tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23183058476543854292024-03-21T21:14:56.223-07:00Inspired Life Projectcarolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-36295016020768215282011-09-19T15:52:00.000-07:002011-09-19T15:52:03.880-07:00Reflection<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Today is my birthday. Which is quite a fun day. It means I can consume lots of sweets without a second thought, I get mail (I totally love mail!), and I get presents!! Who doesn't love presents? In addition to the usual indulgences, I also love opportunities for new beginnings. And what's better than a new year of your life to reflect a bit and set some goals for the future. Though the day isn't through yet, I did want to start writing some thoughts I have.<br />
<br />
The purpose of this blog was to explore how to make my life more inspired. I wanted the time I spent both earning an income (a.k.a. work) and poking around (a.k.a. hobbies) to be genuinely enjoyable and productive. <br />
<br />
Since moving to Iowa, I have come across much more time than I realized ever existed in Boston. I work about 1 mile from our apartment, which is a 5 minute car ride or a 8-10 minute bike ride. My day starts at 7 am when I get up and get ready. I am at work by 8:20 am and am done working (usually) around 3:00 pm. So from 3:15 pm until bed (11:00 pm) I have a lot of time. <br />
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Also since moving to Iowa, I have pushed myself to explore new hobbies and creative outlets. I have tried to following in the footsteps of 1,467,849 blogs by hunting down decorating deals, sewing baby clothes (someone I work with just had a baby), baking galore, and painting furniture. This constant hunt for some sort of domestic perfection has really helped me realize what things I genuinely enjoy doing versus things that I felt like I HAD to do in pursuit of an ideal. <br />
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Without a doubt I have fallen (back) in love with cooking. I spend hours per week browsing Pinterest for recipes and <a href="http://pinterest.com/thisandthat/recipes/">keeping track of them</a> for meals in the future. Nearly every Sunday, I spend 3-4 hours cooking and prepping food for the week. I roast a whole chicken, make quiches, pancakes, bake sweets, and prep other chicken-based meals. Hours pass, and I get tired, but love every second of it. Some of my favorite recipes from Pinterest (that I've cooked!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://boogiemcwoogie.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/salmonsriracha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://boogiemcwoogie.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/salmonsriracha.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stuffed Salmon with Sriracha Cream Sauce (<a href="http://theboogieblog.net/2011/02/27/stuffed-salmon-w-sriracha-cream-sauce/">source</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1308/4694149451_46f5eebed6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1308/4694149451_46f5eebed6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Buffalo Chicken Bites (<a href="http://joelens.blogspot.com/2010/06/buffalo-chicken-bites.html">source</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sFoWBt36pOZb2OnSiwiwQXuo3cm1v2cXj1dXknofCS87rvxIBmLkyxIfFYR3H4ot07WX31P1ZiWSU0_l4v-6IGQ0TTEeSemifkoYdagS6t-NaMnaBOlPaRTcdW8EpoxhTbcONByIJA/s1600/baked-taquitos-square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sFoWBt36pOZb2OnSiwiwQXuo3cm1v2cXj1dXknofCS87rvxIBmLkyxIfFYR3H4ot07WX31P1ZiWSU0_l4v-6IGQ0TTEeSemifkoYdagS6t-NaMnaBOlPaRTcdW8EpoxhTbcONByIJA/s400/baked-taquitos-square.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Creamy Chicken Taquitos (<a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2010/04/baked-creamy-chicken-taquitos.html">source</a>)</div><br />
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On the other hand, I reupolstered our office chair. Maybe one day I'll put photos up of it. Without a doubt, I love the results. It went from being an ugly dirty red with a cigarette burn (it was thrifted) to having a light, fun geometric pattern. But did I enjoy the process? Without a doubt, NO. It was annoying and I got frustrated very easily. Tack that onto sewing an applique and ruffles to a onesie-- ugh, I was about done with fabric for a little while. This doesn't mean I am done with sewing completely, sewing pillows is sooo satisfying, but it does mean that I am not going to pretend I love sewing, when, well, the jury is still out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Sp5iDRpgA3QTbwgp6T24X3A0iX0XSXEx55C0KWpbz8Sz8kKvbyaq6Qb_p8ePgVDSdmKEn9brwR-Q4-gRzuVRu8UXpPQed_hVnHuI2LUwKBVjEfTSe5KqBerNKVqiVGJI0K1yL78eeFmV/s1600/01042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Sp5iDRpgA3QTbwgp6T24X3A0iX0XSXEx55C0KWpbz8Sz8kKvbyaq6Qb_p8ePgVDSdmKEn9brwR-Q4-gRzuVRu8UXpPQed_hVnHuI2LUwKBVjEfTSe5KqBerNKVqiVGJI0K1yL78eeFmV/s320/01042.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> (<a href="http://annetaintor.com/products.html?sub=Magnets&id=01042">source</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Please excuse my rambling. I don't know whether its the move, this blog (as reflection), or my growing wisdom with age, but I am started to understand myself a little bit more each day. I know that transformative power that exercise has on my mood and serotonin levels (though I sometime forget and feel like I am living in Mordor). I know that traveling to new places fulfills me like hardly anyhting else can, so I am going to direct much of my energy into planning and saving for new trips. I know that I have an incredible partner in life that helps me keep my head on straight. <br />
<br />
BUT! I also know that I'm just too cheap to be the next <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">John and Sherry</a> (sheets, yes just sheets, are like $50! what?!?), too impatient to make crafts like <a href="http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/">Ashley Ann Cambell</a> (but please let me be able to take photos like her one day), and I will not (nor do I want to dedicate the time to) write as detailed and savvy posts as<a href="http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/"> J.D. Roth</a>, but that's okay. I need to take myself out of the blogging clouds and be okay with who I am and what I can give myself, my partner, and others in my life. <br />
<br />
Phew! enough ramblings, onto enjoying my day.<br />
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</div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-42522503945349864052011-09-15T12:36:00.000-07:002011-09-15T12:36:59.120-07:00Keepin' it Real<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Whoa, its been awhile since I've posted; I've got to change that. I have been overcome with allergies. Yes, all you non-Iowa readers, its allergy season here. I don't understand, because I've only ever been hit with hayfever in the spring, but its supposed to be one of the worse allergy seasons around. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9e8rZ-zd1B9XJFl7wZe6GKgzPVwyoz62WoVeehxcmwMF1H4ogLaft_YmEYk-Moif33IQ-i3w0W3D8t6kDvY_z0bWNHVWm_e6RgShUtf4wkfl3d55tNLVTKHxup8QO4b_Ce-FszU8OazQv/s1600/HPIM7006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9e8rZ-zd1B9XJFl7wZe6GKgzPVwyoz62WoVeehxcmwMF1H4ogLaft_YmEYk-Moif33IQ-i3w0W3D8t6kDvY_z0bWNHVWm_e6RgShUtf4wkfl3d55tNLVTKHxup8QO4b_Ce-FszU8OazQv/s400/HPIM7006.JPG" width="400" /></a>So that little tidbit only leads me to my next topic: training for my 5K. Well, its not going as well as I had hoped, but I am still trucking along.<br />
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In addition to sinus-clogging allergies, I was also thrown by having my parents in the area for the last few days. You can see that I skipped out on Sunday and yesterday for that very reason. <br />
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On the positive side, I have realized two things that will help me train better:<br />
1. I prefer running with an arm band that holds my MP3 player. I had never tried one before Monday, but really loved it.<br />
2. I prefer running in the dark. This makes scheduling jogging times more difficult, but on Monday I went out around 8:00 pm and flew through that mile and a half.<br />
<br />
Also, when I am not jogging, I will be consuming massive amounts of Ginger Chews:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gingerpeople.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/265x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/o/r/org-chews-bag_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.gingerpeople.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/265x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/o/r/org-chews-bag_1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gingerpeople.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/265x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/o/r/org-chews-bag_1.png">Source</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm addicted!</div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-52780038248341479552011-09-06T18:29:00.000-07:002011-09-06T18:29:19.355-07:00Lacing Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As I mentioned earlier, I have just begun training for a 5K! The school district that I work in is having a <a href="http://www.runfortheschools.com/"><i>Run for the Schools</i></a> on Sunday October 9th. The lead teacher in my classroom mentioned running, so another paraeducator and I thought it would be fun to run too. There are 5K walk/run, 10k, and half marathon options. Seeing that I am not a runner, and haven't run over 1.5 miles since the last time I ran a 5K (June 2010), I thought it would be good to start with a manageable and achievable goal. I am happy to say that I ran my first mile today as I gear up for my training. <br />
<br />
Being as uptight as I am (about these things), I, of course, made a spreadsheet for the whole shebang. I took a look at the calendar (and my sweaty, snotty face -- after only 1 mile) and a 5K training guide from <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/">Runner's World</a> to make a goal sheet. Runner's World guide only has you running 3 times a week and starts you right off at 1.5 miles. I knew that this wasn't realistic for myself and that I would need more days to jog (let's be honest, I'm not really running, more like a glorified skip-walk sort of jig) in a week and had to start myself off at 1 mile. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevP6RyqLR30OrLII-DOKd3XBlljj6e96XPtSL4VTOIFSYgkJlkq7eJokCsw7Rsg21MX-b44UDSoHMGw5WBzyMvBCXx2_HQXliKKlrtI1wrCgmtzY8ak42ZGjUmGY7eyL7Gd8D7vWdp5Re/s1600/5k+training.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevP6RyqLR30OrLII-DOKd3XBlljj6e96XPtSL4VTOIFSYgkJlkq7eJokCsw7Rsg21MX-b44UDSoHMGw5WBzyMvBCXx2_HQXliKKlrtI1wrCgmtzY8ak42ZGjUmGY7eyL7Gd8D7vWdp5Re/s640/5k+training.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I plan on printing this out and hanging it on my fridge. I will then pencil in my actual accomplishments in an attempt to hold myself accountable. <br />
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I gave myself 2 days off a week to account for my natural laziness and the fact that I ride my bike at least 2 miles a day, so those days won't be complete energy wastes. I also plan on swimming on Saturdays in the near future, so those days might be switched to "offs" in exchange for jogging on another day. <br />
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I am not quite sure how to provide a link to download this spreadsheet, so if you want a copy that you can edit, leave a comment and I promise to email it to you!</div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-17071895202427733112011-09-05T08:08:00.000-07:002011-09-05T08:10:52.915-07:00Readjustments and Priorities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am currently digging myself out of the post-reading-a-series stupor. Its that strange lingering feeling that you get after watching Gossip Girl for 12 hours straight or after you stayed up until 4 am to finish a Harry Potter book you bought 24 hours earlier.<br />
<br />
I just finished the Hunger Games series, and while I will be the first to admit it is no Harry Potter, I did get an attachment to the characters and a bit immersed into their lives (seeing that I started the first book-- there are 3 in total-- earlier this week.) Yesterday composed of me lying in bed for hours on end finishing the book and then me wandering around hopelessly not sure what to do with myself.<br />
<br />
Anyways, that dive into mytho-world is just what I needed because I had started to stress myself out. Some of you reading may only follow a few friends' blogs, etc, while others are like me. Curators of a fully active and obsessively tracked Google Reader account filled with whitty writing, amazing DIY, and the most fashionable ladies you (don't) know. Like reading a young adult's novel for hours on end, this can mess with your mind. I started to become completley absorbed with my (in)ability to match the talents of other bloggers. I needed to not only make delicious meals, but let's be honest, I wanted to invent the recipes myself. I wanted to DIY my entire apartment, and convinced myself that if I stalked thrift stores for amazing vintage-y finds, I was going to (also) find some fulfilling elation. I was forcing myself to enjoy spending every weekend walking the aisles of Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx, Micheals, and every other store in a 15 mile radius hunting for the most amazing bargains so I could say I redid our entire apartment for a measly $36.48.<br />
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What happened? I couldn't live up. I found myself drawn to doing things, that well, I have always loved doing. I was cooking meals every night inspired by recipes I found online. And I frankly didn't want to experiment with the food that I had spent money on, so I just stuck to the recipe. I plopped myself down in front of Netflix and watched the corniest wedding-related movie I had seen in quite some time (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1414382/">You Again</a>) and munched on popcorn. And I consumed myself in a good book, something that I had been denying myself for no good reason. But the truth is that an afternoon spent lounging about reading a good book and drinking lemonade, was just as good as an afternoon spent <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/13957384/">stenciling the back of your bookcases</a>. (something I'm pretty sure I won't be doing...)<br />
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I am happy to say that this blog is serving its purpose, its making me thoughtfully examine my actions and how it plays into my satisfying (or in some cases unsatisfying) life. So what I am I going to be up to?<br />
<br />
Well I will still be decorating our apartment, but probably with stuff that feels like me. Its going to be personal, colorful, and a little messy (as Alex reminded me, that's us, we're kind of messy people). I am going to start training for a 5k in October (<a href="http://www.runfortheschools.com/">www.runfortheschools.com</a>). Also, I am going to keep cooking. I have found that hours can pass and if I am in the kitchen wrapped up with a recipe, I am perfectly content.<br />
<br />
What am I going to ease up on? Hunting craigslist and thrift stores for "amazing" furniture finds that are really sad pieces of furniture that will need 10 hours of my time to become something worthwhile having. Convincing myself I am will be able to sew everything I (and my future children) will wear-- though I am still convinced something is not right with my sewing machine and its <i>really</i> not me. And hopefully I will let go of this ideal that I am supposed to be this super woman capable of calligraphy, gardening, DIYing everything in sight, and loving every minute of it. </div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-36298204875928659912011-09-01T14:20:00.000-07:002011-09-01T14:20:50.191-07:00Hunger Games<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Have you read <u>Hunger Games</u>? I know I am a bit behind on the times for this one, but I'm loving the first one so far. Why am I blogging this? I will probably be MIA until I finish all 3! Now that my commute to work is approximately 5-10 minutes, I feel like so much time has opened up in my day. So, I am going to revisit my love for books and dive into some new adventures.<br />
<br />
What have I been up to?<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Refinishing some bookcases we Craigslisted for $30 to use as night stands. I promise to share the finished products</li>
<li>Meal planning galore thanks to my <strike>obsession </strike>new interest <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>.</li>
<li>LOVING my new job as a paraeducator in a elementary-level special education class.</li>
<li>Preparing to whip amazing<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/actually-delicious-turkey-burgers/detail.aspx"> turkey burgers</a> (trust me this recipe is spot on!) for dinner.</li>
<li>Budgeting! Of course I find this simply wonderful and fun, but I promise to share some tips to make it more enjoyable for others :)</li>
