Bonjour!

Oh sweet Paris! We arrived to this gorgeous city almost a week ago. We took the chunnel from London to Paris, hopped on the Metro once we arrived, and walked about 2 blocks to our studio we are renting from a nice man named Vladimir. We are staying in the 6th district in a very central location called, St. Germain. It is a busy district swarmed with young people, yummy restaurants and quaint cafes. We are right in between Notre Dame and the Louvre. About 45 minute walk along the river to the Eiffel Tower and right next door to Luxembourg Gardens and the Latin Quarter.

The first day we arrived it was raining so we decided to visit the Louvre. We couldn't believe how huge this museum was, littered with famous paintings and sculptures like the Mona Lisa and Michaelangelo. It was cool to see the originals, even if I had to squish through a pile of tourists to snap a quick shot. We spent around 4 hours in the Louvre and probably only saw about 20% of it. It was enormous!The rest of our days here, we have been blessed with sunny weather. Perfect for picnicking and climbing the tower where we had an incredible 360 degree view of the city. We did this at sunset and it was absolutely stunning. Paris is truly the city of lovers. Just about everywhere is a couple kissing and enjoying each other. Weather is be on a park bench or laughing over a cigarette, there is no lack of PDA. ;) I could go on and on about how much I have enjoyed this city and my new appreciation for the french language, but I think the photos speak for themselves. We have enjoyed every minute, especially with a cozy studio to return home to and cook a few home cooked meals. Make sure you wallet is heavy when you stay here, it is an expensive city, but well worth every euro.

Top of the tower....Eiffel at night...

a small glimpse of England

We have gotten so behind on blogging because we have been sight seeing and taking in so many aspects of what our world has to offer. Adam left off talking a bit about our first half of our Ireland trip. I won't emphasize much because we are now 2 countries ahead of that, but I will say that Ireland as a whole was one of our favorite experiences so far. The people are friendly and interesting and the beer is tasty. The countryside is stunning and the 'laxed' life style is addicting.

On to London............

We arrived in London to my sweet Australian girlfriend, Em. She is coming to the end of her 4 years in London and was so nice to host us for 3 nights. She and her boyfriend, Matt, took us all over London to the big sites: Houses of Parliament, London & Tower Bridge to name a few. We walked all day long for about 6 hours in the sunshine. It was truly a treat to have locals show us around. Much easier than Adam and I trying to find the "ity bity" street signs with our maps stretched out over our faces. We are getting used to the look though. ;) Adam then had a day to ourselves where we rode the London Eye with a 360 view of the city. Definitely the way to see London on a clear day, it was fantastic! Buckingham Palace was worth seeing and walks through the many gardens was essential. We enjoyed London and our friends made it that much better, but we were anxious to travel southwest of the heavy populated city to a town called Bath...

Bath is one of my new favorite places on planet earth. yes, I just said it. It was such an interesting city. The Roman's founded it a few centuries (would have to look in our guide books to be exact) ago. They figured out that they could pump mineral water from the earth's ground into big pools that they created for healing. The original ruins still stand tall with the roman baths in the center. Learning the history of these people was fascinating. Adam and I then took a spa day, with dinner and wine included, to enjoy 3 hours of pure mineral pools and steam rooms. Our view from the very top of the pool was breathtaking, overlooking Bath and ancient Roman ruins. Our skin felt silky smooth and our bodies were relaxed, after stretching in the steam room and getting into a few yoga poses. Anyone going to England MUST NOT miss this hidden gem. Email us for detailed info if you are looking for a romantic (or solo), relaxed haven. This is the place. I can't wait for our return back!

We had no problem getting into the habit of a morning tea followed by and afternoon and evening tea.... and I am loving every minute of my new habit ;)

(below is me with view of Roman architecture).

Another Guinness, is it?

Adare, Ireland is where I am writing from today. Having a Carlsberg beer and relaxing before a night at the pub. Jackie and I have been in Ireland now for 4 days and are loving every moment of this beautiful country. We have had amazing and odd weather for Ireland, warm and partially sunny. We cannot ask for anything better.

Last night we stayed in Doolin, where the cliffs of Moher are located. They are absolutely breath taking. Formed about 320 million years ago and nearby home to the Puffins, the clown of the sea, the cliffs overlook the the Atlantic. We stayed at the Roadford House last night which was warm and hospitable. Great food, people and views. Two horses roamed around in-front our window and the local dog, beans, wasn't far behind.

I am writing and recalling backwards so that we can catch up on where we have been and stayed throughout Ireland. Before the Roadford House and Doolin, we were in Dublin for 3 nights. Great City!

Dublin had a lot to offer, and even better did not have the feel of an overwhelming city. The Guinness Storehouse was great. We learned about how Guinness is made and the ingredients that go into every pint. The self guided tour end at the top of the factory on the 7th floor. That is where you get to enjoy a free pint overlooking all of Dublin. It really doesn't get much better that that. We stayed at the Times Hostel in a wonderful location in Dublin, conveniently placed next to a enjoyable little pub, which are anywhere and everywhere throughout the city. Days and nights were spent wondering around soaking in the sights and stopping along the way for a bite and a pint. One evening we decided to partake in the Hostels pub crawl. This was a good opportunity to meet a few really nice people and see some different pubs. All in all, Dublin was perfect for 3 nights.

Lets see.....

OK, now we are in Dingle ( as far west in all of Europe that you can get, can almost see New York). This is a little fishing town that has spectacular views. Getting here was not the easiest task, however, getting around from town to town doesn't seem like it is going to get any easier. That is all I will say about the driving. I could rant for a long while about this subject, but whats the point. We went over Conner Pass that dropped us into Dingle. If you think driving Vail Pass is tough or sketch. Ha, think again. Non the less, we made it in and had some of the best chowder and fish for lunch. After a walk through town, we headed back to the car to take the drive around the peninsula. What a breath taking and hairy drive. we stopped along the way to admire the views and check out the beaches and surfers. Yes, surfing in Dingle-very cool. We head out tomorrow after an Irish breakfast hear at O'Neills B&B. Next stop Valentia Island.

here today, gone tomorrow

So after packing up our entire apartment in San Diego, throwing out or donating most things, and putting the rest in storage, we were on the road to start our 8 hour drive north. Had a little In N Out for dinner and drove halfway the first night saying in a "hoe dunky" town near Bakersfield.

We like to take traveling slow, no matter where we're going. It makes it more relaxing to drive 4 hours instead of plowing through 8. So the next morning we got up and made it to my dad's house. He lives in Pleasanton, just outside of the city of SF by about 30 minutes. Adam and I unloaded our things and found the nearest happy hour in Downtown Pleasanton. Adam is really liking it here. He says it reminds him of Pittsburgh with most of the streets filled with full grown trees, and the air being crisp and cool. We're both missing San Diego, (maybe me a little more), but we're also excited about this new part of our lives:)

We enjoyed a couple home brewed beers and amazing garlic fries. We then went looking for a Liquor shop to grab a bottle of wine and instead found a wine shop that was offering tastings. After trying 6 different types of wine, we settled on a bottle from Australia. (We'll have plenty of time to try all the different wines in our new area, ie: Napa, Russian River, etc.) The owner was incredibly hospitable, even if he first told us that "No Padre fans would be allowed in." Today we woke up and worked out, laid at the pool, and did a quick shopping spree at Trader Joe's for the next couple days. We plan on eating, drinking, and relaxing... followed by more eating, drinking, and relaxing when we leave for Europe this Tuesday. First stop: IRELAND!