. I was happier than a small child in a large candy shop as we rode our bikes around the Palace gardens. We even enjoyed a break for the beloved Angelina' hot chocolate and macaroons. 

The last couple days in Paris were just as wonderful. Filled with mouth watering pastries, croissants, croque monsieurs, crepes, and lots and lots of laughing. I did a few of the same things I did this summer, like visit the Louvre, Musee d' Orsay, top of the Eiffel Tower, and my most favorite shops and bakeries. Shout out to the souvenir shop employee who gave us discounts and free keychains. Thanks for remembering me, probably your only loyal souvenir shop customer. You're a champ. 

If my week in Paris sounds simply wonderful and full of serendipity, I'll share even another story: 

My friend from California, Bryce, was in Paris the same time I was. We've been besties since the time we were born- Mommy and Me when we were one, preschool, elementary school, middle school, part of high school. We've stayed close our whole lives and I miss her like crazy out in Utah! Well, we are chatting this summer and we figure out she'll be in Paris the same time I will! So we tried to figure out a way to meet up, but it was next to impossible. With no phone, terrible wifi, and busy schedules, it just wasn't gonna happen. But wait, I'm just strolling down the street past Notre Dame, on the way to yet another lunch at Cafe St. Regis, and who do I see but my dearest Brycie! I was SO HAPPY! We got to talk for about a half hour and catch up on life and our trip and all that good stuff. Paris has provided complete serendipity for both me and Karli and a marvelous time for everyone. Thanks Paris, you really are the greatest. 

We ended our time in France visiting the D Day beaches at Normandy. What an absolutely incredible experience that was to tour the museum and cemetary while overlooking the beaches that our brave soldiers fought on. That moment, standing on Omaha Beach, was unforgettable. 

Our couple days in France were spent in Bayeaux, where we visited Monet's home and gardens- and they are ever so lovely. Finished off the trip right with one last delicious panini and orangina. Oh, how I love France. 

Our two week trip around Italy and France was the experience of a lifetime. I can officially say that 

1) hostels most likely have bed bugs 
2) hoses hanging from the wall should not be considered a shower 

3) charter bus seats are not the comfiest

4) Europeans don't know the definition of wifi

5) and, water is definitely not free or abundantly supplied. 

But I can also say that 

1) hostels bring many laughs and great new rugby friends 

2) showers are overrated anyways

3) great stories and games come from 30 hour bus rides- priceless.

4) no wifi makes for more real social interaction 

5) and water bottles from grocery stores are always cheap and massive. 

Semester hasn't even officially started yet, and it's already been the most amazing semester I could dream of. My friends and I end up crying in pure laughter at least 27 times a day and we have more adventures than I could even begin to start listing. I feel like I've known my friends a lifetime and we have the best time. We're finally back to London, settled into our cute apartments, and ready for 3 more months of adventure. We're already obsessed with the British accent and working on checking things off our bucket list. It's a big list, but let me tell ya, I have no doubt we'll complete it. It's even full of goals for our time back in Provo, cause our adventures most definitely don't stop here in London. Already friends for life and stoked for a semester of One Direction music, plays and plays and plays at the theater, Indian and Thai food, recreating the Beatles picture on Abbey Road, and taking a ride or two on the London Eye. And we WILL make the palace guards smile, even if it takes doing a Harlem Shake in front of Buckingham. Okay, we probably won't succeed in making them smile, but we WILL try and look ridiculous doing it.

I'll keep you updated on our adventures in London, because there will be many more to come.. 

Ciao! Au Revoir! And have a jolly good week! 

Ciao Italia

After our time in Rome, the remaining time in Italy seemed like a breeze. 

Our next stop was Florence for a couple days, and boy, do we sure love Florence. Our days there consisted of visiting museums and enjoying the town. The art we saw was beautiful and we'll learn a lot about it once we get back to London. The town- simply lovely. We spent the day admiring the Duomo. Seriously, coolest building I've ever seen. Google it. Our first night in Florence, we somehow ended up in a pub for dinner. Let me tell ya, a giant group of drunk Italians was probably the funniest thing I have ever watched. And the decorations in thaf place- pricless. I don't think I've ever laughed as hard as I did that night at the pub. Afterwards, we made our way back to the hostel in completely downpouring rain. Denying street vendor after street vendor for a cheap umbrella. Meh, we were already drenched. Good times. Then the next day we strolled the streets of Flourence, spending hours wandering through the street markets, getting cool food and finding all kinds of incredible leather products. One highlight was when finally found salad. 7 Caesar salads please.. The waitress.. Uhh okay.. Anyways.. and yes, I bought two purses and the most amazing leather sandals I've ever seen. We love the leather in Florence, and it's pretty dang fun to barter the prices down with the street vendors. Fam bam and friends- got you some great souvenirs. Then, the perfect ending to a perfect day: watching sunset over the city at the lookout point at the Michaelangelo gardens. Totally worth the trek. Pictures cannot even begin to do this sunset overlooking the city justice.

Onto Cinque Terre- my all time favorite place in the world. Again, pictures cannot even begin to do it justice. The weather, perfection. The villages, unbelievably charming. The food, unbeatable. If you are a Pinterest lover, Cinque Terre is the well known, adorable town pinned on every girls' dream board. And it's even better in person. We spent the day strolling the villages, walking on the private beaches, putting our feet in the perfectly blue Mediterranean water, grabbing a gelato milkshake, and eating the greatest pesto pasta I've ever tried. (Apparently pesto was created in this place, so yeahh, they make it good.) Words or pictures can't describe this place to its full perfection, so.. Just add it to your bucket list and visit Cinque Terre someday. 