</ul>In the meanwhile, go find an amazing book and sit in some AC. I don't know how my Ohio and Boston folks are doing, but here in Iowa school let out early it was so hot! (yes a heat day, who knew?!?) </div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-30734544164739572002011-08-29T17:07:00.000-07:002011-08-29T17:07:32.061-07:00Trip Break & Thrift Find<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">If you can't tell by my irregular posting on the subject, but for some reason I just don't feel like posting about my trip. I can not pinpoint an exact reason why, but I came to the conclusion this afternoon that I really shouldn't blog when it feels like a chore. So when it strikes my fancy, I will be updating the blog on the rest of my travels from this summer. Until then, I will be updating you on my bopping around in the Iowa City area, thrift store finds, and whatever domestic adventure I pursue. <br />
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One thing of semi-excitement is a thrift store update!<br />
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As I mentioned in my previous post, I am looking to replicate fashionable Polyvore pins from Pinterest by shopping only at thrift stores. Though I didn't take these home with me, I thought they were quite the find:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9xQ6-5e_zCKaqLmCs5XNcS_YiRwjFcLLTwlBJ_hHnBGjLLW2vEgNkQcO6cJrZJrhKiQY1FcyqYYq41UGVMOLPHHLNIfbSxD1F7tNKg6CI6qhJfn1uxfn2GDiEqzla0xD2jezIKOl9oeZ/s1600/HPIM6992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9xQ6-5e_zCKaqLmCs5XNcS_YiRwjFcLLTwlBJ_hHnBGjLLW2vEgNkQcO6cJrZJrhKiQY1FcyqYYq41UGVMOLPHHLNIfbSxD1F7tNKg6CI6qhJfn1uxfn2GDiEqzla0xD2jezIKOl9oeZ/s320/HPIM6992.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tasYyPvg1gBYCChlo4-KTJUVbqR91d9yd_2DIVLtRSTIm1WTnjOjmYi9IY0tJ4kAxu_SyW9Khc_epfxEhCmxpHhLnBD8kq8NgfSD0N8BfPq-Zr6iaIG8uudniCU_ZLpwMdPgr4Amyylj/s1600/HPIM6993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tasYyPvg1gBYCChlo4-KTJUVbqR91d9yd_2DIVLtRSTIm1WTnjOjmYi9IY0tJ4kAxu_SyW9Khc_epfxEhCmxpHhLnBD8kq8NgfSD0N8BfPq-Zr6iaIG8uudniCU_ZLpwMdPgr4Amyylj/s320/HPIM6993.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
These guys were available at <a href="http://stuffetconline.com/locations/coralville/">Stuff, etc</a>. in Coralville, IA for $8.99 and are Mossimo (Target) boots. <br />
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Personally, I think they look like a good fit for these boots:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc2Ftzfxu8p8A3EvHziPA6Fw7Em-0X-JFSdEad9g_NTIy3MeKXQ3Y7VbK7Vq1TjqxEV3uxxQpS8mvb7STm8OcyPw4m6ZqHiFuwacomWrzoNdlrbGTL6OmPlXYZUPTdCX2X51Kxj98gX_C/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc2Ftzfxu8p8A3EvHziPA6Fw7Em-0X-JFSdEad9g_NTIy3MeKXQ3Y7VbK7Vq1TjqxEV3uxxQpS8mvb7STm8OcyPw4m6ZqHiFuwacomWrzoNdlrbGTL6OmPlXYZUPTdCX2X51Kxj98gX_C/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So they aren't replicas, by any means, but have the riding boot feel going on. And, frankly, I feel it would quite cute to have the bit of height in a dress. But then again, this is coming from the girl that never wears heels because I like to complain a lot (out loud), and evidently that's annoying to others (remove the heels, remove my whining) and I'm tall, so I don't really need the boost. But I am sure the boots pictured were near the price of my paycheck or something (riding boots are always cute, but always expensive...), and $8.99 is a steal!<br />
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And yes, I'm that person taking pictures of used shoes in the aisle of a thrift store on a Saturday afternoon. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLB_q2lTZePcXEDS5FeC3qujOgSIRncYEiGo1WDQpYsSW6R5PNmTkSNlX4AMi1LB2qyw_WkKAujAEVARk44VDv-sSc6Uq5kuF-ekIJG-thyphenhyphenPFaqkQkBScvMK0mAr3DE1_VyFlL2e3hReS4/s1600/teva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
</div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-50852256317106972632011-08-26T19:13:00.000-07:002011-08-26T19:22:15.207-07:00Thrift Store Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Phew! The work/school week has flown by and despite all my intentions to post during the week, it just didn't happen. I don't have a travel post for you right now, as I have lots of neat things and ideas going on right now that I want to share.<br />
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I, like anyone that isn't under a rock, am a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest </a>fiend. You can see my collection of boards <a href="http://pinterest.com/thisandthat/">here</a>. If you are a user of Pinterest, you are familiar with the "outfit" photos that circulate. All these photos are created from using <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">Polyvore</a>. Polyvore* is a website that allows you to mix and match outfit items to create what you would deem a "perfect x outfit". Often, I see "coffee date", "fall", "work" as the taglines to these wardrobe inspirations. Users can mix and match tops/bottoms/accessories from different brands to help them mimic a celebrity look or to simply plan an outfit. This could be a good tool if you have a piece that are you looking for coordinating items to go with.<br />
*<span style="font-size: xx-small;">disclaimer, I do not know if Polyvore allows to do the same coordination for men's clothing/children's clothing</span><br />
Here are some that I am a fan of:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHK3_vl88GIF_8nvMuN_mTVBR891Vkz8QHuQzucnELW23ypZnW1lGN96Z6A_Vf4cpxhtXWLMMzI5Op1RFttCPTV3AVvwIQFZjbbUPOofugd7r2C5WEbGyATaudubpFoyznVXSOMNDe-pY/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHK3_vl88GIF_8nvMuN_mTVBR891Vkz8QHuQzucnELW23ypZnW1lGN96Z6A_Vf4cpxhtXWLMMzI5Op1RFttCPTV3AVvwIQFZjbbUPOofugd7r2C5WEbGyATaudubpFoyznVXSOMNDe-pY/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ooh summery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ak89o2C5sNbDv3bkU1KaoWm34Uq9z6mlBcfwKEFvg0WYmvsS69CLg14acCz_AgmKCL36rO9IBMq6kc5d7ucavlYnal0eEgeDY6r6X2Jq9tb4OPzFmaCrqO5XCbNbVp_uXm2l-8kHCvfR/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ak89o2C5sNbDv3bkU1KaoWm34Uq9z6mlBcfwKEFvg0WYmvsS69CLg14acCz_AgmKCL36rO9IBMq6kc5d7ucavlYnal0eEgeDY6r6X2Jq9tb4OPzFmaCrqO5XCbNbVp_uXm2l-8kHCvfR/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am not sure what that jewelry is, but I love everything else about this outfit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcbzrkHHhoO6GDWtv63FXr5TgbcKiu5kzqhaOBwKf9EE3G8riMKkn6m4a-VjdDZYGlUI_Jww8XQyOmOihyg2IT1WdPKE2V52BVv3Fg5temlzwmsD_fNMkvGH6nPPZ8lme0xVG5E5Od1Nj/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcbzrkHHhoO6GDWtv63FXr5TgbcKiu5kzqhaOBwKf9EE3G8riMKkn6m4a-VjdDZYGlUI_Jww8XQyOmOihyg2IT1WdPKE2V52BVv3Fg5temlzwmsD_fNMkvGH6nPPZ8lme0xVG5E5Od1Nj/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mmm Fall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qaBMXmpvWkg7GYLIi9_RXGfTV-5hMb9ueQfB2SR3tbEo-DFUHC5Mr3B1H2-jSXFiUoNXCJC71oxwGmlqqCu6DFqJevBRTqGV9exm3xAr-ZizrgdbNtG_gTFoKwVu80BOly6ZjnPDxhc6/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qaBMXmpvWkg7GYLIi9_RXGfTV-5hMb9ueQfB2SR3tbEo-DFUHC5Mr3B1H2-jSXFiUoNXCJC71oxwGmlqqCu6DFqJevBRTqGV9exm3xAr-ZizrgdbNtG_gTFoKwVu80BOly6ZjnPDxhc6/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is "going out" for me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQa_L43KcvcNLBfThOXzZZY4YddA4n5TuIHYDMk__VoMdjrF3o_gxCEd9RvLhyphenhyphen1k_M-RIZSNp4MhT_Qbqp2ksmFNB0jFoJjHnSSiz1yE5lAvFSOmaazBuz3EQBgrUvMhxyMgRB5czcxSp/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQa_L43KcvcNLBfThOXzZZY4YddA4n5TuIHYDMk__VoMdjrF3o_gxCEd9RvLhyphenhyphen1k_M-RIZSNp4MhT_Qbqp2ksmFNB0jFoJjHnSSiz1yE5lAvFSOmaazBuz3EQBgrUvMhxyMgRB5czcxSp/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The days are winding down that I can wear this...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAXGvS0FKYrxEghXM_SSv0KrCdT8DaDKhYu3tgTaCi9RWALApZWlSlQzH2iLnPL-u0oJLdMhFMoxmHV3ZZZnMk9fzp_9AW0htXsvKko1vUgf0vhMBZ6JTO0UP1KTe6UAPg-fqUndOiNui/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAXGvS0FKYrxEghXM_SSv0KrCdT8DaDKhYu3tgTaCi9RWALApZWlSlQzH2iLnPL-u0oJLdMhFMoxmHV3ZZZnMk9fzp_9AW0htXsvKko1vUgf0vhMBZ6JTO0UP1KTe6UAPg-fqUndOiNui/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute weekend outfit</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Now, I don't personally use Polyvore to create these outfits, rather I "repin" from other Pinterest users. If you browse the Fashion pages on Pinterest, you will see many different options like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvy1poM1bEiZBRJcRm1j6NoPAn2Ty2vr-lBiwDzX_WiXDbo0j6RSUU79nb7ddZjFDtQh4Gq6N1oQ-LSnv6Ofb6JG-pnZOlvp2jiOsZwTWf5bNX3UAahzuyaxm8xNksf6Xoe2vL4sFvJ7P/s1600/Pinterest+browsing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvy1poM1bEiZBRJcRm1j6NoPAn2Ty2vr-lBiwDzX_WiXDbo0j6RSUU79nb7ddZjFDtQh4Gq6N1oQ-LSnv6Ofb6JG-pnZOlvp2jiOsZwTWf5bNX3UAahzuyaxm8xNksf6Xoe2vL4sFvJ7P/s640/Pinterest+browsing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little preview of Pinterest (ew I am not a fan of those Hello Kitty nails)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So, now that I have sufficiently blabbed enough about these outfit inspiration pictures and Pinterest, onto the meat of it! After seeing these photos, I feel this compulsion to go out and buy clothing so that I can assemble these outfits. I have never been too terribly fashionable, but I find that with a little bit of inspiration, I can look <strike>presentable</strike> cute.<br />
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The problem is that I don't have the money to just buy the pieces to assemble the outfits, and nor do I want to just give into my impulses. Additionally, I am working on buying more of my clothing used/from thrift stores (sometimes there are new, donated items!) for economical and sustainability reasons. <br />
<br />
So I am going to challenge myself to assemble outfits inspired by these 'pins' purchasing items only from thrift stores/consignment shops! Here are my guidelines:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The purchased outfits merely need to be <i>inspired </i>by the photos, not exact replicas.</li>
<li>I can not purchase from upscale consignment shops that are selling designer goods. This challenge is meant for scouring the Goodwills of America.</li>
<li>If I own a pair of shoes/boots that adequately complete the outfit, I do not need to find those at a thrift store (especially since I own only "basics", that most women have and can easily produce to replicate an outfit).</li>
<li>If I do not own a pair of shoes that coordinate, I will simply prove (through a photo) that I can find those shoes at a thrift store, I do not have to purchase them. (I am not a shoe collector for a reason, so no need to start)</li>
<li>If I already own a basic component of an outfit (i.e. teeshirt or similar jeans), I do not have to purchase them, but prove (like the unowned shoes) that it CAN be found at a thrift store. </li>
<li>I will provide the costs and place of purchase for each item of clothing.</li>
<li>Outfits can be purchased at different stores on different days.</li>
<li>I can use any inspiration board I find (and like!) on Pinterest, not merely the 6 pictured here. </li>
</ul>I am excited to get this started! In full disclosure, I haven't started this project yet. I don't know if its even possible. I plan on hitting up some thrift stores tomorrow for clothing and furniture, so I wanted to issue this challenge to myself before then. Hopefully I will be stylish for less (money and waste!) soon.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Why Am I Doing This? </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am hoping to prove that you can be frugal and sustainable without compromising your fashion sense or whatever else you may want to pursue. This was spurred by a break room discussion about ways to save money. One woman was advocating for thrift stores 100%. She buys clothing for her kids every 6-8 weeks, and sells back (we have a sell-back thrift store chain in/around Iowa City) what she purchased the previous visit! Genius! Not everyone thought this was the most desirable way to dress your family, and I realized that thrift stores have this stigma that you can't get anything good/cute/nice there.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I want to prove that I can save money and look fashionable at the same time. Let's hope I don't prove myself wrong. </div></div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-53933491847303084572011-08-21T18:46:00.000-07:002011-08-21T18:46:54.534-07:00Travel Journal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">TA DA! I crossed something off my <a href="http://inspiredlifeproject.blogspot.com/p/to-do_05.html">To Do</a> list! <br />
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I have always wanted to be someone who keeps a journal, but have never quite been able to. I decided that our trip to Europe & Morocco would be the perfect time to journal my experiences and observations. I won't lie, there isn't a lot of real introspective thought throughout my <a href="http://www.moleskineus.com/">moleskin</a>, but I was able to track all of our spending, what sites we saw, people we met (and their names!), and my basic emotions/reactions to things. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeA534MgMed35xSVffIlqy_xqNbcpi7Dg8eSTVnsQ-RaBvsOlk2CgGUieuWaxloEjYDRXT0adV2rqaQu81AtBCOexYxHX1Meqsbwny1GbdZL4G-cV2TywBK8QA-tFcnAZAz8-MTIqMJQD/s1600/0821112038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeA534MgMed35xSVffIlqy_xqNbcpi7Dg8eSTVnsQ-RaBvsOlk2CgGUieuWaxloEjYDRXT0adV2rqaQu81AtBCOexYxHX1Meqsbwny1GbdZL4G-cV2TywBK8QA-tFcnAZAz8-MTIqMJQD/s400/0821112038.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is an AWFUL cell phone pic of our Rome budget </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>I also found it quite useful to keep a journal on a backpacking trip so I could write down addresses, reservations numbers, and site information. On a one or two week trip it may be easier to have all that printed out in advance, but since we were booking on the go, having one tidy place to keep all our important notes and information was quite handy. <br />
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Also, our trip was on a tight budget (more about the actual costs later...) so I would literally write down how much we spent on every meal, stamp, etc. It was this habit that actually caused us to stop buying and sending so many postcards. Between our family and friends, it was adding up quite quickly. I also had this romantic notion of buying and sending ourselves a postcard from every location. Though I did buy one, I stopped sending them once the ~1-1.80 Euro began adding up. <br />
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This also helped us remember the little things that you sometime forget after one long blur of a trip, like what we ate the night we got engaged or the names of little churches we saw. <br />
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I highly recommend keeping a travel journal, whether to record your thoughts and observations, or rather just to have a log of what you did, how much you spent, and of course(!) what you ate.</div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-15702262719637059892011-08-21T09:23:00.000-07:002011-09-08T19:23:23.567-07:00Florence, Italy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Florence is one of those places that everyone tells you is a MUST see. Whenever I mentioned going to Italy, 50% of the time I would get a "oh-my-god-YOU-HAVE-TO-VISIT-FLORENCE!" It was usually in a throaty whisper of desperation that sounded like they were going to hijack my plane ticket and go in my place. Long story short, we added Florence to the itinerary and headed there after our stop in Bologna. <br />
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As this anecdote implies, Florence is a popular place. When hunting around for a hostel, we were having a really hard time finding one in our budget (we liked to stay around or under 30 Euro per night per person) that had decent reviews. There were a lot of camping options as well, but I was a bit leery. So we booked one hostel with so-so reviews, and planned to stay additional nights if we liked the place.<br />
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We easily found the hostel when we arrived in Florence in early evening. It seemed nice, but the customer service was lacking. We put our stuff down in our room and I took advantage of the free computer (rarity!!) to get in touch with family members and friends. Alex began to make friends, and soon we were out on the town with 3 Australian guys for dinner and a walk around Florence.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClAmDgd0tnP5BLTIUR6SH8-dMmaSHmm1wq-OjGyFes6E0j46OBDROTIj16Sl9XqGKMOyT-Muk9AWSyUU-TWYbbBcr3bJdSPnGf3BJTEp-fleoQvsGgExag8ry57xpcZezBwIIflqPTXwO/s1600/HPIM6119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClAmDgd0tnP5BLTIUR6SH8-dMmaSHmm1wq-OjGyFes6E0j46OBDROTIj16Sl9XqGKMOyT-Muk9AWSyUU-TWYbbBcr3bJdSPnGf3BJTEp-fleoQvsGgExag8ry57xpcZezBwIIflqPTXwO/s400/HPIM6119.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My super comfy bed at Emerald Hostel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rWoBTMXnxEsfG0uDBvCGnxmvMgNRTtI96J-1Uu0nxCKQSFqz1asqqkgdlUzB1zajIxBNq7196jz101_q-u2H-aREeTNZWQPilqWPFmKLTwpfSSJrlgxOycpkxBKPi_XHEE4D9qVQqNK4/s1600/HPIM6120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rWoBTMXnxEsfG0uDBvCGnxmvMgNRTtI96J-1Uu0nxCKQSFqz1asqqkgdlUzB1zajIxBNq7196jz101_q-u2H-aREeTNZWQPilqWPFmKLTwpfSSJrlgxOycpkxBKPi_XHEE4D9qVQqNK4/s400/HPIM6120.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex's bed (blue) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>After enjoying some red wine, a brief introduction to Florence by night, and a fun, local-filled plaza, Alex and I wandered back to the hostel to find where we'd be staying the following night (check out was 10 am, so we wanted to figure that our sooner rather than later).<br />
