Italy- Part 1

Our first stop was Pisa. We stayed in an old monastery which was kinda weird. We got there in the evening and walked down to this little bar which had free appetizers.
A couple pics from the walk.



The next day we went to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.





Then we headed off the catch our ferry for the island of Elba. I have no pictures from Elba as all we did was lay on the beach, drink beer/wine, and eat pizza. It was nice and pretty much the only time we relaxed on the trip.

From there we went to Rome where we saw The Colosseum, The Roman Ruins, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Borghese Gallery, The Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and more. Cameras weren't allowed in a lot of places. If you tried to use them they would kick you out (which Craig's buddy managed to get done to him a couple times before he finally learned). Pretty much anything you could want to see in Rome we saw. It was fun except it was really hot (in the 90s) and lots of tourist. We were in Rome 4 nights, 2 of which we spent in a trailer which we had half and Derek and Steffie had half. See pictures below. I think you could hear each other breathe so it was a little odd.
The Colosseum








Roman Ruins


Trevi Fountain.


St. Peter's Basillica

We got to the Vatican at about noon. Turns out the pope addresses the country every wednesday at noon. If you look really close you can see him sitting under the tent.

The ceiling in 1 of the Vatican museums.


Our Trailer



From Rome we headed to Florence. Along the way we stopped in San Marco for lunch. They do a running of the bulls around the city square once a year. In the 1st picture you can kinda see the circle. It looks and sounds like it would be pretty awesome to see.



I think Florence was my favorite stop. It was smaller and cleaner but still had lots to do and see. We could easily walk everywhere and didn't have to deal with the subway like we did in Rome and Paris. And there was lots of good shopping. :) I didn't buy anything but Craig got a couple t-shirts. I think the couple we were with spent my yearly clothing allowance plus some on all the crap they bought. In Florence the main sights we saw were David (which was huge and amazing), Doge's palace, and the Duome. Again, we weren't allowed to take pictures of most things but that was ok since by this time we were a little sightseeing and pictured out.
The Duomo

I know I owe Italy pictures. I promise I will get there. Life hasn't been much other than work. I had a class last fri/sat in Portland so that meant I worked the previous sunday since my vacation is all gone and I didn't want to take a day unpaid. So that means I've had 2 days off in about 3 weeks. ugh. I am tired!

Of course my class was the nicest weekend we've had yet (and probably the only 2 days all summer that will be close to 90) so I was stuck sitting inside when it was gorgeous outside.

Since I was down there Craig and I decided to go see his grandpa who lives about 1.5 hrs outside of portland. I have never met him, Craig hasn't seen him since either 2005 or 2006. It's a long story but Craig's dad grew up in foster care so really how much of a dad/grandpa has he been? Anyhow, it was a trip! His grandpa is married to this lady who is 20 yrs younger than him but probably in worse health. We called ahead so they could get themselves ready since they insisted on going out to dinner (we offered to bring pizza or subs or something but it 'gives us heartburn'). Well it still took them an hour to get out the door! Then his wife who rides in a wheel chair for stuff like that insisted on sitting in a real chair at the table which was another whole ordeal. As soon as craig got up from the table to go to the bathroom the wife says to me "young lady are you a christian?" Really?! Odd how she had to wait for craig to leave to ask that. She also told me about 30 times how cute I am (it was a little much) and how nice of butt I have! Yes she did. His grandpa said loudly how the waitress was fat and she was standing about 2 feet away! And those are just the highlights of the evening. Let me just say I'm glad he's only sees them about every 5 yrs.

Paris

We flew into Zurich, leaving here on saturday, getting there sunday afternoon. The next morning we boarded the train for Paris. Paris was GREAT! Although the weather was rather chilly but at least it didn't rain. Our hotel was right by the Moulin Rouge so we could walk pretty much anywhere. And the pastries were to die for!

That afternoon we walked up to Sacre Coeur and Montmarte which is a church on the highest point in Paris.

View walking up


Sacre Coeur


View from Montmarte


The next day Craig and I played total tourist. We went to Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, the Opera House, and Arc de Triomphe. Unfortunately most things were under construction so alot of it was blocked by scaffolding. We attempted to go to the Louvre but it was closed so we went to next day. It was really cool to walk around the city. I think we walked past justabout every sight in Paris and probably walked about 6 miles.

Us over the Seine River


Notre Dame





The Eiffel Tower



Arc de Triomphe






Moulin Rouge



The Louvre





The Opera House


We went up some tower across from the Eiffel Tower at sunset. It was a great view. And they do a light show which was cool.

Weee're baaaack

We got back from europe late saturday. It was a good trip, lots of fun. Amazing the history, art, and architecture. We got lucky and had pretty good weather other than the last 3-4 days. No big issues other than our luggage didn't make it back here until the next day but that is no biggie. I can say I don't want to eat pasta or pizza for quite some time as that is all I ate for 3 weeks (along with an occassional ham or salami sub, no turkey over there :( ). Cities we went to are: Zurich, Paris, Rome, Elba, Pisa, Florence. and Venice. We have lots of pictures which I will try to post soon and tell some me details.

Lame-o

Sorry for the lack of posts. Thing is is that I have become rather lame lately. We keep busy but not with much exciting. :)

Work is going good. I'm at my current place until July 9 and then who knows. I was asked if I wanted to take a spot with a school district next year but I am debating. Not sure how I would like working with disabled kids and not sure I want the drive it would be. We will see.

We leave for Europe soon. Crazy how quick it crept up. Now I'm trying to get my crap together. Plus I have the feat of not packing my whole closet, I have a hard time with that. :)

Craig has convinced me to let him redo the back yard. Ugh. Currently it is kinda hilly so he wants to take out the hill, put in a rock wall, and then build a deck (that won't come until next year). That will start when we get back from vacation.

The weather sucks here. Rainy and 60. I know I need to get used to it but I want a TAN!

I think that's all I got for now.