After Cinque Terre, we headed off to Venice. You know, the canals, the gondolas, the old buildings. Well if anyone has the idea that Venice is small and quaint, heavens no. It's huge. And it's a maze. Seriously, no city has as many twists, turns, and alleys, then throw in water and bridges and no landmarks for directions. Just buildings on buildings on water. Took hours to find a grocery store, but that's just Venice for ya! And our hotel.. hahahaha. The ultimate sketch. Flickering lights, a hose hanging from the wall for a shower, the whole deal. the  We had some amazing pizza and pasta and gelato, ya know, cause one can never have too much of that goodness while in Italy. We spent sunset on the water, taking a gondola ride through the city and getting a major check off the bucket list. Then making our way back to the hotel in the dark.. I don't think a creepy mask should be hung in a store window ever. *Cue screaming, running girls. Anyways, Venice is simply lovely. You can definitely do it all in one day, and what a perfect day that was.

All in all, our time in Italy was an adventure. Family and friends- my apologies for many random emails and messages filled with vague travel plans and no punctuation. And I know a few have tried to text me. Yeah, won't get those messages until Christmas. Nada, zilch, nothin. No Internet, no phone, and a broken debit card for a week was an adventure in itself. But every second in Italia provided for some good laughs and some unforgettable experiences with the most awesome group of girls everrrrr. I'm sure France this week will bring many more adventures. And once I have my laptop, I'll add some much better pictures. iPhone, I love you, but my camera captures a bit more of the awesomeness of these places. 

When in Roma

So if my group and I were put on a deserted island for a few days, I have no doubt we would survive. 48+ non-stop hours of airports, airplanes, delayed and cancelled flights, lost and stolen luggage, and not a wink of sleep or bite of food will provide quite the bonding experience. Also throw in there having a cold and my voice.. Gonzo. Zip, zero, gone. Now the rest of the group- sick also. Sorry guys. 

Anyways, I would love to fill this post with dreamy stories of strolling the streets of Rome, admiring the beautiful architecture, and gazing at the Sistine Chapel ceiling in wonder. However, reality of our few days in Rome would provide stories more like this: pushing our way down unnaturally crowded roads while being honked at by tiny, but mighty cars, crunched into a hot, sticky chapel with barely enough room to glance around, and struggling to squeeze out some Italian phrases. But even though our feet were wincing in pain and we had an interesting experience at the ever-so-loved Vatican, we laughed through the whole adventure. Laughed really hard actually, crying of laughter, making a joke and hilarious hashtag for every moment in Rome. Don't get me wrong, the Vatican and the Colleseum are a sight to see. I mean, I would've loved getting to the Colleseum because I was with the group, not because Brynn and I were left behind at the hotel after sleeping through our alarm. But hey, we used our newly acquired public transportation skills  to get there and it rocked. Sunsets at the Colleseum aren't too bad. And as I look back on the moment of crazy American girls screaming and laughing hysterically on the side of the cobblestone road as Alyssa's ONLY shoe is being run over by car after bus after car, you've gotta be thankful for that random Italian who pitied us. The guy who pulled a Thor move and stops traffic to get the long lost coral flat, now smudged black with tire marks. Or the lady who helped Karli out of the freakishly tiny elevator, after being stuck in the dark little area covered in mirrors. It's the little things. So, even though Rome and I are not friends, it was an adventure. And that's what we all want right? Stories of eating gelato while desperately wishing in the Trevi Fountain for smooth sailing through college. And of course, re-enacting every greatest Lizzie McGuire scene.Then, since it was immediately apparent that smooth sailing wouldn't be included in our time in Rome (got left behind and lost 20 minutes after our first wishes at the Trevi), eating gelato all day every day was obviously justified. And that is just what we did. We frequented White, the most incredible gelato cafe a person could indulge in. One of the happiest moments of Rome was spent in White, eating gelato and singing along to Stand By Me by some restaurant singer. 

Adventure is out there- and it's definitely in Rome. I've never laughed so hard in my life, nor have I ever bonded with people so instantly. Seriously, these girls are my little familia now and we laugh every second of the day. We could probably write a novel including all our stories, but I'll spare you. We're probably the only ones to truly appreciate our time there. Rome is a check off the bucket list and will always have a special, interesting, place in my heart. #Romestrash

Champs.

Well, the title of my blog is "Adventure Is Out There"... and it sure is. We have now been in the Salt Lake airport for 10 hours. A new experience for all of us. Our day went a little like this: got to the airport perfectly on time at noon. Boarded the plane with 9 other girls from our group, sat on the plane for an hour (giddy and ready to go!), then.. oh, wait, de-boarded the plane, cancelled the flight due to airplane troubles, stood at the ticket counter for 4 hours finding a new flight, booked flight to LA, cancelled flight to LA, re-booked flight to JFK, back to baggage claim to get our long lost suitcases (patiently waiting, aka thrown outside an airline office), back through security... and now, waiting four more hours until our red eye flight to London. Not to worry though, because its finally all worked out. We've made SLC airport our home sweet home for the day and had quite the bonding experience. I already adore these girls, and 12 hours in an airport provides some good ol' quality time. Moral of the story: Adventure is definitely out there, even in the SLC airport with all my newest wonderful friends. The crew is still waiting it out, finally off to JFK and London in a few hours! Champs.