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Oops, the computers were literally taken away when the front desk shut down (it was after midnight when we returned, so that is understandable). We went to bed without much of a plan for the next day.<br />
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I woke up early and asked the front desk if we could stay additional nights. Bad news: they were booked. This was a bummer because it means they got booked overnight, because I had seen openings online the day before. So, we decided to go with<a href="http://www.plushostels.com/pluscampingmichelangelo"> Camping PLUS Florence</a>. I was a little apprehensive, but it had great reviews and the price was amazing (15 Euro per person per night for a private, locking tent!). I booked our reservations on the then-available computers, had breakfast (provided by the hostel), and we made our way to the campsite.<br />
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Immediatley, I was quite impressed. It wasn't nearly as far away from the city as I had feared (it would be a ~15-20 minute walk to the Duomo). The views were impressive of the city, and it was set in an olive grove. Trust me, I was not complaining. Plus, the "tents" were quite nice. They had pergo flooring, bunk beds, and lockable doors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlm2l6E61kSM-xEvU7m7kvSbxUManYFKfJOdrqXZ_ea02B3hTFGwlf5wFkLQSTvYPe5Q3FPuXGj71A9i2R9EpUljWAKs2_jjELiRU2yWVKN0lWbZvpqd8VVr6aSqEKNV4t7H5WsCQdXyb/s1600/HPIM6121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlm2l6E61kSM-xEvU7m7kvSbxUManYFKfJOdrqXZ_ea02B3hTFGwlf5wFkLQSTvYPe5Q3FPuXGj71A9i2R9EpUljWAKs2_jjELiRU2yWVKN0lWbZvpqd8VVr6aSqEKNV4t7H5WsCQdXyb/s400/HPIM6121.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little tent</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtr4vX3j7SxfZ_qkviqE-N882HUa-wVj6MIxWkQoojXmtbC5eDrKh9aghauOpmuf7J83BB7D7aBYZe9wOqrvEl-cJXVEMWRk4MikU1nQZa5OH6eeCmLKQo-nLEIgEjkI7UNhbKG5FolR9q/s1600/HPIM6122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtr4vX3j7SxfZ_qkviqE-N882HUa-wVj6MIxWkQoojXmtbC5eDrKh9aghauOpmuf7J83BB7D7aBYZe9wOqrvEl-cJXVEMWRk4MikU1nQZa5OH6eeCmLKQo-nLEIgEjkI7UNhbKG5FolR9q/s400/HPIM6122.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Complete with more beds than people and a window!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79RTiBRco1C2xW-2Bd4wF7FV94YEzH0eT-rOcr8zNzMvzt3kBhVDUBfmxJnVP8QyD9nWe_yQZS7Woeo8t3Vp4omr7wBaJLRoPuYWDyOGBtHTDvXZGdWHtJlvwlcAhx1mxVWEzqaglckGh/s1600/HPIM6123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79RTiBRco1C2xW-2Bd4wF7FV94YEzH0eT-rOcr8zNzMvzt3kBhVDUBfmxJnVP8QyD9nWe_yQZS7Woeo8t3Vp4omr7wBaJLRoPuYWDyOGBtHTDvXZGdWHtJlvwlcAhx1mxVWEzqaglckGh/s400/HPIM6123.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't quite see, but nestled in those olive trees are the tents where we stayed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After settling in, we made our way down to the city via a walking path down the hillside. We decided to work off of our tourists' map and simply walk from site to site. We spotted some pretty views along the way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJY9LFLhivBpHd8UT4wX8eJGoIxRBdvzYkEi5o5f27y3B0MmtUl3DHB3YoIfRRcqVnL4m8Is57VWEi1SNxukK6gC1PWLBCoagwNE7kpatkRRn56aFOXYG_lChRJ78HIJn9veBoiuoMX7C/s1600/HPIM6128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJY9LFLhivBpHd8UT4wX8eJGoIxRBdvzYkEi5o5f27y3B0MmtUl3DHB3YoIfRRcqVnL4m8Is57VWEi1SNxukK6gC1PWLBCoagwNE7kpatkRRn56aFOXYG_lChRJ78HIJn9veBoiuoMX7C/s400/HPIM6128.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Florence from Piazza Michelangelo </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmnen5hbnU6M112MOrVW1YP7NpQ5R8OSX6zeborIK0pOzPIyV80osWhdAWXd7pEDqf8KkH_aTHFmumGGej-9EwepKyAJsN9hpN6_Gi2UgtcUQw9ugGhLhuysw2XARUOCO5ceBf9hzmgIt/s1600/HPIM6139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmnen5hbnU6M112MOrVW1YP7NpQ5R8OSX6zeborIK0pOzPIyV80osWhdAWXd7pEDqf8KkH_aTHFmumGGej-9EwepKyAJsN9hpN6_Gi2UgtcUQw9ugGhLhuysw2XARUOCO5ceBf9hzmgIt/s400/HPIM6139.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tower on our path to the city from our campsite</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqmQtaxRbb-uuiXk9dEfMWnWRqdOxIMu56XONG21lD4Xzv9zYtXwc_2zQQqjndUeJzbUgfmr8QYPGlfhdOpDRwtdaogEMc7uMKKWv6zkJ1wO4PtPV8QjPas8Ye0MZD1a3wFH7PjfEW2CG/s1600/HPIM6144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqmQtaxRbb-uuiXk9dEfMWnWRqdOxIMu56XONG21lD4Xzv9zYtXwc_2zQQqjndUeJzbUgfmr8QYPGlfhdOpDRwtdaogEMc7uMKKWv6zkJ1wO4PtPV8QjPas8Ye0MZD1a3wFH7PjfEW2CG/s400/HPIM6144.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of ponte vecchio (famous bridge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Our first destination was Palazzo Pitti and gardens. It was an old palace converted into museums with phenomenal gardens stretching over hills just outside the city. Before making it to the palace, we stopped for lunch at a small restaurant off the main drag. It was quite the gem and had amazing food, was filled with locals, and the right prices!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNMOAQWE0LaXzI5jgYcVEONK9QLDheGtBIDG92WANkWlc-wLUdlcr3yBd9xd_ESdjuYLUE5PauHC0yw7rLEg4u_fsvOzClackW_opLiq_2KrnoD4JBp4PhbOauheuXKxklZNyy4HgD9Ow/s1600/HPIM6145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNMOAQWE0LaXzI5jgYcVEONK9QLDheGtBIDG92WANkWlc-wLUdlcr3yBd9xd_ESdjuYLUE5PauHC0yw7rLEg4u_fsvOzClackW_opLiq_2KrnoD4JBp4PhbOauheuXKxklZNyy4HgD9Ow/s400/HPIM6145.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of our cozy lunch spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZOtiCu79iQhepkUspNc0vmmaqqSRVxvNSt9vn7fRBhak6nji2L-VJ_u0mpakvDLbDO4CwHqcGjdKbYd_z9O9KfcuHb38wKjhJztnmlg90-lMAhVgfDyV-DTfUce5SkOLRX4hlZL4IMre/s1600/HPIM6147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZOtiCu79iQhepkUspNc0vmmaqqSRVxvNSt9vn7fRBhak6nji2L-VJ_u0mpakvDLbDO4CwHqcGjdKbYd_z9O9KfcuHb38wKjhJztnmlg90-lMAhVgfDyV-DTfUce5SkOLRX4hlZL4IMre/s400/HPIM6147.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The daily menu, written each morning. On the left was Florentine steak, on the right was a collection of 2 course pasta/meat courses</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_ROnM9-frsOpxwQA1ZQHG9yqgjHPo7m4QxX4FbEiq2wZQpKU4CdYthfcve1AJv09qCdTbIMt7zjI2sKE0NldS_Pdrqa5ZSyo5ohnzpV8IMmvPlgKm-E4ifiopomW8H73caPiG0f2NFhd/s1600/HPIM6149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_ROnM9-frsOpxwQA1ZQHG9yqgjHPo7m4QxX4FbEiq2wZQpKU4CdYthfcve1AJv09qCdTbIMt7zjI2sKE0NldS_Pdrqa5ZSyo5ohnzpV8IMmvPlgKm-E4ifiopomW8H73caPiG0f2NFhd/s400/HPIM6149.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steak with salad and pasta alla catanese (per the server's suggestion)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After lunch, we walked around Palazzo Pitti and the gardens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjgyexfE0If1_WtqbylgzuMRl7y223tz2aamugL3Gqz8sSD2MV_9nfGP-iWvX7vav6KcItNySStkPbWA8QWbkwDpY8xBKX-dyecFzTvyTM2qay8MOl-9q1fNWDaFjq9IY0n8m5MLh0HqI/s1600/HPIM6151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjgyexfE0If1_WtqbylgzuMRl7y223tz2aamugL3Gqz8sSD2MV_9nfGP-iWvX7vav6KcItNySStkPbWA8QWbkwDpY8xBKX-dyecFzTvyTM2qay8MOl-9q1fNWDaFjq9IY0n8m5MLh0HqI/s400/HPIM6151.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front of the palace</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviGbcVk1qcpJ4z1SknEWHHwEDeo0rowBOs88Qbva4gewAZdgS3jV3uzas-Uzyw9no43urzEJHnBvCjgLCUgRNI1RApXa-INzast3he1RAUFkiMXiujHZf7Jmuuvhu_ZJGCic8Cl9nOV0r/s1600/HPIM6156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviGbcVk1qcpJ4z1SknEWHHwEDeo0rowBOs88Qbva4gewAZdgS3jV3uzas-Uzyw9no43urzEJHnBvCjgLCUgRNI1RApXa-INzast3he1RAUFkiMXiujHZf7Jmuuvhu_ZJGCic8Cl9nOV0r/s400/HPIM6156.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming out of the back of the palace into the gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdVEJ-mLCIAlnRS-TH5fcpJfAF5SZD1f649cwE7LJ7apxlIWescU1G6YIVYk1xVf1y477yNwXTzev_mVWZIkhCTBIxdpSjS8T2rJJ0bvSUYwtNxdYWw4DBYXXYdstFDCiGjdKkXi8miNH/s1600/HPIM6157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdVEJ-mLCIAlnRS-TH5fcpJfAF5SZD1f649cwE7LJ7apxlIWescU1G6YIVYk1xVf1y477yNwXTzev_mVWZIkhCTBIxdpSjS8T2rJJ0bvSUYwtNxdYWw4DBYXXYdstFDCiGjdKkXi8miNH/s400/HPIM6157.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of the palace</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nBccmCfDbMduowmdXTrKAgrAIP9qma83CGLbSyTJJ2RndgWxQL9dgXy1C0zwBxMAHHAq2OcSPEwgXiQLKJrgsektqSLOsxwt0nBKLJ9mIfjBiQ72qZI0k5CV0TWmGbcTeVuBNPLcyj_g/s1600/HPIM6159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nBccmCfDbMduowmdXTrKAgrAIP9qma83CGLbSyTJJ2RndgWxQL9dgXy1C0zwBxMAHHAq2OcSPEwgXiQLKJrgsektqSLOsxwt0nBKLJ9mIfjBiQ72qZI0k5CV0TWmGbcTeVuBNPLcyj_g/s400/HPIM6159.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking through the gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz1a3Ct_MdnYMyA4Y7ZLRQa6uyF3hTynCnT2cPQnvLdhfkMqv3s0GRMaF1YaQLBBvYQA_H-98VPZJwDQo0Bq4YmeHRXsiqY-dVBMqJyj7yvRp8B4xAsqe-0lqVekBj6cPHDMrTTphrnUC/s1600/HPIM6161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz1a3Ct_MdnYMyA4Y7ZLRQa6uyF3hTynCnT2cPQnvLdhfkMqv3s0GRMaF1YaQLBBvYQA_H-98VPZJwDQo0Bq4YmeHRXsiqY-dVBMqJyj7yvRp8B4xAsqe-0lqVekBj6cPHDMrTTphrnUC/s400/HPIM6161.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palazzo Pitti with Florence in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz94CEcX0-l-7EUmhJiJAjmVutF5wQ-6nM1saOHSi2xeELJOCMXtNNRc9I-C6JRrd8vl6xYoNVTSoExDb-v6V2EXvm5Zbkg-vZof57fGYJRCDzcGkMpFqa2p4_4vghqfzSZmuX197HV6Ic/s1600/HPIM6168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz94CEcX0-l-7EUmhJiJAjmVutF5wQ-6nM1saOHSi2xeELJOCMXtNNRc9I-C6JRrd8vl6xYoNVTSoExDb-v6V2EXvm5Zbkg-vZof57fGYJRCDzcGkMpFqa2p4_4vghqfzSZmuX197HV6Ic/s400/HPIM6168.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking the hills surrounding Florence</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDovcT8Rod60Sd96mH318EC6_hH0MJQjC16qHfj4iLwKChiQGJCz6_BFbrC2q2yzfsshIhDk9L4SKVFvMS6t1bKnPIdwwLy8iuki7BJM9vd2n1N6RDafcaZeAUgWL7P_SJff0-e6snONEI/s1600/HPIM6185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDovcT8Rod60Sd96mH318EC6_hH0MJQjC16qHfj4iLwKChiQGJCz6_BFbrC2q2yzfsshIhDk9L4SKVFvMS6t1bKnPIdwwLy8iuki7BJM9vd2n1N6RDafcaZeAUgWL7P_SJff0-e6snONEI/s400/HPIM6185.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfak2ast3H0RZvOhjREuGTOVdpR8CTXxXjILn_Y9QGQgCzYpaMySbt53KwwKM_f77gnPyesWYX9Vf06N7skEPB-vbC6AKWiu6lm3rWQeXW8kDuOeUwfz88QEa5VDxUVAIsvKGr9873oSJ3/s1600/HPIM6191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfak2ast3H0RZvOhjREuGTOVdpR8CTXxXjILn_Y9QGQgCzYpaMySbt53KwwKM_f77gnPyesWYX9Vf06N7skEPB-vbC6AKWiu6lm3rWQeXW8kDuOeUwfz88QEa5VDxUVAIsvKGr9873oSJ3/s400/HPIM6191.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After seeing the palace, we walked through Florence, snapping pictures of sites:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYHRI2R1bpSdV2mW4lpIfF8x2AMDdm-nPUsNMyXTXetc1Ks09brBq013mPvw3SxFiwMxo5eTLK5VaS6JQ4krJDeqzH6khCJBY-xL1dsdTlm5wCMhuAVPqSAEIByz-9fjXDS9nvA5qyqeN/s1600/HPIM6193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYHRI2R1bpSdV2mW4lpIfF8x2AMDdm-nPUsNMyXTXetc1Ks09brBq013mPvw3SxFiwMxo5eTLK5VaS6JQ4krJDeqzH6khCJBY-xL1dsdTlm5wCMhuAVPqSAEIByz-9fjXDS9nvA5qyqeN/s400/HPIM6193.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Florence from Ponte Vecchio</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5p3hjjJCRbXRLZfr62eXsJ9gKnF_jPJ712dyIJfGGCIgrd0C_H9BkD6KF5HaM5tJAlqrkwNZRaPUAI1PubT3MB_DkY_fIeygjxWyAyTjOl4980ptNLKMfURxsT18HKOSjoCavt3wrsKS/s1600/HPIM6199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5p3hjjJCRbXRLZfr62eXsJ9gKnF_jPJ712dyIJfGGCIgrd0C_H9BkD6KF5HaM5tJAlqrkwNZRaPUAI1PubT3MB_DkY_fIeygjxWyAyTjOl4980ptNLKMfURxsT18HKOSjoCavt3wrsKS/s400/HPIM6199.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain of Poseidon </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYbJazsht-bhHpGVxAYwQtlGxxKZiclAUTiZlID0FEM9dExRU34pjckCWM9nuZenAkVvmroKbc4GN6EqxfWL0OTYfjNVdiGKA_njJ3Of2UQ_Ulunn6RY7yGgqEKV2uHCi5a3JgbPyM9oU/s1600/HPIM6202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYbJazsht-bhHpGVxAYwQtlGxxKZiclAUTiZlID0FEM9dExRU34pjckCWM9nuZenAkVvmroKbc4GN6EqxfWL0OTYfjNVdiGKA_njJ3Of2UQ_Ulunn6RY7yGgqEKV2uHCi5a3JgbPyM9oU/s400/HPIM6202.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking through the city</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMekswUGaYmq91qqlw-roWaMpxnxDC2GfXgUSqSLAizY8-Ob8Gm06kn5WnWlfiC4I9CoYmOu0ykI-e8nhuZ7NfR2wYq95Wwcw3c5G3ur4yD2rnrj5W_usv4oXnkFj96EnLutlaYGJPSsLq/s1600/HPIM6203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMekswUGaYmq91qqlw-roWaMpxnxDC2GfXgUSqSLAizY8-Ob8Gm06kn5WnWlfiC4I9CoYmOu0ykI-e8nhuZ7NfR2wYq95Wwcw3c5G3ur4yD2rnrj5W_usv4oXnkFj96EnLutlaYGJPSsLq/s400/HPIM6203.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Duomo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-ABU0HO-fi57_5qsq1x1jKuT59nyB8Ab2WnuAlVvFBopMI2NK-B_hJnyeK_mhw0_-iCGT6aAC-iX_AkxpUVvNcAjEBmgJw6mpsY2t9QqiFu51lq0aZJSU9BLFUGBADdi-IdFIfJ3SUrZ/s1600/HPIM6208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-ABU0HO-fi57_5qsq1x1jKuT59nyB8Ab2WnuAlVvFBopMI2NK-B_hJnyeK_mhw0_-iCGT6aAC-iX_AkxpUVvNcAjEBmgJw6mpsY2t9QqiFu51lq0aZJSU9BLFUGBADdi-IdFIfJ3SUrZ/s400/HPIM6208.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front of the Duomo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjcQVbsw4aK-nKAh4tiPikJeZF5FnY1cyYgFWGmV3NbPWshTSQs8NVq3tHYrGar9rFAHxOZVIXINWRMF6Dgh2xVbLoL6PDVSTp7F1rspEDE7FDefxI6enJjOsoJ8ltTkOaSL_G1Zf7X-r/s1600/HPIM6217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjcQVbsw4aK-nKAh4tiPikJeZF5FnY1cyYgFWGmV3NbPWshTSQs8NVq3tHYrGar9rFAHxOZVIXINWRMF6Dgh2xVbLoL6PDVSTp7F1rspEDE7FDefxI6enJjOsoJ8ltTkOaSL_G1Zf7X-r/s400/HPIM6217.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset view of the city</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After seeing a bit of Florence, finding an Italian buffet (score!), and seeing the sunset, we made our way to our tent for the night. A raging night club just next door to the campsite made for an amusing lullaby (i.e. Black Eyed Peas), but we were so exhausted we drifted right off. <br />
<br />
The following morning we bought some breakfast foods from the camp market and had a breakfast overlooking the city.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTp1o98rKAsj41cDSD7_I-p7-nXD1ghxvF0TropSaryvwDTbYGWJfGYNPmo1plZCGhhDXEyZRDqv2MBUS0z6vKlTt3CUoc_yHXlucqLW1VCq2adg4cLAIb5zK-n6JYQNu45UcV-Q5x77eQ/s1600/HPIM6225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTp1o98rKAsj41cDSD7_I-p7-nXD1ghxvF0TropSaryvwDTbYGWJfGYNPmo1plZCGhhDXEyZRDqv2MBUS0z6vKlTt3CUoc_yHXlucqLW1VCq2adg4cLAIb5zK-n6JYQNu45UcV-Q5x77eQ/s400/HPIM6225.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange, Lemon, Carrot juice! Yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnkPtB6lyxj4P2dNinELjpIzXjMv57c5b-tTiyYj8GOXIT8wqfGqYUmMB_TjlqPImMzYG7WA1_LSdPSME8dLySO2hBVIqkft2W7FHeDgusrPP3-pSva64w16J6BeZ95OdHhEPlcV3v71c/s1600/HPIM6227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnkPtB6lyxj4P2dNinELjpIzXjMv57c5b-tTiyYj8GOXIT8wqfGqYUmMB_TjlqPImMzYG7WA1_LSdPSME8dLySO2hBVIqkft2W7FHeDgusrPP3-pSva64w16J6BeZ95OdHhEPlcV3v71c/s400/HPIM6227.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view for breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table> After breakfast, we walked into the city and began waiting in line to climb all 468 steps to the top of the Duomo. The line lasted about an hour and a half, but was well worth it. While climbing to the top, we found ourselves inside the dome standing right next to the intricate frescoes. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOO7B6JZedzkpCxgzPiaZVoroOamHMrHp7LPSq0sLg2gYuuFwOngwpTshzn1uUsrAmprsLcazHVZEHZluMzYyDH9z-BSoYATUsT63bbu-Mc9BNzWoI1VNC6OQhwMdY4vPGppGXUrmpGgc/s1600/HPIM6228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOO7B6JZedzkpCxgzPiaZVoroOamHMrHp7LPSq0sLg2gYuuFwOngwpTshzn1uUsrAmprsLcazHVZEHZluMzYyDH9z-BSoYATUsT63bbu-Mc9BNzWoI1VNC6OQhwMdY4vPGppGXUrmpGgc/s400/HPIM6228.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of the Duomo</td></tr>
</tbody></table> After seeing the inside of the Duomo, we continued to the top of the cupola for the breathtaking view of Florence. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6QktwwzkYUFyQhPlajhXHa1TmyRefOqEHIP_hXz29O_1Jm4O0D8HwoAaS_QcwKXIL07qf0Bt1S0tfmXRWvrSS0CleRb3GEmEMV5syuN1rwi55nNV2KYy1gSY9BRqe2K-2WEj0eeOhfbP/s1600/HPIM6229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6QktwwzkYUFyQhPlajhXHa1TmyRefOqEHIP_hXz29O_1Jm4O0D8HwoAaS_QcwKXIL07qf0Bt1S0tfmXRWvrSS0CleRb3GEmEMV5syuN1rwi55nNV2KYy1gSY9BRqe2K-2WEj0eeOhfbP/s400/HPIM6229.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top of the Duomo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxSuA8hsdROEHx3iJ-KpjrkAN1xqZSl_o1G2M8vXjvZyBH9s6CnWEfS52DSamD1bJX5ccitmkZxdhRJwtdaeRvFh9ChXojeBd7t3V6jbLVJTOl0LK3Pc6E_gZDUkfIHWeGx3hGBMIVzA7/s1600/HPIM6237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxSuA8hsdROEHx3iJ-KpjrkAN1xqZSl_o1G2M8vXjvZyBH9s6CnWEfS52DSamD1bJX5ccitmkZxdhRJwtdaeRvFh9ChXojeBd7t3V6jbLVJTOl0LK3Pc6E_gZDUkfIHWeGx3hGBMIVzA7/s400/HPIM6237.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More views</td></tr>
</tbody></table> We continued our day by visiting an internet cafe to plan more of our trip, wandering around shops, and eating pizza. We returned to our tent exhausted. While recuperating from our long walk, we began to hear a loud DJ. We knew there was a night club nearby, but the way he was speaking (at times in English) was not typical jargon for dancing. Rather, it sounded like instructions. We figured there must be a fitness class being held nearby. When we wandered up to Piazza Michelangelo for the sunset we stumbled upon a large-scale spinning class. As a spin fan, I was quite excited, and even a bit jealous of this awesome set up for cycling. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UmVwJ79z84N7st3v7GAd04_cMKdcScjGU2jt6k35Ht8OoUHJW21NHtg3eVxNVWOPkFrjeZm3SjG7kuCqurPKp1GVl68ec_FHdteN-Rc505fCFyBsuaGblODDOS12dRwjq63dN3j4m9yV/s1600/HPIM6239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UmVwJ79z84N7st3v7GAd04_cMKdcScjGU2jt6k35Ht8OoUHJW21NHtg3eVxNVWOPkFrjeZm3SjG7kuCqurPKp1GVl68ec_FHdteN-Rc505fCFyBsuaGblODDOS12dRwjq63dN3j4m9yV/s400/HPIM6239.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spin-a-thon at Piazza Michelangelo</td></tr>
</tbody></table> After admiring the sping-a-thon, we snagged some food from their buffet. We are pretty sure this was food reserved for the spinners, but no one seemed to mind that we were helping ourselves... (we were on a budget, a tight budget!) We then made our way to a set of stone stairs, that were quite warm from the sun, and watched the sun go down with a hundred or so other tourists. When the sun finally set, applaud broke out. I still don't know how I feel about applauding the sun setting, it felt a bit like applauding when the plane lands, or a movie ends... But nonetheless, it was beautiful. We settled into bed and packed for our departure the next morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUmWdeslQlXX2nMoUPb3-uNtLuTIabpOpN1JQ1ogeT0jqLHkeRgbaSo4X97SGQnp-Vq3KIyF0pmz2W2aD77u-vw3r8TE82EiaaFWSzKPtmlpTTzLjU-Sqz1Vr_N7VilXnTps1B9Iu-v_a/s1600/HPIM6246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUmWdeslQlXX2nMoUPb3-uNtLuTIabpOpN1JQ1ogeT0jqLHkeRgbaSo4X97SGQnp-Vq3KIyF0pmz2W2aD77u-vw3r8TE82EiaaFWSzKPtmlpTTzLjU-Sqz1Vr_N7VilXnTps1B9Iu-v_a/s400/HPIM6246.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over Florence</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-28462668599348356522011-08-18T17:20:00.000-07:002011-08-18T17:20:02.698-07:00Verona and Bologna, Italy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Part of our plan, while traveling through Italy, was to be as flexible as possible with our itinerary. Italy is probably one of the worst places to do this because its so popular, so its almost impossible to waltz out of a train station into a hostel and find a bed. Nonetheless, this is the sort of 'adventure' we were seeking and our 13 day time frame in Italy made it the only country in which we could approach our itinerary a bit more laissez-faire. <br />
<br />
We used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fodors-Essential-Italy-3rd-Full-Color/dp/1400004888/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1313635484&sr=8-2">Fodor's Essential Italy</a> for planning our time in Italy to help us influence what city to go to next. Before leaving, we had the basic framework of Venice-Florence-Rome in mind, but with only reservations complete in Venice. Between Venice and Florence, we decided to spend an afternoon in Verona, and a night in Bologna. <br />
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After checking out of our B&B in Venice, we walked to the train station and boarded the next regional train to Verona. Regional trains are slower, but much less expensive. Our 2 train tickets to Verona, a whopping 8.50 Euro. <br />
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<br />
Verona is the fictional hometown of Romeo and Juliet, but has a lot of other charming features. Its small and medieval. So its flanked by a river and has a castle, and is very walkable. Unfortunately, we did not buy a map of the city (hoping to save money) and worked off of a small and not-to-scale map from our guide book. Therefore, we left the city without seeing any of the Romeo and Juliet sites. Though we did see some of the following:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIP7wA7klSJ9XJgqiBWzMYdN6p9FRConzygEvdBHEbm1v8gCFXX3JIZhlgbE0Ok1XTouJs5s9kPHQtx_mis_2GMdU_UbW6nk05QRlrPiBQeeCioo525IS2I3_w64rkKy0pSQMNH9DusY0/s1600/HPIM5960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIP7wA7klSJ9XJgqiBWzMYdN6p9FRConzygEvdBHEbm1v8gCFXX3JIZhlgbE0Ok1XTouJs5s9kPHQtx_mis_2GMdU_UbW6nk05QRlrPiBQeeCioo525IS2I3_w64rkKy0pSQMNH9DusY0/s400/HPIM5960.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City gates/wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHXfCsKyW3I59HuLvdtzs-BJ807YOAYu1S_TJRyEaK5DukjXN3liExAYbQmMN8xiFH__UBUkQAuylMYs-1FRv5n1b6pmqpIp6i7zd8eECUYhPfKanUSXswUq8wKOEpTB1bXoloVAqiayx/s1600/HPIM5961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHXfCsKyW3I59HuLvdtzs-BJ807YOAYu1S_TJRyEaK5DukjXN3liExAYbQmMN8xiFH__UBUkQAuylMYs-1FRv5n1b6pmqpIp6i7zd8eECUYhPfKanUSXswUq8wKOEpTB1bXoloVAqiayx/s400/HPIM5961.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots of bikes- a startling difference from Venice where we saw no bikes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRsUph7VatjZwLsWYcUKTuW70xYtAUXYKzOFE4z6yK-mbfm7M9DOvMJ7ZXFFzAmE1Rclpg3St1P9FnD-SyYJlvrVCEPRqkt0i6BlicWLeSMVgrTeweqyPO_MoVL8xRdgTpUlTGowxIjST/s1600/HPIM5975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRsUph7VatjZwLsWYcUKTuW70xYtAUXYKzOFE4z6yK-mbfm7M9DOvMJ7ZXFFzAmE1Rclpg3St1P9FnD-SyYJlvrVCEPRqkt0i6BlicWLeSMVgrTeweqyPO_MoVL8xRdgTpUlTGowxIjST/s400/HPIM5975.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Roman Arena, one of Italy's best preserved Roman Ruins, still in use today as an arena.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhuHY9tsO9U7HEnVYYU8raH2YFh9xvd4pgwOsfWzxrmmbSm-jfOWjeLgzVUz54VeYoB5Q3wUg8BQo3h2wYIKJUAylrFmRCn-SOwzBuV1-MmgMUWxAsu3L2lJ-3JJaj3byfQlkySh7gTzr/s1600/HPIM5992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhuHY9tsO9U7HEnVYYU8raH2YFh9xvd4pgwOsfWzxrmmbSm-jfOWjeLgzVUz54VeYoB5Q3wUg8BQo3h2wYIKJUAylrFmRCn-SOwzBuV1-MmgMUWxAsu3L2lJ-3JJaj3byfQlkySh7gTzr/s400/HPIM5992.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A church courtyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraPpqXGDhHXF4QSuVJJiXOM2g1rel4NXGagyXv9sifh3o9BQb8xOp5qRQy0gwVRcnQUdJN9YnUuZVoPVtbLbEw-AAsrOuIDYvTidY9sduP8Va-0DhDf4T6mhssZ_LdVp6LcpClmUWunUs/s1600/HPIM5998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraPpqXGDhHXF4QSuVJJiXOM2g1rel4NXGagyXv9sifh3o9BQb8xOp5qRQy0gwVRcnQUdJN9YnUuZVoPVtbLbEw-AAsrOuIDYvTidY9sduP8Va-0DhDf4T6mhssZ_LdVp6LcpClmUWunUs/s400/HPIM5998.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun, very Italian shop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_oMm-OyEdu4pEkpaUDnu68GPpxecOrABQLp69RJnXId2UelEMAGZHbl3HwP6BzLbKHnmjEyNBk8DnWiIREnJlbQeqJOXWoeJSpEiqTBVAX2VZ23Zj-US0VUF6QdVu82oP-m4m4pBPwfZ/s1600/HPIM6013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_oMm-OyEdu4pEkpaUDnu68GPpxecOrABQLp69RJnXId2UelEMAGZHbl3HwP6BzLbKHnmjEyNBk8DnWiIREnJlbQeqJOXWoeJSpEiqTBVAX2VZ23Zj-US0VUF6QdVu82oP-m4m4pBPwfZ/s400/HPIM6013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A former monastery, now natural history museum, across the river from Verona.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SUL9Idrqxr8U80TYtmuSBSaOFl4Map8zm4yJYaoKNSL3cVWDkpAIzG9ZSkMM5nCz15LkDy84fplxuNTIIfgDWZNd0QnStsbKk2drcWn-tui-sevklyS1O6Sbtgc8QLI65XZXUY7d5bWP/s1600/HPIM6031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SUL9Idrqxr8U80TYtmuSBSaOFl4Map8zm4yJYaoKNSL3cVWDkpAIzG9ZSkMM5nCz15LkDy84fplxuNTIIfgDWZNd0QnStsbKk2drcWn-tui-sevklyS1O6Sbtgc8QLI65XZXUY7d5bWP/s400/HPIM6031.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge of the castle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhtVBRLMbT8KS6BGczThwMSBr9dz5wGRfWfSzt3WbLeSWBJuLo6sisDsi7cDbp88SPsylEFnOiOdgw4cn8dV8rns2dAHCKrU8TMgcBMzb9CaPoMVh-gnnZAwlqru6k8KSEfgI4xch00lx/s1600/HPIM6032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhtVBRLMbT8KS6BGczThwMSBr9dz5wGRfWfSzt3WbLeSWBJuLo6sisDsi7cDbp88SPsylEFnOiOdgw4cn8dV8rns2dAHCKrU8TMgcBMzb9CaPoMVh-gnnZAwlqru6k8KSEfgI4xch00lx/s400/HPIM6032.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river running through Verona</td></tr>
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What was great about our stopover to Verona, is that we were able to see a new city without investing a lot of time or energy into it. It was on the way to Bologna (and ultimately Florence) and allowed us to kill time between when we left Venice and when we could arrive in Bologna. <br />
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Bologna is another oft-forgotten-about city with charm and grit. Its a little rough from first appearances, but has a beautiful historical downtown and is much less expensive than the other cities. Plus, locals seem much more willing to help out. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some highlights from our time in Bologna: </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOxua6jLHRHn0xpXV49_KEVAlxS75ga6RhTFrkNif6ntyUgI3fJ476uyA7S143OkybiC1EDLc17CExLu5g74Y-us152DL5g0rlyGql16D59JG3eliPGeEoRMo7cvCJstTTqq5THF8DNoW/s1600/HPIM6044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOxua6jLHRHn0xpXV49_KEVAlxS75ga6RhTFrkNif6ntyUgI3fJ476uyA7S143OkybiC1EDLc17CExLu5g74Y-us152DL5g0rlyGql16D59JG3eliPGeEoRMo7cvCJstTTqq5THF8DNoW/s400/HPIM6044.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The public library that had a glass floor providing a glimpse of the ancient foundation.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5L9tnMkIpgF0ePxwfUIzx9pDbmMhYC2XZvsSNabK-_7hmZZx8F3jiLW660BQEoFb6IxfJsR9o7N9k7ftfbXp0ZmiW93TYjcckdprLzXgkiCE9dIHPIxj_3fLFHx9PfDeJFBFhGzJzcZo/s1600/HPIM6045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5L9tnMkIpgF0ePxwfUIzx9pDbmMhYC2XZvsSNabK-_7hmZZx8F3jiLW660BQEoFb6IxfJsR9o7N9k7ftfbXp0ZmiW93TYjcckdprLzXgkiCE9dIHPIxj_3fLFHx9PfDeJFBFhGzJzcZo/s400/HPIM6045.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glass floor in the Bologna library</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OEYOYw9irREtRj33aTzrZRwV-TCVh636ZQXYau8rGuYoC6h21asH7LlaZOd1Cc_04akfCTvKFHJ2Jq2yPPbGRdl4C0zSjH3dKhZlg-izUh_726E0IYmkZ2onPZl2en-6WJbG8p9Ih3S7/s1600/HPIM6053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OEYOYw9irREtRj33aTzrZRwV-TCVh636ZQXYau8rGuYoC6h21asH7LlaZOd1Cc_04akfCTvKFHJ2Jq2yPPbGRdl4C0zSjH3dKhZlg-izUh_726E0IYmkZ2onPZl2en-6WJbG8p9Ih3S7/s400/HPIM6053.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An art installation of life size (or slightly larger) statues. This scene depicted a medieval battle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZoWTTuaTwfUpuOSNj682MoOrfGPbCcV4tyq0OtLyjnkRXfTh8VmHxi7GP9LLnBl6CVLcE66qhk91B3p_F6QUZ0iv2FZYDxXEe_AuounjFCKE96pBadMGDFb0td516lQIyWMeWdA_qvUQ/s1600/HPIM6054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZoWTTuaTwfUpuOSNj682MoOrfGPbCcV4tyq0OtLyjnkRXfTh8VmHxi7GP9LLnBl6CVLcE66qhk91B3p_F6QUZ0iv2FZYDxXEe_AuounjFCKE96pBadMGDFb0td516lQIyWMeWdA_qvUQ/s400/HPIM6054.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A whispering gallery where you stand at the opposite corner of someone else and if they whisper in to the corner, you can hear them clearly on the other side.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4350DAn4ajVqH8VguohQQ7UWcsTgn3ozw5gmwu-17mA1dVUBn42AeuT00_1IRsMQNMoSiny6PGk3_3NIHcI51gn9baAAUaGE9ta9rv2uB_vf9Cb85vhHdyYaodnUxq11ZlyP-GEtc8X4/s1600/HPIM6076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4350DAn4ajVqH8VguohQQ7UWcsTgn3ozw5gmwu-17mA1dVUBn42AeuT00_1IRsMQNMoSiny6PGk3_3NIHcI51gn9baAAUaGE9ta9rv2uB_vf9Cb85vhHdyYaodnUxq11ZlyP-GEtc8X4/s400/HPIM6076.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bologna is famous for its towers. These are the 2 tallest, and were referenced by Dante in Dante's Inferno. The one on the left is leaning 7.5 feet and the one on the right is leaning 10 feet. We climbed to the top of the tallest (on the left).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLckU9rmR27Lb6mN9876wHhCvAJsipU8Rtluu09wqpRxklhs6t24cPbWUTkG7xPfQgdXh6PjAfEzCxB5MFjcNFJ0_gTy11L5ZO5IuFEfP-OsZdJJp_ygbDRZI3wJVzCfr6Z3JQ1cqamXy/s1600/HPIM6077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLckU9rmR27Lb6mN9876wHhCvAJsipU8Rtluu09wqpRxklhs6t24cPbWUTkG7xPfQgdXh6PjAfEzCxB5MFjcNFJ0_gTy11L5ZO5IuFEfP-OsZdJJp_ygbDRZI3wJVzCfr6Z3JQ1cqamXy/s400/HPIM6077.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very old and very steep climb up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanvfYRabFZRIwaGWygf8c0wDhElFfOemSaDPVofgCqk2wqYLmr8bVBkMuwOxupBo4cHTeHEPn20jhhH7t6nomYyd5Dr_Lj84fUUj9tVPVL44VqN8lEEa6m5V4ryU7YpFCfgysY15ZVXqB/s1600/HPIM6081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanvfYRabFZRIwaGWygf8c0wDhElFfOemSaDPVofgCqk2wqYLmr8bVBkMuwOxupBo4cHTeHEPn20jhhH7t6nomYyd5Dr_Lj84fUUj9tVPVL44VqN8lEEa6m5V4ryU7YpFCfgysY15ZVXqB/s400/HPIM6081.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The worthwhile view from the top featuring another tower in Bologna.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BICCQkR2E0CqbivsBImqbUlXGiD9EvmCIPm_bYwuqFMOr7hP5wl2GioEedW322tyaE3J3yWqfJZ2COob1jhpfoWs1x8ltkMskpVwQXKJIDCT-pm7fAXCnYjKhK3ehzO6YQYiUy8fUfdU/s1600/HPIM6107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BICCQkR2E0CqbivsBImqbUlXGiD9EvmCIPm_bYwuqFMOr7hP5wl2GioEedW322tyaE3J3yWqfJZ2COob1jhpfoWs1x8ltkMskpVwQXKJIDCT-pm7fAXCnYjKhK3ehzO6YQYiUy8fUfdU/s400/HPIM6107.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An active monastery we stumbled upon in Bologna. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Qm6rI_bEHK0X4dG8bSYla0V6UMmBJDroMq4BnGNUN14IcKhBH_cNpG40mdkUSvG4uH7Ni4znE1VLl8UaqalxR9RiQg92IQMDrHqh5s0Z2HhbqQg298rka0Nq2QVqKvhHmpB-GSpyioBU/s1600/HPIM6110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Qm6rI_bEHK0X4dG8bSYla0V6UMmBJDroMq4BnGNUN14IcKhBH_cNpG40mdkUSvG4uH7Ni4znE1VLl8UaqalxR9RiQg92IQMDrHqh5s0Z2HhbqQg298rka0Nq2QVqKvhHmpB-GSpyioBU/s400/HPIM6110.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the monastery's courtyard.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Florence is up next, hopefully it won't be long from now. Today was the first day of school so I'm happy, yet exhausted!</div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-37599798550154190452011-08-16T19:42:00.000-07:002011-08-16T19:42:26.012-07:00First Day and Anniversary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Sigh, no long post today. Had a great day training for my new job as a paraeducator in an elementary-level special ed class (more on that later). It was intense, but also exciting to be back in a training and learning new things. <br />
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Also today was our 6th anniversary. Crazy to think that we've been through more than half a decade together, and when we get married it will be 8 years. I could not be happier with my life partner and the fact that I am pretty sure both of us forgot about our anniversary until yesteryday, haha. I insisted we go out to eat for a celebratory-esque feeling. <br />
<br />
We found a fun spot in Iowa City called <a href="http://www.shortsburgerandshine.com/index.php">Shorts Burger and Shine</a>. I had a delish burger topped with chorizo, mozzarella, and avocado mayo- yum! Plus all the beef is super local, as in 26 miles away local. <br />
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Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with more from Italy. In the meanwhile, find someone special in your life and eat a burger with them, you won't regret it. Speaking of burgers...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/lolnominee-vicki-webby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/lolnominee-vicki-webby.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/lolnominee-vicki-webby.jpg">Source</a></td></tr>
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</div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-15147654425873003842011-08-15T14:28:00.000-07:002011-08-15T14:38:33.365-07:00Oh Venice!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I 100% love Venice. Its been compared to Disney World, its supposed to smell, and oh the tourists. I was expecting not to be a big fan of Venice. Honestly, in the beginning, I was indifferent about going at all. But after being there, I can say, you really should go to Venice. Maybe its the glimmering canals, maybe its the seafood, or maybe because that's where I got engaged! Who knows, but it was magical (eck cliche, I know).<br />
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We took a train from Albertville, France (about 1/2 hour from Faverges, France) to Chambery, France. We switched trains and boarded one for Milan. Our train ride to Milan was delayed, but we met an American that was actually from Cleveland Heights (near our hometown of Mentor) and was a professor at Boston College. Alex and him chatted about mutual BC people they knew, as I began to panic about our late arrival to Milan (therefore our missed connection to Venice). Once arriving to the train station, we got in line at customer service and soon learned a very important thing about Italian trains: They really don't care. We were told to board the next train to Venice, No Big Deal.<br />
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We wandered outside of the train station for our 20 minute "layover" (what do you call the break between trains?) and discovered one of my favorite parts of Italy, the water fountains! I felt proud of myself for knowing how this works (yes, I learned it from Eat Pray Love with Julia Roberts, and yes I cried while watching that, alone in the movie theater heh heh). You can block the main stream of water with your finger to create an arched water fountain, perfect for drinking. I had some issues with the right amount of blockage to pressure created ratio. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynEiNE3_-gkZRl-m4ZdSb9e9Ii2bAMOBcD8UThunDeQWP0Akw0mrriNHgcOHFZEyOquUk500ItX4HHQ-vK93D3H_P3hl8Fz9iNG10pLUYVJukms6vejeDiCLfnEk16lyxOCI8CrHPD1iL/s1600/HPIM5730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynEiNE3_-gkZRl-m4ZdSb9e9Ii2bAMOBcD8UThunDeQWP0Akw0mrriNHgcOHFZEyOquUk500ItX4HHQ-vK93D3H_P3hl8Fz9iNG10pLUYVJukms6vejeDiCLfnEk16lyxOCI8CrHPD1iL/s320/HPIM5730.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheC0YKoNaBXvTbfS5zBIT5BoV1Pd2G3awtq-zkCN0ao3i4kAjeefAp4X0YKpalgRM89x05GaXLwq8X4iQ1Giyr60DV0X38HO-img0o5GBs5ZNsti3mfu7VeU-BR31SyvQdR_TERuJ-vJ7I/s1600/HPIM5731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheC0YKoNaBXvTbfS5zBIT5BoV1Pd2G3awtq-zkCN0ao3i4kAjeefAp4X0YKpalgRM89x05GaXLwq8X4iQ1Giyr60DV0X38HO-img0o5GBs5ZNsti3mfu7VeU-BR31SyvQdR_TERuJ-vJ7I/s320/HPIM5731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijY_53vuW5mwcfoDnMgfga7go4XL_nuOQ7-yGEbUJugQgHIhDhm97XaLLycmv2bo3JaO-xLJbteLT4hAwV08QljWSyMJlshMPLlhrLac7Q1b4uNK9803q-GpJFH8sn7xAomeCkz4gTQrv_/s1600/HPIM5732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijY_53vuW5mwcfoDnMgfga7go4XL_nuOQ7-yGEbUJugQgHIhDhm97XaLLycmv2bo3JaO-xLJbteLT4hAwV08QljWSyMJlshMPLlhrLac7Q1b4uNK9803q-GpJFH8sn7xAomeCkz4gTQrv_/s320/HPIM5732.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sexiest photo of me on the trip by far.</td></tr>
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We hopped on the next train with no problems and headed for Venice! After getting off the train, we got in line at the tourist office. I wanted to find out the difference between getting a <a href="http://www.hellovenezia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71&Itemid=130&lang=en">Venice Card </a>or just a public transport pass. Long story short, (unlike in Rome), Venice Card only covers some museum entries, and no public transport. We passed on that. Onto the next line, for a water bus pass. <br />
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Now, I would not say I am a believer in karma, but I do genuinley believe that you should watch what you put into the world and expect the same back. Rarely do negative nancys have good days... Anyways, I have a habit of giving away my unused public transport passes (in NYC, Chicago, etc) to those waiting in line to purchase one. A girl approached Alex and I in line and offered us 2 passes with 10 hours still remaining. We snatched those right up-- a cost and line avoided! I don't know whether I would call it fate or whatever, but it was quite cool to have a kind task I had passed along in the past make its way back to me. We boarded a water bus and followed my crudely hand-drawn map from google maps to our B&B.<br />
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We stayed in a little Bed and Breakfast, <a href="http://www.bbvenezia.com/">B&B Venezia</a>. It was off the beaten path, had amazing reviews on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187870-d289282-Reviews-Bed_and_Breakfast_Venezia-Venice_Veneto.html">Trip Advisor</a>, and was at the right price. It was 80 Euros per night for the both of us, which included breakfast. The nearest hostel was 35 Euro per person, per night and there was no breakfast included, not to mention the fact it was on a different island! After getting off the water bus, we were totally turned around trying to find it, Dove (Doe-vay "where is" in Italian) barely left my lips at a local restaurant when he pointed us in the direction of the B&B; I guess lots of other tourists get stuck in the same pickle. <br />
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We got checked in by the B&B's owner's mother. We didn't understand a single Italian word she said, but smiled and figured that the key unlocked the door, there was a bathroom, and a breakfast. We dropped our stuff and headed out for dinner. We settled on the restaurant that gave directions. Not much exploring the first night, we were in bed by 11 pm and out!<br />
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The next morning, we met the shop owner and arranged reservations for a restaurant on the island of Burano. (Fun Fact: Venice is an island in of itself, but is also surrounded by smaller islands considered to be "part" of Venice. All of them are reachable via public transportation). Before our trip, I had done the most important research necessary for a trip like this, I watched all the <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Anthony_Bourdain">Anthony Bourdain</a> and <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Bizarre_Foods">Andrew Zimmern</a> shows on Netflix. Between <u>No Reservations</u> and <u>Bizarre Foods</u>, I was prepared to EAT! I was bound and determined to go to Da Romano in Venice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AyQvTefwP48?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>We walked from our B&B to the other side of the island to catch a ferry to Burano. We boarded the ferry and we on our way to eating some delicious seafood. The island was absolutely gorgeous, but we had a reservation to make, so we hurried to the restaurant and made it just on time to our outdoor table. This was going to be one of our splurges of the trip, so we ordered the seafood platter, knowing that it would be quality, along with (of course) the fish risotto.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCz5F7K0XPfKvmw7g-PPfwWUkqqZlOvSn9XCDjBDakX8GMK2EAWjjn1hMLt0tnyRp58OlvAOj9Nfoi2VMdY4yFLpPPMPvVDvV167ejoav4Jhden0xZdeU2li2rOlyDOG0thon8SStWvsv3/s1600/HPIM5770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCz5F7K0XPfKvmw7g-PPfwWUkqqZlOvSn9XCDjBDakX8GMK2EAWjjn1hMLt0tnyRp58OlvAOj9Nfoi2VMdY4yFLpPPMPvVDvV167ejoav4Jhden0xZdeU2li2rOlyDOG0thon8SStWvsv3/s400/HPIM5770.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Misc. sea foodieness delish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9PjoUqdvpIO5gYSz2iYpXXeSrIHBQaZ7xRiGXLk3xue_2uPS9SDpycfht5WQ9s4GKp54tOkkg5C8aWOV_pBMwVyKujqi4JfsxQKwiIteDyk1ps-Iw2H9fQ6Yq2MBmbLigLs5eIsSvxC2/s1600/HPIM5771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9PjoUqdvpIO5gYSz2iYpXXeSrIHBQaZ7xRiGXLk3xue_2uPS9SDpycfht5WQ9s4GKp54tOkkg5C8aWOV_pBMwVyKujqi4JfsxQKwiIteDyk1ps-Iw2H9fQ6Yq2MBmbLigLs5eIsSvxC2/s400/HPIM5771.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polenta and sardine with onions, and mussels and clams</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPptad3veXr7Et4Wnmka1aAL0yfM0Q1viIEdEpGgaOH1JrV8wT01Ya_wvUmllGda0ZSLw0JaBqOLZqybkXX8ask28CH2pwzMFEVwMDpI65Rk57f0PbxRcoGUGzdtag6DtrqSoIy2Dxq9Z/s1600/HPIM5775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPptad3veXr7Et4Wnmka1aAL0yfM0Q1viIEdEpGgaOH1JrV8wT01Ya_wvUmllGda0ZSLw0JaBqOLZqybkXX8ask28CH2pwzMFEVwMDpI65Rk57f0PbxRcoGUGzdtag6DtrqSoIy2Dxq9Z/s400/HPIM5775.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Badass Da Romano kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLDQWkVRFrSeRDjkI_RXe6I1J2A_tnRYqLOagzEhnaL5MsWK619ENzwOzI8P_32652FkxyouCQaZ5-Yb6rPq4v7CIvVuRXWQpaB5fom8eKLwjZrZvoTDzar0kRAgCkkN0RUkBez2Gnuob/s1600/HPIM5778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLDQWkVRFrSeRDjkI_RXe6I1J2A_tnRYqLOagzEhnaL5MsWK619ENzwOzI8P_32652FkxyouCQaZ5-Yb6rPq4v7CIvVuRXWQpaB5fom8eKLwjZrZvoTDzar0kRAgCkkN0RUkBez2Gnuob/s400/HPIM5778.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of the restaurant with all the art</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vU4N7XmJQ3fgxF60DeVgIRONe_m-e4ugZvuh8bQS9FBCqvV5F_03qIJYZHC5-NNqAnI1XtpxxyeP-LBTYfS9k-_iulrJC2wWxFycajQqCsTtxX__6jZ2mRGrDnzOf4RBEYg2yBIZ-dHi/s1600/HPIM5779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vU4N7XmJQ3fgxF60DeVgIRONe_m-e4ugZvuh8bQS9FBCqvV5F_03qIJYZHC5-NNqAnI1XtpxxyeP-LBTYfS9k-_iulrJC2wWxFycajQqCsTtxX__6jZ2mRGrDnzOf4RBEYg2yBIZ-dHi/s400/HPIM5779.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute patio, where we ate.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After lunch we walked around Burano for a bit:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWWrDt9XVGdyN11a2M0WozxXwP-EIjw6iSrhRgTg_qKG2o0hrzBcfq3FpaTaZ6NSIccwYzwHr74qgkAcGoZBQPGtEeC8ylxs9NCZsdam0FvTgxdEDzykSo8bNFnIsb92ZTAjg5CB2ZMfr/s1600/HPIM5780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWWrDt9XVGdyN11a2M0WozxXwP-EIjw6iSrhRgTg_qKG2o0hrzBcfq3FpaTaZ6NSIccwYzwHr74qgkAcGoZBQPGtEeC8ylxs9NCZsdam0FvTgxdEDzykSo8bNFnIsb92ZTAjg5CB2ZMfr/s400/HPIM5780.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALBQQfIP84Hm7LPEf_35QM2EWKc5N5a542Pv85rrBeF6EaleDBQ3dRqPUOOjp7XpHW0-_EJVLtzODBFyEHNeect-EW3raERtao3xfd1iGc-TdGiXj3k-E251DPGyxon7V8i1Vic8m_ZGM/s1600/HPIM5783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALBQQfIP84Hm7LPEf_35QM2EWKc5N5a542Pv85rrBeF6EaleDBQ3dRqPUOOjp7XpHW0-_EJVLtzODBFyEHNeect-EW3raERtao3xfd1iGc-TdGiXj3k-E251DPGyxon7V8i1Vic8m_ZGM/s400/HPIM5783.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZjJioyAjGyshgNYeMQGWEKSGsBuX8eG6U4Z2LXx9lHxHL5r7EZTI-PvbaKVP7mAXB9uZ-od0kOU6ZAMMVqlXef1fAtjb0RtfYDev9sw_MMY_aJacQc3QGIvkB8ssIgsxCd6zTCL3jOHv/s1600/HPIM5793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZjJioyAjGyshgNYeMQGWEKSGsBuX8eG6U4Z2LXx9lHxHL5r7EZTI-PvbaKVP7mAXB9uZ-od0kOU6ZAMMVqlXef1fAtjb0RtfYDev9sw_MMY_aJacQc3QGIvkB8ssIgsxCd6zTCL3jOHv/s400/HPIM5793.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87T1T2Hm1busPNSTw-iLGdapC7NH7EY7WurtUxJZKUd4hlbQ_Lu72FNo4hspPElJC9_8KmgSlehM5MZklitp92Rxiqd7lmaNBWdQaXCMgmWNPaNnTy7pDPSg4RinXCAFCT-HL38ySlHne/s1600/HPIM5799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87T1T2Hm1busPNSTw-iLGdapC7NH7EY7WurtUxJZKUd4hlbQ_Lu72FNo4hspPElJC9_8KmgSlehM5MZklitp92Rxiqd7lmaNBWdQaXCMgmWNPaNnTy7pDPSg4RinXCAFCT-HL38ySlHne/s400/HPIM5799.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>When we decided to leave Burano, we spotted a water bus being boarded. Being the spaz that I am, I insisted that we run after it and hop on. We hopped on and realized it was going the wrong way. Water buses do not work like regular buses, there is not a stop 1/4 of mile down the street where you can hop off, cross the street and re-board. No, we had to get off on another island (not a tourist island, just some place where people live) and wait. I grew sleepy and irritated, Alex grew hyper-- foreshadowing.<br />
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We finally made it back to the main island and continued our trek. It was decided we would go to Lido, the beach island, for sunset. We stopped at a grocery store and bought some proscuitto, peaches, and bread for our snack/dinner (the risotto was super filling) and made our way to the Jewish ghetto (a relic from WWII). I didn't know much about the Jewish ghetto, it was just a site to see on our map. Its a living, breathing neighborhood, without as much history as I would have hoped for. <br />
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We then made our way towards Lido on a water bus. Lido was a lively, local-filled island. We crossed the island from the port side to the beach side and made our way down a jetty-like boardwalk. This is where and when Alex proposed to me. It was quite sweet and romantic and honestly, I am going to keep the deets to myself :)<br />
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After getting over the fear that the ring didn't fit over my sausage-esque fingers swimming with water retention from my salty diet (and I shoved that baby on, even if I risked losing a purple finger from it), we went back to the main island and my finger lost some water weight. We sent out happy emails and called it a night.<br />
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Upon an insider tip from a friend studying aboard in Venice, Alex and I attended mass at Basilica San Marco. Its a beautiful, yet small, cathedral known for its obnoxiously long lines. We wore some appropriate attire (cover the knees and shoulders) and entered on the far left side with the secret password "messa". The inside of the church was breathtaking. I was apprehensive about taking photos, but other cameras were flashing and clicking, so you know (like your parents told you not to do) I joined the crowd!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkOQYjSFog2DBso5q0q6nH9vB1VxwOKkrtBncxglwfhxTRIGfkjzdWvd86HSRE9r2t8U6RiiUITuzkFG59mjg62tQUcIrYzhdadD5QNqT1TSBUrmYl-JyzOaiFi6RuJs_TuawosekWk_-/s1600/HPIM5809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkOQYjSFog2DBso5q0q6nH9vB1VxwOKkrtBncxglwfhxTRIGfkjzdWvd86HSRE9r2t8U6RiiUITuzkFG59mjg62tQUcIrYzhdadD5QNqT1TSBUrmYl-JyzOaiFi6RuJs_TuawosekWk_-/s400/HPIM5809.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The detailed ceiling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsaUpPhtxHkYZxxLX5iFxt1wdDdNpNapI129oVBQi2YjFfhrL6U1JJlR11LT7Jn-hfzayd-GvCKUf5K368KuoG0uixJkVy_m4Yn6VIg8DKsrucgMkD-SURNPNyUQdMmtRqHOntkmaihSm/s1600/HPIM5820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsaUpPhtxHkYZxxLX5iFxt1wdDdNpNapI129oVBQi2YjFfhrL6U1JJlR11LT7Jn-hfzayd-GvCKUf5K368KuoG0uixJkVy_m4Yn6VIg8DKsrucgMkD-SURNPNyUQdMmtRqHOntkmaihSm/s400/HPIM5820.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down the center of the church, with a better setting on my camera</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After mass, we joined my friend in Piazza San Marco for a cappicuino at one of Venice's most famous cafes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OZYm-UOlFIr2Cs610ue83Rox7_j3NVxG3oleQpNrTfiw3JmzJi5tPCqUu_6Nd7FUkzq7IiLl96idMKEfEW3e7LUfR324Asr_A2E7y3tZToe_k3GR0zpFkVMkaCZ1KhRilRi2AdAcfWBr/s1600/HPIM5837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OZYm-UOlFIr2Cs610ue83Rox7_j3NVxG3oleQpNrTfiw3JmzJi5tPCqUu_6Nd7FUkzq7IiLl96idMKEfEW3e7LUfR324Asr_A2E7y3tZToe_k3GR0zpFkVMkaCZ1KhRilRi2AdAcfWBr/s400/HPIM5837.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We then spent the day wandering Venice, seeing churches, and poking our heads into shops:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvqYWznyIr_Lw8fggF3hAd-6nKOOx6cSekYg5N4X5PXJfgiC41uKAsJcuNTFBVNPGXKYpa8k-wSYpOQmSwcsDzMIH_8nj8Cta9Eu5VDfnOexawc-e_w_wPOulfKwe8LWlIHI7RQwzKwbW/s1600/HPIM5750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvqYWznyIr_Lw8fggF3hAd-6nKOOx6cSekYg5N4X5PXJfgiC41uKAsJcuNTFBVNPGXKYpa8k-wSYpOQmSwcsDzMIH_8nj8Cta9Eu5VDfnOexawc-e_w_wPOulfKwe8LWlIHI7RQwzKwbW/s400/HPIM5750.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grand canal</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to Piazza San Marco</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMbwwE8BRKcmIIlYUWU2NofupWBvrPvA7ipgjxIV6VofJLXxscHBgkT0eGBA2if-wcNF4DdOd-FXE2I0Kl6ATYNP-J0WIMeEFcSOSC6Lbt8pU8ZPdr4d-JqAjmnXL-kNOVlJKGRdao9hf/s1600/HPIM5754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMbwwE8BRKcmIIlYUWU2NofupWBvrPvA7ipgjxIV6VofJLXxscHBgkT0eGBA2if-wcNF4DdOd-FXE2I0Kl6ATYNP-J0WIMeEFcSOSC6Lbt8pU8ZPdr4d-JqAjmnXL-kNOVlJKGRdao9hf/s400/HPIM5754.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the Grand Canal and all the docks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE-WoXXmkwP56yWsJ_eP5XBULITd4ho8YoIzYqfmlVxYF724zuMG3lX4Gj4IYFZDgOCOEqNLdS0s7VccFyTcmOB5LqeRm1aP3sEd2HJ4H8Iy2HOjIJBuaEkKQGc9S8q3za_Clmw6hSbCz/s1600/HPIM5758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE-WoXXmkwP56yWsJ_eP5XBULITd4ho8YoIzYqfmlVxYF724zuMG3lX4Gj4IYFZDgOCOEqNLdS0s7VccFyTcmOB5LqeRm1aP3sEd2HJ4H8Iy2HOjIJBuaEkKQGc9S8q3za_Clmw6hSbCz/s400/HPIM5758.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A teeny-tiny Venetian street</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvS8lYOKzkudyykr6HjtDUZfBwZfycyNLnsIQ6bt0TBTDyl12PXq6D84s1k1hoj7ur6xlJ8ye_pH39WhyphenhyphenedWHeMRCiofwGezsyNk3Gnjs3YkZwZzLg59ofsllZIi0jLn-KE3bcgdtQxN3/s1600/HPIM5761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvS8lYOKzkudyykr6HjtDUZfBwZfycyNLnsIQ6bt0TBTDyl12PXq6D84s1k1hoj7ur6xlJ8ye_pH39WhyphenhyphenedWHeMRCiofwGezsyNk3Gnjs3YkZwZzLg59ofsllZIi0jLn-KE3bcgdtQxN3/s400/HPIM5761.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourists on a gondola ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLfPtHfy8_fB_tDT98lACRNYKK-vsDJ0uxQjeUAoj6olteo2BuQxHuTH4Hf46S3b1dGznzgLx4SjZEbYNTYUi0lqZxWDah1xnfkcz4JUM7z6L8oO6MJUHZYNV72G2PQB-GArTeG-F5bNs/s1600/HPIM5846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLfPtHfy8_fB_tDT98lACRNYKK-vsDJ0uxQjeUAoj6olteo2BuQxHuTH4Hf46S3b1dGznzgLx4SjZEbYNTYUi0lqZxWDah1xnfkcz4JUM7z6L8oO6MJUHZYNV72G2PQB-GArTeG-F5bNs/s400/HPIM5846.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfQbebn2438gRpYngFngeU4cGlBgFc-aUtP2aj2xHdHOQf7_-26IOX0y86ZyyAC1ygre4z_lXhWoUEvffHSp1hSBTGm_RdNE1K7TSEVyeT8cugInikq5TLtRZG8Vv5hKw8J7itBQTPviP/s1600/HPIM5863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfQbebn2438gRpYngFngeU4cGlBgFc-aUtP2aj2xHdHOQf7_-26IOX0y86ZyyAC1ygre4z_lXhWoUEvffHSp1hSBTGm_RdNE1K7TSEVyeT8cugInikq5TLtRZG8Vv5hKw8J7itBQTPviP/s400/HPIM5863.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Ukrainian Art exhibit, part of <a href="http://www.labiennale.org/en/Home.html">Biennale</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx7qGyCi9HcRaGpVCA-gc8qDWM7nOLJFoTnx5H3RlhyphenhyphenZQUgyaX1GdT4TSIzk8F84oPlhiOqbqp4op7Zu4O1kHtzOEzAB6Tj67cT1xuR3hqqBSJwmL68vh8iJQCubQvWI4B8dL4Q0m7-jV/s1600/HPIM5864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx7qGyCi9HcRaGpVCA-gc8qDWM7nOLJFoTnx5H3RlhyphenhyphenZQUgyaX1GdT4TSIzk8F84oPlhiOqbqp4op7Zu4O1kHtzOEzAB6Tj67cT1xuR3hqqBSJwmL68vh8iJQCubQvWI4B8dL4Q0m7-jV/s400/HPIM5864.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take a closer look!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6LOZZHv_PZ200u-RT-QBzRs7_qNahLHw27565eJ8Kf3kyWPUzXTMTk_hUqyYcXBrtIO_k6fDlJ4kbNul_hLrOUpzNtwe1iUipb7-dxqhrF46jYpfg36WavAH-QSd3rqfo7axZKGsGfCP/s1600/HPIM5865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6LOZZHv_PZ200u-RT-QBzRs7_qNahLHw27565eJ8Kf3kyWPUzXTMTk_hUqyYcXBrtIO_k6fDlJ4kbNul_hLrOUpzNtwe1iUipb7-dxqhrF46jYpfg36WavAH-QSd3rqfo7axZKGsGfCP/s400/HPIM5865.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_nPIUC1T2ZTrMh3fbkZgiueAP5IXHYh_y9gV-2w1lKmO3ybxy53Er9VtywkGgVu1vEudPe5u8cUOkKet9MGjh6ZF5IZfLC2n7YrsqfjRfj1dBnBNLgYENkdpRUvaOYaTQAj37h198oys/s1600/HPIM5866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_nPIUC1T2ZTrMh3fbkZgiueAP5IXHYh_y9gV-2w1lKmO3ybxy53Er9VtywkGgVu1vEudPe5u8cUOkKet9MGjh6ZF5IZfLC2n7YrsqfjRfj1dBnBNLgYENkdpRUvaOYaTQAj37h198oys/s400/HPIM5866.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Omg! I was so relieved to find pizza suitable for an American palate</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSv4QRYqxkF0-6CjlKOcttoYgpPNNzj6xOzw3Qtfni0fN7KxQar-unnI3W4zKEAL0hqgFBbAg0mXvmyxFynTgl4u7meMYDRvXwXlA_G9SIOuKPetGm-QDHGBowgkVvgZyXzprWT6Y46-j/s1600/HPIM5886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSv4QRYqxkF0-6CjlKOcttoYgpPNNzj6xOzw3Qtfni0fN7KxQar-unnI3W4zKEAL0hqgFBbAg0mXvmyxFynTgl4u7meMYDRvXwXlA_G9SIOuKPetGm-QDHGBowgkVvgZyXzprWT6Y46-j/s400/HPIM5886.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Sigh</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn4XJYBI8qJ5zG6pYEJrM_17W22u0WLtqOcr17m22kUwEEKtkJ8-6eZt0WNgXYFaDdLYIQHwl1jtEMe-Dl2lDdaSVa-JWaXtreUyDW3AeAYo3tg8X6LS7T1m3ylHyzQtMfwnhJLUXeiIQ/s1600/HPIM5888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn4XJYBI8qJ5zG6pYEJrM_17W22u0WLtqOcr17m22kUwEEKtkJ8-6eZt0WNgXYFaDdLYIQHwl1jtEMe-Dl2lDdaSVa-JWaXtreUyDW3AeAYo3tg8X6LS7T1m3ylHyzQtMfwnhJLUXeiIQ/s400/HPIM5888.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuN_B1zDyKmEW3-_D1FrYNc3ljoITWDwkcA7AYqM8KDkxf57l6u7OLB83RO8qvQcwHlScItw2UWTFevMw1yLRMyWI701qZbuzshOsw_OBvfZqXD8y_561QF2YUOW3naw8biuv8nvkj5bu/s1600/HPIM5892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuN_B1zDyKmEW3-_D1FrYNc3ljoITWDwkcA7AYqM8KDkxf57l6u7OLB83RO8qvQcwHlScItw2UWTFevMw1yLRMyWI701qZbuzshOsw_OBvfZqXD8y_561QF2YUOW3naw8biuv8nvkj5bu/s400/HPIM5892.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eXXdBnT1wqVV2TsmmjA5Q8sr1lIOKv4nWnqDD9e4uBQvu8QJMJUksF-NjIeMQaq-5TJNOCMIBOngBz4ixoRG7yytMoy5uqq1AFQRzY2S13moICY0oTSMRYg4rlH7FIe3MquJt54HrBl-/s1600/HPIM5924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eXXdBnT1wqVV2TsmmjA5Q8sr1lIOKv4nWnqDD9e4uBQvu8QJMJUksF-NjIeMQaq-5TJNOCMIBOngBz4ixoRG7yytMoy5uqq1AFQRzY2S13moICY0oTSMRYg4rlH7FIe3MquJt54HrBl-/s400/HPIM5924.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nutella gelato sporting my new bling</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oBi6sfPwvDEXi7AAg4L3Iu8gFE808ZNqMHsMb7CLUEuFYX86a_2Qt2_EID6kifKb1jD2kyxrbIrNK7fcjhleGY09W0sy3MjY0Jc9UDopgpVS0vyMCn-GB60SSIk45lE5GHgsM9CctLK6/s1600/HPIM5935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oBi6sfPwvDEXi7AAg4L3Iu8gFE808ZNqMHsMb7CLUEuFYX86a_2Qt2_EID6kifKb1jD2kyxrbIrNK7fcjhleGY09W0sy3MjY0Jc9UDopgpVS0vyMCn-GB60SSIk45lE5GHgsM9CctLK6/s400/HPIM5935.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After our day of exploration, we joined my friend and her roommates for a delightful Italian "tapas" style dinner on their rooftop terrace. It was a lovely end to a beautiful weekend in Venice. We headed back to the B&B quite late to prepare for our morning departure.<br />
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</div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-53648779935815892942011-08-14T18:33:00.000-07:002011-08-14T18:33:35.393-07:00Where did I leave off...? France!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It has been quite awhile. My dreams of blogging on the go and keeping up-to-date on our trip were dashed. Without my own laptop or even real plans of where we'd be staying the next night, my thoughts and energies were focused elsewhere. Oh well. Here I am now, blogging from our cozy Iowa City apartment. I have quite the crush on this city, but more on that to come. I plan on writing a new post for each major place we visited (in some cases this will be countries, in some cases it will be cities). I also made a new tab just for travels, so feel free to re-browse whenever :)<br />
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So after our little New Jersey stopover, we boarded a plane for Barcelona. We were supposed to spend the first ~28 hours there, hostel was even booked! But we ended up flying in exactly 24 hours later than planned, so we just boarded a shuttle bus from the "normal" airport to the discount airline section (i.e. barely any food options and not air conditioned). We flew <a href="http://www.easyjet.com/">Easy Jet</a> from Barcelona to Lyon, France. It wasn't the most ideal way to get near<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=faverges,+france&hl=en&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=39.320439,79.013672&z=13"> Faverges, France</a>, but we searched high and low for train possibilities and flying into Grenoble and Geneva. In the end, Lyon it was. <br />
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The total cost for the flight (including bank fees for "buying abroad" and some of Easy Jet's fees) was $113 USD. This is quite the deal, considering that is after the exchange rate, and it was for both of us! Also, I was extremely lucky that my French professor, who was in the process of relocating near Faverges for his retirement, offered to pick us up at the airport and drive us to my host family's house. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGcIs671pVh7_WqkFolWqRqCno5aL5ac9EhWj4YYFjR2Z-_z6SykDrcVkO3N5IpgzmGW0mleuynmmhjWtg0E9WUZwGnwmql7vjwZ0XCVos0NWTd6UVGLSYXSFxSRjLUmDy4k_Ez3MuA4E/s1600/HPIM5569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGcIs671pVh7_WqkFolWqRqCno5aL5ac9EhWj4YYFjR2Z-_z6SykDrcVkO3N5IpgzmGW0mleuynmmhjWtg0E9WUZwGnwmql7vjwZ0XCVos0NWTd6UVGLSYXSFxSRjLUmDy4k_Ez3MuA4E/s400/HPIM5569.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michel and Monique lounging in their pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table> It was absolutely wonderful to go back to Faverges after 4 years. I fell in love with the area when I studied abroad, and the romance was rekindled again. I thoroughly enjoyed showing Alex around. What was a bit unsettling was my (lack of) language skills. I have taken some French classes here and there since college, but haven't spoken it regularly since the last time I was in France! I was also nervous about staying with my French parents. I hadn't kept up the best communication with them, and they don't speak any ANY English. <br />
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When we arrived, I choked. I resorted to miming and was completely frustrated that I was going to feel like a complete fool for the next 3 days. After setting our stuff down, we rejoined Michel and Monique in the garden for a small tour (for Alex) the gears began to turn. Luckily, my knowledge of gardening broke the awkwardness. The good 'ole middle school vocabulary for raspberries, beans, strawberries, and zucchini came right back to me and broke the ice. After a rough couple of hours, my French flowed much more quickly and with ease. I let go of the fears that I wasn't grammatically correct and embraced the fact that I was with some incredibly caring and kind people that once again let me back into their home and hearts. <br />
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Our time in France was filled with delicious meals (oh the food!), walks to the market, hanging out with Clement (Michel and Monique's 5 yo grandson), going to Annecy (nearby city), and seeing other host parents that I had known from 4 years back. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZNcJCcMaVqoaAvknR88rbvH7rkDXqnWVhcbcbSI0GcYFUXedpa5bL2vDQ4CFloCbRNXcY84vljgPTldEnadwe0Sih_Hrl8dTOJlf9Kvp7CBLm-3_eHqLm7ey1QakMP7XtpBzY1tEW7jq/s1600/HPIM5578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZNcJCcMaVqoaAvknR88rbvH7rkDXqnWVhcbcbSI0GcYFUXedpa5bL2vDQ4CFloCbRNXcY84vljgPTldEnadwe0Sih_Hrl8dTOJlf9Kvp7CBLm-3_eHqLm7ey1QakMP7XtpBzY1tEW7jq/s400/HPIM5578.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade jam, fresh bread, croissants, orange juice, and tea. What our breakfasts looks like everyday!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Just to give you an idea of how amazing these folks are, when I told Michel and Monique that Alex and I wanted to take them out for Kebab (a Turkish restaurant that has similar fast food/casual restaurants all over Europe) so that we could thank them for their hospitality and so that Alex could try Kebab (it was his first time in Europe). Michel agreed that going out would be nice, but said "We will pay, my house my rules, we are paying for you" (that is my pathetic translation, and how simple our exchanges are). <br />
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Without a doubt Alex and I will be visiting again, hopefully sooner than another 4 years. <br />
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For your viewing pleasure:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEHPnRhSnoQYKvz0URD0muAS9giXVdOjCbQD7DGD5MJkJgBeNfWDgVLpUx1LTtNrtjFawj2dFdUll_vgYqog887sjrMU-UX_pIlkOKyAdBIBHVrPpKws3K-tTlSivl_TrNzJ4vIf8NTyL/s1600/HPIM5582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEHPnRhSnoQYKvz0URD0muAS9giXVdOjCbQD7DGD5MJkJgBeNfWDgVLpUx1LTtNrtjFawj2dFdUll_vgYqog887sjrMU-UX_pIlkOKyAdBIBHVrPpKws3K-tTlSivl_TrNzJ4vIf8NTyL/s400/HPIM5582.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking to the market in Faverges with Monique, Alex and little Clement.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discovering cool things along the way like this snail!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwoNn1ozKvyIEb_cmmsaYxDmCq8qcmN_ck8rkzYs0HkG6a8eBugM1HOS7n6gGS5FqATOYtI2jgSO3QJh8WcTwTSBkLjGFFmu8817Rge3mLz-_CX9TYByd0gc9eKfglPWTr-lQ-VcQE9gK/s1600/HPIM5585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwoNn1ozKvyIEb_cmmsaYxDmCq8qcmN_ck8rkzYs0HkG6a8eBugM1HOS7n6gGS5FqATOYtI2jgSO3QJh8WcTwTSBkLjGFFmu8817Rge3mLz-_CX9TYByd0gc9eKfglPWTr-lQ-VcQE9gK/s400/HPIM5585.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking through this beautiful valley.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6D7zy_K2ak3MDWMqaoQxa52HxVjF3EpVrF-hC4SLatwWcsK4jjypBnF08ZxmVVCf48Z38rzw4_B0wgW24rAxzkyRJb01_q89of0Rp_jOVBn5Kte7ot1KCEw0gbq8WFfAoTsl6qqg59lW/s1600/HPIM5625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6D7zy_K2ak3MDWMqaoQxa52HxVjF3EpVrF-hC4SLatwWcsK4jjypBnF08ZxmVVCf48Z38rzw4_B0wgW24rAxzkyRJb01_q89of0Rp_jOVBn5Kte7ot1KCEw0gbq8WFfAoTsl6qqg59lW/s400/HPIM5625.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rooftops of Annecy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYCkrQNs5aIpHl16zw2iAB3PifMIMf85DAejNVMv2F5fO55lYHQDaTZK4uj9EyAlfuo62zeVnWouAQURRxec-I_73DGPrlIZcPNi0mKFAwqvR90XeuvXlhAEZpS9NiVgwsuDUMZkhD2aQ/s1600/HPIM5683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYCkrQNs5aIpHl16zw2iAB3PifMIMf85DAejNVMv2F5fO55lYHQDaTZK4uj9EyAlfuo62zeVnWouAQURRxec-I_73DGPrlIZcPNi0mKFAwqvR90XeuvXlhAEZpS9NiVgwsuDUMZkhD2aQ/s400/HPIM5683.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shores of Lake Annecy, on a walk with Monique, Annie, and Alex</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
</div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-48358473249529189792011-08-02T12:51:00.000-07:002011-08-02T12:51:33.284-07:00On Hold<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">While I recollect myself and prepare for a move to Iowa (and entrance to the wonderful world of unemployment) the blog will be on hold. I mistakenly thought I was going to be able to travel, visit with family, and begin planning a wedding (squeels) and BLOG. Once I have a desk and am not typing on the floor of my childhood bedroom, I'll be back to business. </div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-74607145653749471182011-06-30T14:36:00.000-07:002011-06-30T14:36:43.276-07:00The Silver LiningRight now, I am relaxing with a belly full of French cheese, sparkling wine, bread (oh the BREAD), couscous, garden-grown vegetables, rice, and some delicious trout caught not far from here by mon pere francais, Michel (aka French dad).<br />
<br />
Sounds like heaven, right? Did I mention, we are in the Alps, the French Alps that is? I will fall asleep to the sound of cow bells in the meadow next to me, quite a change to the alarms and music blasting from cars in Boston. So you wonder: why call this post The Silver Lining? Well, getting here was quite the adventure.<br />
<br />
When we arrived to the Boston airport, 2.5 hours early, we encountered the beginning of the next 29 or so hours for us. A long and slow line for Continental. I must warn, if you have some sort of affinity or love for Continental airlines, stop reading now. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszuDTWGK7mBT8qDoRXQqRs_jvS1dynud4-jD7SAgHRVvdBvH2Qw4ih2migBVuV2y-aRQMOPQus8Hnh4kDZlcj9LAJWIOFaYP-zgQF_1CKNyYfuLTGRHNvnGw36BXZuKxVBXDD3l6VFZI-/s1600/HPIM5556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszuDTWGK7mBT8qDoRXQqRs_jvS1dynud4-jD7SAgHRVvdBvH2Qw4ih2migBVuV2y-aRQMOPQus8Hnh4kDZlcj9LAJWIOFaYP-zgQF_1CKNyYfuLTGRHNvnGw36BXZuKxVBXDD3l6VFZI-/s640/HPIM5556.jpg" width="640px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess how I feel about being on the phone with Continental customer service? and I had more photos, but my French parents evidently do not know what antivirus software and the computer can not handle uploading...</td></tr>
</tbody></table> This would be one of the shortest lines we would have to encounter...<br />
<br />
Our flight was delayed 45 minutes because the crew was en route. After boarding the plane, we had to wait another 45 minutes. At that point, we had given up on catching our connection to Barcelona, but figured that Newark was a large enough airport that we could find another way to Spain. I was wrong. The rest of our plane had to wait for customer service along with us. It was 2 hours before we were able to speak with someone at customer service. While Alex waited, I bopped from gate to gate, hoping to catch another flight going to Europe, but soon discovered it was routine to overbook all the flights, so customers that paid for those flights were getting bumped. No room for us... (insert Mary and Joseph joke here? too soon?)<br />
<br />
By the time we had reached the front of the customer service line, it was around 10:15 pm. We were given vouchers for a hotel and meals. With some other disgruntled customers, we made our way to the parking lot where our hotel shuttle would fetch us. I was told that the hotel was <em>maybe</em> 2 miles away. The driver then informed me that it was in fact 28 miles away. We passed other Radissons on the way to this place! <br />
<br />
Once we arrived, we encouted a fine example of customer service in comparison to Contenintals' look-away-don't-say-hello approach. We got on their computers and sent some nasty letters to Continental, and ordered some food from the local pizza joint, the only place still open at that time. <br />
<br />
The next day we ate at the breakfast, wandered around the hotel looking for a bank in vain, and caught a shuttle back to the airport to wait 7 hours for our flight (a full 24 hours after our intended flight) to Barcelona.<br />
<br />
Through all of this, I learned some valuable lessons:<br />
<ol><li><u>It will be okay:</u> I wanted to freak out and cry, and okay maybe I did cry a little. In my mind, this <em>trip of a lifetime</em> had not even begun and it was already derailed. Alex, who taught me basically all the lessons I will recount here, shrugged his shoulders and said his famous phrase (well famous to me) <em>its out of your control, there's nothing we can do. </em>Look at that! Things are actually amazing now, once we got over that pesky jet lag. </li>
<li><u>Be nice to those in power:</u> Because I could not quite understand the fact that things would indeed be okay, I wanted to blame someone. No I did not swear and scream, but I certainly was not very polite to the customer service agent. Once we realized that the amount we were given for food vouchers ($18) was not enough, Alex asked calmly and politley for more, and whaddaknow? We got more! Perhaps this is common sense for most people, and frankly its common sense for me, but when you are emotional and freaking out about lost hostel reservations, and a lost day, you lose a bit of common sense.</li>
<li><u>A comfortable bed and hot meals are a good thing: </u>Who was I to throw a shit fit? I had an amazing place to sleep (first time on a sleep number KING!) and food. Really that is a good way to spend the first day of your vacation after a stressful and emotional move (and too many goodbyes). And to get real serious for a minute, much better than how the rest of the world has it.</li>
</ol>Long story short, I am on am on a month-long vacation with a really great guy, can I really be upset about spending a night in Piscataway, New Jersey (don't go there, there's nothing there, at least not by the Radisson)?<br />
<br />
Losing my regular access to internet tomorrow, so I am not sure when I will be back...carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-8965881552979846232011-06-25T20:01:00.000-07:002011-06-25T20:01:41.158-07:00Packing Part 2My friend (former coworker *sad face*) commented on my last post, "Aren't you going to bring any clothes?" (paraphrasing because I am too lazy to go back and read the actual comment). <br />
<br />
Although there are an abundance of nudist beaches in Europe, and we all know they are so much more liberal over there (with their more than 2 party governments and national healthcare -- even that one place where *gasp* prostitution is legal!), I will be bringing clothes. Some churches are pretty strict on the no shoulders, no knees policy, which means my normal vacation wardrobe needed to be amended. Without further ado...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdxwB9E5BKCSLOeYgZQWzf7OPJ0SmgPhGHc8jFCkdhYd6TIrgFLZTpKTdekuUMPQV_lBwEfxFplKciJXT6Y5NyeEXxWMeSnfCrgPw0P4NzMKIDLBckoOiOjuCkVfrqn_F3MrO2ViZCtlg/s1600/HPIM5550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdxwB9E5BKCSLOeYgZQWzf7OPJ0SmgPhGHc8jFCkdhYd6TIrgFLZTpKTdekuUMPQV_lBwEfxFplKciJXT6Y5NyeEXxWMeSnfCrgPw0P4NzMKIDLBckoOiOjuCkVfrqn_F3MrO2ViZCtlg/s640/HPIM5550.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpevHPV1-k9ovMvd5aKcdJElB1a6AC0y3yh5M72vtiDUWbS7o4QuFHWw4-N1aPnDCRRJFf5-y0RPsGYCBIDoacqC3PTlZ42stANzDfLXvxtL2pIixUplSz89WKFNqEjWfyCsZlorIM5Y_y/s1600/Inspired+Life+Header+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VrO_vmM5-vlILxnuUpgL4eE8NDfg6E777L2ybBuqJPytMF9OlytvaS_NwAICMAPHtbEsxvg48BAocAzUjgcp_YamdoCGvnRvXro5NPydFYjr7sRzdwmc3XOSCnYxQLhdz9GQwZeYqQdZ/s1600/HPIM5550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>So what's all in there?<br />
<ul><li>2 belts (for some reason I have this insane idea that if I accessorize they may not be able to identify me as a tourist...)</li>
<li>2 bathing suits (hoping for some back-to-back days on the beach in Spain!)</li>
<li>4 pairs of socks (one of which I will be wearing)</li>
<li>1 pair of linen pants (that roll into capris)</li>
<li>1 pair of nilon cargo-ish capris</li>
<li>1 pair of shorts</li>
<li>4 sundresses of varying lengths (none of which will probably be appropriate for Vatican City, being tall isn't always advantageous!) </li>
<li>5 pairs of undies</li>
<li>2 scarves (see commentary on belts above)</li>
<li>3 tank tops</li>
<li>4 colored tee-shirts</li>
<li>1 pair of black leggings</li>
<li>1 long sleeve button-up top (same as my "about me" photo)</li>
<li>1 3/4 length sleeve linen top</li>
<li>2 cardigans (one with buttons, one without)</li>
<li>2 bras (one strapless) </li>
</ul>Phew! That seems like way more clothing when I write it out. It will probably end up being too much, but the idea of wearing the same rotation of tops in all my picture haunts me. <br />
<br />
What I forgot to include in the previous post and this one?<br />
<ul><li>mascara</li>
<li>blush/bronzer (I have a combo)</li>
<li>a pen (duh! how am I supposed to keep a travel diary?)</li>
<li>1 necklace</li>
<li>1 pair of earrings</li>
</ul>We're off tomorrow at 4:45 pm. The house is packed and I'm laying on the floor with no desk or chairs! <br />
<br />
Aidios!carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-26608858335339915152011-06-23T19:15:00.000-07:002011-06-23T19:15:51.345-07:00Packing Part 1We leave for Barcelona (just one stop of many) on Sunday. YES SUNDAY! That means in 3 days' time, we will be on a plane from Newark to Barcelona. My room is a total disaster area, with small tidbits of what I can't seem to find a box or place for. For example, a humidifier! Where am I supposed to put that? I guess it will go with the awkwardly shaped crock pot and my lotion bottles (is it going to squirt all over everything else?!?!)<br />
<br />
Anyways, I've been packing! Woo Hoo! Here is a little rundown of what I am going to fit into<a href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/57201?feat=816-CL1"> this little guy</a>. We're trying to avoid some major fees and have some strange, masochistic sense of accomplishment for packing light. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfb5imBerLhpuQpMCmSAuKnWH2D2NZj0CNlBFWad_04PwQV9uUxBG4XNzirNB0yQJU65UvPMat8fpgR1OD1ZounurCCdJ0Nnjh8Cwan3KSJobMrDhAN56K8i4Y4kvoGtP5v3Z5N7DL7F2/s1600/264980_29214_41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfb5imBerLhpuQpMCmSAuKnWH2D2NZj0CNlBFWad_04PwQV9uUxBG4XNzirNB0yQJU65UvPMat8fpgR1OD1ZounurCCdJ0Nnjh8Cwan3KSJobMrDhAN56K8i4Y4kvoGtP5v3Z5N7DL7F2/s320/264980_29214_41.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>Here goes...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZsoiSa2_RAbz55VGf5UF5kfhVvnZcLjLPEoF0qhH39-HrfOGH3i_lxuD2i7hgISvzlNsj_zVr1UWuqQRseu4u0L0oFFcdTN09rGq19PbhtXUf1E45qbQVbRdY0P-h8jzYMkXFCCAQCBB/s1600/HPIM5517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZsoiSa2_RAbz55VGf5UF5kfhVvnZcLjLPEoF0qhH39-HrfOGH3i_lxuD2i7hgISvzlNsj_zVr1UWuqQRseu4u0L0oFFcdTN09rGq19PbhtXUf1E45qbQVbRdY0P-h8jzYMkXFCCAQCBB/s640/HPIM5517.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the massive amount of MESS surrounding this photo, and I was too lazy to edit or crop this...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's the rundown (from Left bottom to right, and then up again...you'll figure it out)<br />
<ul><li>Outlet Converter (I couldn't find mine from study abroad ~3 years ago. Picked this up from Best Buy for $20)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/62112?feat=2-SR0">Flexible Tripod</a> (mine was a Christmas gift, and has magnetic feet)</li>
<li>Flashlight/whistle combination (something my dad gave to me in haste hoping it would ward off potential rapists as I roam the streets of Boston)</li>
<li>MP3 Player and Charger (MP3 will contain <a href="http://www.intrepidtravel.com/languageguides">language lessons</a> and <a href="http://www.ricksteves.com/news/travelnews/0602/italy_downloads.htm">audio tours</a>, plus some music!)</li>
<li>OFF! (I guess all that water in Venice breeds mosquitoes)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.moleskine.com/">Moleskin</a> notebook (I am hoping to accomplish my goal of keeping a travel journal as mentioned<a href="http://inspiredlifeproject.blogspot.com/p/to-do_05.html"> here</a>) </li>
<li>Sleeping mask </li>
<li>Nail clippers</li>
<li>Razor (Can I take this on the plane? If not, here comes hairy Carolyn!)</li>
<li>A baggy of q-tips and flossing thingys</li>
<li>Misc. collection of bandaids (including the fancy blister ones just in case)</li>
<li>Extra set of contacts</li>
<li>Face towlettes (for those lazy, sweaty nights)</li>
<li>Extra bobby pins and hair ties</li>
<li>Teeny-tiny wallet</li>
<li><a href="http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/lips-lip-balms/replenishing-lip-balm-pomegranate-oil.html">Lip Balm</a></li>
<li>Mini digital camera (fingers crossed I'll snag a skype interview..you know for a job!)</li>
<li>Camera charger/docking station (I was too lazy to actually put the wires in the photo, because I had to upload these pictures)</li>
<li>Glasses/Glasses case (yes be very jealous of how nice and thick my lenses are!)</li>
<li>Flash drive</li>
<li> My sweet new watch (Ironman edition-- the athletic event, not the movie. I couldn't find the link online, but picked it up at Target for ~$30)</li>
<li>Purse for carrying around all my junk during the day</li>
<li>Map</li>
<li>Blue folder containing: <a href="http://www.intrepidtravel.com/languageguides">scripts </a>to our language lessons, <a href="http://www.ricksteves.com/news/travelnews/0602/italy_downloads.htm">maps </a>for our audio tours, and <a href="http://www.fodors.com/language/">mini language cheat sheets</a>. </li>
<li>My liquids/toiletries bag containing: Tide detergent, face moisturizer (SPF30), sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, contact lens solution, face wash and scrub, and body wash. </li>
<li>My spiffy, new LL Bean <a href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/58458?feat=506707-GN3">hiking/walking shoes</a>. </li>
<li>My Teva<a href="http://www.teva.com/productdetails.aspx?g=w&productID=6840&model=Olowahu"> flip flops</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.smartwool.com/phd/">Smartwool socks</a> (kinda pricey, but highly rated. I got Alex and I one pair for heavy-walking days) </li>
<li>My Clarks <a href="http://www.clarksusa.com/eng/product/un_coast/85214">walking sandals</a></li>
<li>Deodorant</li>
<li><a href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/36971?pi=573417&subrnd=0&feat=49952-ppxsrx">Camping towel</a> (super absorbent and fast-drying)</li>
<li>Awesome money belt that Alex designed and sewed. Yes, he cut those pieces out of fabric and made two amazing money belts for us! (I'm such a lucky gal)</li>
<li>Our envelope of hotel reservations, train tickets, and plane tickets.</li>
<li>Missing: my camera, duh! </li>
</ul>Here are some close-ups of the goods<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinT_2_hOWOE8yJvyYlCjhUV3KJ_xvIekhRISy0ZQDp8WxHbzZuaGNJVEaJMTNo4Qbw6Y5we9IpNUtSM7ZEUsMhU6nJt6Vu92vvJdbUR3dbqVogBm5TbvoN8_QWREx-ef-qLr3a6Wry8laY/s1600/HPIM5519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinT_2_hOWOE8yJvyYlCjhUV3KJ_xvIekhRISy0ZQDp8WxHbzZuaGNJVEaJMTNo4Qbw6Y5we9IpNUtSM7ZEUsMhU6nJt6Vu92vvJdbUR3dbqVogBm5TbvoN8_QWREx-ef-qLr3a6Wry8laY/s400/HPIM5519.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2n2WyeW6FBa1Ah720SlwUlUZMHcnXhnnOJSUZdFOrJMRtlXvGp9RR4KQ5YiFarF7rOfjsxQi29u-Fooo3YOe3EqEyY0JXyNDfjlpLgyASIlrGgMHwxZgMQBigAX3ksrp0TWZpm4UUHpM/s1600/HPIM5520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2n2WyeW6FBa1Ah720SlwUlUZMHcnXhnnOJSUZdFOrJMRtlXvGp9RR4KQ5YiFarF7rOfjsxQi29u-Fooo3YOe3EqEyY0JXyNDfjlpLgyASIlrGgMHwxZgMQBigAX3ksrp0TWZpm4UUHpM/s400/HPIM5520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Stay tuned for info on my wardrobe for the trip!carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-15902545374929609072011-06-18T13:26:00.000-07:002011-06-18T13:27:21.515-07:00Willy in WonderlandYesterday, I went to the Chihuly exhibit with my friends from Ohio that are visiting. Generally, going to the <a href="http://www.mfa.org/">Museum of Fine Arts</a> is an enjoyable experience, but this time it was beautiful, amazing, and awesome. I have been a fan of <a href="http://www.chihuly.com/home.aspx">Dale Chihuly's</a> work since I went to Las Vegas in 2008 and saw his glass at the Bellagio. We couldn't decide it if was more Willy Wonka or Alice in Wonderland.<br />
<br />
Here's some eye candy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9dKPqyDA6X52fn2iCOUNS0XXMWIpoSCPJlrGJM5tM-ze9svXz0NBhQ8udEYb6bU2BXVcqIFvw0n7TC78lxKMu9xjerpP4CYS2m3exoMtEu-YwnVmH-sy5pnaDx115ZpsHn3z9iYVcOof/s1600/HPIM5476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9dKPqyDA6X52fn2iCOUNS0XXMWIpoSCPJlrGJM5tM-ze9svXz0NBhQ8udEYb6bU2BXVcqIFvw0n7TC78lxKMu9xjerpP4CYS2m3exoMtEu-YwnVmH-sy5pnaDx115ZpsHn3z9iYVcOof/s640/HPIM5476.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was the first installment. A Noah's Ark of sorts, I suppose. The reflection made it doubly jaw-dropping.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWf7N_GRb03ZO7aZeWYzzWd1hCATTSFlBNcW_JvQ2mHdnzk-BZPwUKjUHcnPTwUOVizjwlVzGwr826qQIGhmBUYtkoACzf0DN6fBBExoaS6juTit5E7eJQ8QUcnfftKw0w1IM4Iqnn6Joi/s1600/HPIM5480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWf7N_GRb03ZO7aZeWYzzWd1hCATTSFlBNcW_JvQ2mHdnzk-BZPwUKjUHcnPTwUOVizjwlVzGwr826qQIGhmBUYtkoACzf0DN6fBBExoaS6juTit5E7eJQ8QUcnfftKw0w1IM4Iqnn6Joi/s640/HPIM5480.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More natural-looking glass on a wooden table. An amazing collection of fabric was hanging in the background.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSR9Dxudu5WwvTWMXF1qpldaLoydUp09o9vLVSap5d1Wgz4W94nDErKOEczbWGzBq0eJDStk6q59ZHpXXZeLhCIj32uxCMlmmrfITcXbsgrrqeKBHc5h1QsjWACMFvBrdVujZTFapw-Jl6/s1600/HPIM5482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSR9Dxudu5WwvTWMXF1qpldaLoydUp09o9vLVSap5d1Wgz4W94nDErKOEczbWGzBq0eJDStk6q59ZHpXXZeLhCIj32uxCMlmmrfITcXbsgrrqeKBHc5h1QsjWACMFvBrdVujZTFapw-Jl6/s640/HPIM5482.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">**Fuzzy-- no tripod :(** I literally exhaled "WOW" as I walked into this exhibit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfs2MbN8il1CyQfFzIiUXUHYfADhifiQSzwJ1cuwe_LK7zXJCUXag9eLOGElVS9f54gZmaVCSUiLbRpMQhqS5aXGaCgQqI7lYJWvCHDYWop6ck-aoJDLdmduUny00UZTdL3q2ADtG8UqxY/s1600/HPIM5489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfs2MbN8il1CyQfFzIiUXUHYfADhifiQSzwJ1cuwe_LK7zXJCUXag9eLOGElVS9f54gZmaVCSUiLbRpMQhqS5aXGaCgQqI7lYJWvCHDYWop6ck-aoJDLdmduUny00UZTdL3q2ADtG8UqxY/s640/HPIM5489.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This curly-q one soared to the ceiling. I couldn't get a focused shot of the whole thing, but this was pretty awesome!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NitXekfACae3K81J_pP7ZWu1ieUwPvCv_ZIS6mpfRemsZVu2LONn3_uFq0reQWcMbBVqHoZEc8aGRXZspMB-VvhlCyhd9_LCMpAeSxAA63o69gPbjjQdEDYUtj4CrnvZ4bwmuG0771KT/s1600/HPIM5494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NitXekfACae3K81J_pP7ZWu1ieUwPvCv_ZIS6mpfRemsZVu2LONn3_uFq0reQWcMbBVqHoZEc8aGRXZspMB-VvhlCyhd9_LCMpAeSxAA63o69gPbjjQdEDYUtj4CrnvZ4bwmuG0771KT/s640/HPIM5494.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde933r5n9SzeqyDHy2jAghpFzfWiNwrYJbX8mBClJLvx_kuQWbyGrd7oqZZ99_mr_Hx1GAMybxIbqWizw8MxBRnm9tGtsxbERb-6cBVAq-ph4qLz5kipKml7zfs74wGK0ye9t-Aa5yNGR/s1600/HPIM5495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde933r5n9SzeqyDHy2jAghpFzfWiNwrYJbX8mBClJLvx_kuQWbyGrd7oqZZ99_mr_Hx1GAMybxIbqWizw8MxBRnm9tGtsxbERb-6cBVAq-ph4qLz5kipKml7zfs74wGK0ye9t-Aa5yNGR/s640/HPIM5495.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The next portion of the exhibit was a room with all of the glass pieces in the ceiling. Once again, the reflections made it even more breathtaking.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvg-qh3TTWX2QM6SSdxX400qiv6GIvAPRFlhPksSoUUWTEjblyigpl7oGGxaFKkLWn-bRRkZrOQUU8mjGgKlY8gTeEvPXUqvCKPBZf_wTtmCYArFgOPy4ow5UbV-gd509UjS4FzvGHFYr5/s1600/HPIM5499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvg-qh3TTWX2QM6SSdxX400qiv6GIvAPRFlhPksSoUUWTEjblyigpl7oGGxaFKkLWn-bRRkZrOQUU8mjGgKlY8gTeEvPXUqvCKPBZf_wTtmCYArFgOPy4ow5UbV-gd509UjS4FzvGHFYr5/s640/HPIM5499.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEjndsCAif1tNgROD_spLt_iE8lVxpiKxvtskshqctuizPpmi-kpN6eyiwhLjGHiudQ-DuvVjWON57djNJnfYdGu_fO3Sa9CQOcoktlR0MD7xvZgxE9oDNdHV4IGmK2lBVnYhqhqb43Yf/s1600/HPIM5500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEjndsCAif1tNgROD_spLt_iE8lVxpiKxvtskshqctuizPpmi-kpN6eyiwhLjGHiudQ-DuvVjWON57djNJnfYdGu_fO3Sa9CQOcoktlR0MD7xvZgxE9oDNdHV4IGmK2lBVnYhqhqb43Yf/s640/HPIM5500.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From below and to the side.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkp6CUgyGKrToIxYonK-hn5XYpr2vxOO1UNMDCWck8efX4dsVQ2eIMP4iRKWMBnJNrzRRsw7pwQZl7kzWG2KzKLZCsg8WZX4NEwzm9tCMt8IvH2kBpffyJs_IQ10ABFY3F1WHtKnTMr4n/s1600/HPIM5504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkp6CUgyGKrToIxYonK-hn5XYpr2vxOO1UNMDCWck8efX4dsVQ2eIMP4iRKWMBnJNrzRRsw7pwQZl7kzWG2KzKLZCsg8WZX4NEwzm9tCMt8IvH2kBpffyJs_IQ10ABFY3F1WHtKnTMr4n/s640/HPIM5504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blurry photo, but adds to the fog effect. This exhibit stretched for about 20 feet. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjs9sIhulAYXx85b9bcIQ3cCXTY4ZXZ5ELa7PtcPs8rUCHwDl0u5aS6C8EeXknwJeWJgo-v-qZrO5r-iYsfSDXsxdchSRrKYLq_K9yvQSGY7-4UT5_ZhfwU53qWYE6H3NsP4rIGU1nMjV/s1600/HPIM5503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjs9sIhulAYXx85b9bcIQ3cCXTY4ZXZ5ELa7PtcPs8rUCHwDl0u5aS6C8EeXknwJeWJgo-v-qZrO5r-iYsfSDXsxdchSRrKYLq_K9yvQSGY7-4UT5_ZhfwU53qWYE6H3NsP4rIGU1nMjV/s640/HPIM5503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another amazing piece hanging from the ceiling. The ridges and textures are beautiful!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, a wonderful day to spend a humid, rainy Friday.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-35559680894246763712011-06-13T17:12:00.000-07:002011-06-13T17:12:53.998-07:00Stuffed Green Pepper with Rosemary Garlic Quinoa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsdRMXzUcYs-g9DZCJpPb5d-cMq88ye2X7m90S4vdrBicUj3Qgux03Q4nJJrmyMkQhwWtXpAij_-5-paHNzJvR39WwkdvW9_SET8HXo8VYDu47qe9ucQRvdY3m01zWPfVqs1Wh9QZtWwv/s1600/HPIM5461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsdRMXzUcYs-g9DZCJpPb5d-cMq88ye2X7m90S4vdrBicUj3Qgux03Q4nJJrmyMkQhwWtXpAij_-5-paHNzJvR39WwkdvW9_SET8HXo8VYDu47qe9ucQRvdY3m01zWPfVqs1Wh9QZtWwv/s640/HPIM5461.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
A week of mondo stressing and a weekend of camping and seafood indulgence only has led Alex and I to a vegetable-less diet full of stomach aches. For god's sake,<a href="http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/2011/02/beautiful-bacon-egg-cheese-wreath.html"> this</a> is what I ate for dinner last night (delicious, amazing, try it, just throw some spinach on it or eat with fruit). Feeling creative, I used a <a href="http://naturalnoshing.wordpress.com/2011/06/07/turkey-stuffed-peppers/">recipe</a> I found via Pinterest for inspiration, and the directions from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/337637/tilapia-and-quinoa-with-feta-and-cucumbe">Martha Stewart</a> for cooking quinoa to whip up a healthy and tasty summer dinner.<br />
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1 green pepper + a small amount to add to stuffing if you'd like<br />
~1 cup of ground turkey<br />
1 small tomato (diced)<br />
1 medium carrot (shredded)<br />
1-2 TB of minced garlic <br />
1 tsp crushed red pepper (dried)<br />
1 TB dried minced onion<br />
2 TB dried breadcrumbs <br />
1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded) <br />
Dried rosemary to taste<br />
Salt to taste<br />
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1. Pre-heat oven to 350 F<br />
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2. Cut green pepper in half, cut/scoop out seeds and stem, and put in oven face (cut side) down for ~12 minutes (as taken from my inspiration recipe)<br />
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3. Dice your green pepper* and shred your carrots. Combine with minced garlic (as shown in the above picture, I used pre-minced garlic from BJ's). Sautee on med-high heat with some olive oil for about 5 minutes. I sauteed mine in a pan that had leftover bacon grease (see above for my bacon-related dinner last night). I believe that bacon makes most things taste a million times better, and if I don't have to wash the pan-- hey, why not?<br />
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*I had 2 "slices" leftover from a hummus and veggie dip combo I made over the weekend. You can also double or triple this recipe and add a half of one green pepper to taste<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQWqEu0hwtgsJZ0iDsy8AMkRUHAEPVTHFprDGzjf1reJQrV_k4WGYx3dhuYYzUI6Ga5IxO0_ALaynPPyqknNNwt_ATbl8Son_Y79ZkJ9nbE7BIKJHILKlCoJ4mGRKM-8RQZmYGZfLMWNI/s1600/HPIM5444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQWqEu0hwtgsJZ0iDsy8AMkRUHAEPVTHFprDGzjf1reJQrV_k4WGYx3dhuYYzUI6Ga5IxO0_ALaynPPyqknNNwt_ATbl8Son_Y79ZkJ9nbE7BIKJHILKlCoJ4mGRKM-8RQZmYGZfLMWNI/s400/HPIM5444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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4. Add the diced tomato, red pepper flakes, and dried minced onion, salt to taste, and a few sprigs of rosemary. Lower heat to med, let sautee for a few more minutes.<br />
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5. Add in the ground turkey, and mix in with the cooked veggies. Stir in and mix around for about 5 minutes while the meat cooks through. Also sprinkle and mix in the breadcrumbs. I just did this by eye, but 2TB seems realistic. (the pepper should be out of the oven by the time the turkey is cooked)<br />
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6. Add the stuffing to the pepper halves, put back in oven for 10-25 minutes. ** (I put ours in for only about 7 minutes or so, but really enjoyed the crunchy green peppers, I would recommend a bit more time in the oven than I allowed for, but to keep in mind how soft vs. crunchy you want your peppers to be.)**<br />
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7. Add the shredded cheese on top and pop back into the oven for 4-5 minutes.<br />
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As for the quinoa? I just followed<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/337637/tilapia-and-quinoa-with-feta-and-cucumbe"> Martha's cooking instructions</a>, but used about 1 TB of garlic, more rosemary, a bit of olive oil in the cooking process, and put parmesean cheese on top! Our's, unfortunatley, came out super salty because I added salt. In retrospect, I shouldn't have because the pan was already seasoned and the cheese has quite a bit of salt content.<br />
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Just another, because I'm so darn proud, beautiful, UNEDITED! picture of the meal. *sigh* I'm getting to know my camera :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5n8N6CJq9HPfdI4j6Jb0Op4aTsbt84_RSPUGyMNeGC4KWCNX39prFmmfDRieZFPVreHFtZbt0fAa4jfmO_aSjkaIKjwc-RWe58vlGovJsq18Iufb7sEpeGerOiR8rx-SJM6wPMsvmLu-/s1600/HPIM5462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5n8N6CJq9HPfdI4j6Jb0Op4aTsbt84_RSPUGyMNeGC4KWCNX39prFmmfDRieZFPVreHFtZbt0fAa4jfmO_aSjkaIKjwc-RWe58vlGovJsq18Iufb7sEpeGerOiR8rx-SJM6wPMsvmLu-/s640/HPIM5462.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-20601076295265420212011-06-12T16:55:00.000-07:002011-06-12T16:55:30.028-07:00Treading WaterIt has been much longer that I would have liked since I last posted. The impending move and month long trip are closer than ever, and boy do I feel it. I haven't posted much about my upcoming adventures, but it goes something like this:<br />
- In 2 weeks minus 1 day, Alex and I will have to be packed up and OUT of our apartment. We're very lucky because his father will be picking up all of our major stuff and storing it in Ohio for the month.<br />
- In 2 weeks, quite literally, we'll be sitting at the airport (probably Newark by now) waiting for our flight to Barcelona. We'll travel through Europe for a month and it will be wonderful and quite the adventure.<br />
- In 1 month and 2 weeks and 1 day, we'll be arriving BACK from Europe to Boston. From there we will power sleep and drive back to Ohio. <br />
- By August 1, we'll probably be moved into our new place in Iowa City.<br />
<br />
This is all very exciting, but let's be realistic- its pretty damn STRESSFUL! We don't even have all our accommodations booked for our trip yet! Neither of us has lined up a job (and will have to be applying and available for interviews while on our trip). So my real to do list (not the lofty dreamy stuff I posted about last) is overflowing with things to do. On top of that, we just got back from camping and I have friends visiting next weekend. Yep, I'm pretty much crazy. Did I mention we are working right up until we leave? Ha! <br />
<br />
Needless to say, I feel like I'm treading water. I know I have been neglecting my mental and physical health during this stressful time, which only exacerbates all the anxiety. Fortunately, I have an amazing partner in life and he handles my weekly freak-out-and-sob sessions quite well. <br />
<br />
I am struggling with how to stay centered and on-task while in this situation. I know I should be using my time more productively, rather than<a href="http://pinterest.com/thisandthat/"> pinning </a>constantly, but I am struggling with self-control. (as evidenced by the now, more empty carton of cookie-dough ice cream)<br />
<br />
If you have some advice, please don't hesitate to give it. In the meanwhile, I'll be the chicken with its head cut off. Well, here's some eye candy.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-atjfaWWcdJeFfJzVSbFOtEPZBxw2yUVN8MaZ52LwufgDXwWGvpi-gTm2B9kPa7jv3DY2OK86gkSzAyrShHQjI0kRxBQX0SFkQDJvt4H99yXszttM26Strg8_KGrnz_tJwtJSyiWFZAEK/s1600/Burano%252C+Venice%252C+Italy+pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-atjfaWWcdJeFfJzVSbFOtEPZBxw2yUVN8MaZ52LwufgDXwWGvpi-gTm2B9kPa7jv3DY2OK86gkSzAyrShHQjI0kRxBQX0SFkQDJvt4H99yXszttM26Strg8_KGrnz_tJwtJSyiWFZAEK/s640/Burano%252C+Venice%252C+Italy+pictures.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My desktop image-- Venice, Italy. My attempt to keep myself motivated to get to this trip!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-28404424534158882382011-06-06T18:39:00.000-07:002011-06-06T18:41:35.500-07:00New Tab: My TO DOs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-q12DjkjHNNbTIrhyphenhyphenDAXIDwLR1fjsMC28WyIlCZOgvmH2KcepXxopZif7LTI7gjzn2aSiQbRFamnKrxjplX-C1hNVkNi4JgV-SajJahunnFHtd3_lVhCkOxXRMzJ9poNc1W0q3B4M-9qD/s1600/Halibut+Point+State+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-q12DjkjHNNbTIrhyphenhyphenDAXIDwLR1fjsMC28WyIlCZOgvmH2KcepXxopZif7LTI7gjzn2aSiQbRFamnKrxjplX-C1hNVkNi4JgV-SajJahunnFHtd3_lVhCkOxXRMzJ9poNc1W0q3B4M-9qD/s640/Halibut+Point+State+Park.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The beautiful Halibut Point State Park (Rockport, MA). Unrelated, but I believe in always putting an image in a blog post!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So you may have noticed a new tab on my blog, or perhaps your eyes are quickly darting to the top of this page to spot it now. This is my <i>To Do</i> list. Not the kind sitting in front of me that is scribbled with mundane tasks like: trash (i.e. take it out), lunch for tomorrow, 1 job application, etc. I need to scratch this sort of stuff down to keep me sane.<br />
<br />
Instead, this is my Inspired Life Project To Do list. These are things I have thought about doing, and truly feel they will enlighten me and help me live a more comfortable and fulfilling life.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Why have a section for finances? <i>Money won't make you happy</i></b><br />
I include a section on finance for multiple reasons. First, I enjoy saving and planning. I get pleasure out of watching my money grow in a savings account. Second, I feel that having safety nets and awareness about ones' financial situation will help you live the life you want. I am able to enjoy foods, travel, and other pleasures because I currently make very conscience decisions with my money. I hope to grow and refine my current frugal mindset into more sound fiscal habits.<br />
<br />
<b>Why include floss everyday, isn't that obvious?</b><br />
For me, evidently, it isn't. I have struggled with trying to get myself to floss everyday, and now the habit has become this haunting ideal of good personal hygiene for me. I feel like if I floss everyday, I'll be a better person. Warped, I know, but still its my goal and I figure if its here on my blog, maybe I'll do it! Also, I recently had some pretty routine dental work done-- fillings, but unfortunately for me it didn't go very well and I am dealing with the repercussions (i.e. pain and too many visits to the dentist's office). Not to mention the $234 bill I got after my insurance covered their portion- OUCH! <br />
<br />
<b>Why all the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homesteading">homesteading</a> stuff?</b><br />
This is something that truly interests me and I hope will allow me to pursue other major goals in life. For example, practicing many self-sufficient/homesteading practices can save you a lot of money-- money that can go into my travel fund! Also, I want to make sure what I am consuming is good for everyone else. At this moment, and I expect for quite some time, I cannot afford to buy all organic, free-range foods. This will be my way to cut down on the over consumption of things like packaging, factory-farmed produce and meat, sweat-shopped clothing and accessories, etc. Now these are all GOALS, and I am nowhere near where I want to be with my consumption habits.<b><br />
</b><br />
<br />
<b>Is that it? Not a very long To Do list for life.</b><br />
This isn't it. I hope to add more projects or ideas. I may even try some other projects or goals I have seen floating around the blog-o-sphere. If you have ideas for what should be on my To Do list, please comment below and let me know! I can't promise that what YOU think I should do will strike my fancy, but I'll take a looksy.carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-48325482747455932972011-06-05T06:29:00.000-07:002011-06-05T06:29:42.803-07:00Tasty Guacamole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBwytWiNfuBa-w9ZKVPa5iLIhX8bczYcKaqyR1JqpjUcXJUdIBPcZZT0RsHYL83Fi5vy3QrzyJvt32B4QMW7QtMMfHL-DXmvXHBhyeKcQ9k5G4aRLVX6mZFWZi-xvV3AZ_o41bZjRCrDg/s1600/DSCI0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBwytWiNfuBa-w9ZKVPa5iLIhX8bczYcKaqyR1JqpjUcXJUdIBPcZZT0RsHYL83Fi5vy3QrzyJvt32B4QMW7QtMMfHL-DXmvXHBhyeKcQ9k5G4aRLVX6mZFWZi-xvV3AZ_o41bZjRCrDg/s640/DSCI0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
It took me awhile to get this up, but really its a timeless recipe. Usually guacamole can be a pricey "dip", but because I got my main ingredients from Haymarket, or used what I had on-hand, it was cheap! I wish I had a photo-per-step of my recipe a la <a href="http://steamykitchen.com/">Steamy Kitchen</a>, but my camera just isn't up to par. One day I'll own an SLR... (rhymed!)<br />
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I know some people are just lime-and-salt guac sort of people, but that is not me. I like mine to be chunky and have oodles of limey-cilantro-y goodness. <br />
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*Disclosure, lime & cilantro are two of my favorite flavors, I'm not a big garlic and onion person, so adjust the recipe accordingly!<br />
<br />
2 Avocados<br />
1 small lime<br />
1 teaspoon minced garlic<br />
1 tablespoon dried, minced garlic<br />
1/3 to 1/2 cup of roughly chopped cilantro (de-stemmed)<br />
1/4 to 1/3 cup of fresh diced tomatoes<br />
salt to taste<br />
<br />
Cut the avocados in half, and scoop out the green meat (what is the proper name for that?) into a bowl-- I just use what will be my serving bowl. Save the pits for later.<br />
<br />
Slice the lime in quarters, poke the flesh with a fork (unless you have a juicer) and squeeze the juice and pulp over the avocados. I do this at the beginning to prevent browning as I work.<br />
<br />
Throw in the minced garlic and onion. You can use a real live onion, but I usually for the following reasons:<br />
<ol><li>I have dried, minced onions that I don't use for anything else</li>
<li>I am not a huge onion person, so subtle flavors work for me</li>
<li>My serving size is so small that I am worried what the rest of the onion will be used for in the next week before it goes bad</li>
<li>The guacamole is moist enough to rehydrate the dried onion well.</li>
</ol>Throw as much cilantro in there as you want! I love love love cilantro, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/14/dining/14curious.html">but I guess there are people out there don't really like its flavor... </a><br />
<br />
Dice a small or part of a larger tomato. The size of the dices are really up to your preference. I don't mind a little chunk to mine because it adds so much color and texture. <br />
<br />
Taste with the tortilla chips or veggies you'll be eating the guac with and see how much salt you feel it needs. I am a salt lover, so I always throw some in there, but if you're chips are pretty salty, it may be good to go without any additional seasonings!<br />
<br />
Put the pits back into the guacamole. I am not sure why this work, and I was pretty skeptical of it at first, but the pits do help to keep the guacamole browning. Its easy enough to do, so why not?<br />
<br />
EAT UP!carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-82904183289163134792011-06-02T17:06:00.000-07:002011-06-05T19:52:16.476-07:00Big Blog Step!Eeks! I was sorta, kinda featured on another blog! I have been reading the <a href="http://thenonconsumeradvocate.com/">Non-Consumer Advocate</a> for a bit now. I love the idea of lowering our consumption of goods, primarily of new and unnecessary THINGS!<br />
<br />
When I saw Katy's giveaway for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Prosperity-Finding-Sustainable-Lifestyle/dp/0312361416"><u>Simple Prosperity: Finding Real Wealth in a Sustainable Lifestyle</u></a> by David Wann, I wanted me some good reading. Granted, I didn't get picked (its random), but Katy did feature my comment about what I'm doing to be more sustainable!<br />
<br />
Here was my two cents:<br />
“I’ve started buying in bulk– spices, beans, granola, etc. I can bring in my own container, have it weighed, and not use unnecessary packaging– plus it’s usually cheaper!”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>But really, who can resist, when where you peruse the bulk section looks like this? (p.s. my Whole Foods is even prettier than this picture) <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZKZTJ3NB20LpHwnbTLQgjQjQOHYd-mnv9UaCpdIdgwUbveagV3oPcUOj4EeoeV5IstRuSQUPKjHNyut9CbcTB3EmC2P8B1MbiLcAHDACFqO6p9aSjh8FEKHgvcByFUSRhGUlAuJZ-Zl_/s1600/whole+foods+market+huntington+beach+bulk+food+section.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZKZTJ3NB20LpHwnbTLQgjQjQOHYd-mnv9UaCpdIdgwUbveagV3oPcUOj4EeoeV5IstRuSQUPKjHNyut9CbcTB3EmC2P8B1MbiLcAHDACFqO6p9aSjh8FEKHgvcByFUSRhGUlAuJZ-Zl_/s400/whole+foods+market+huntington+beach+bulk+food+section.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: http://www.kats9lives.com/2010/10/whole-foods-market-huntington-beach.html</td></tr>
</tbody></table>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-78078650624589109752011-05-31T19:22:00.000-07:002011-05-31T19:22:40.374-07:00My New HabitNow that the glorious summer is here, I am trying to go on a walk every single day-- and my walk to the subway station doesn't count! I want to go on a walk, just to walk. Today, for example, I walked about an hour to get to an evening event for an organization that I volunteer with (<a href="http://www.hydesquare.org/">Hyde Square Task Force</a>). But that didn't count. I was walking with the intent to get somewhere. I also spent a portion of the walk on the phone (something I will do often, beware-- when I call you, I'm probably one the way to/from the subway). <br />
<br />
No, I wanted to have a walk just to walk. To listen, to breathe, and to stop doing internet surfing, phone texting, room cleaning up (or thinking/guilting myself about cleaning it up), etc etc. <br />
<br />
In all honesty, I am hoping this new habit will help me deal with the upcoming stressors of the move and trip to Europe. In less than a month, Alex and I will be in Italy (squeels!) and then one month after that, exploring the <a href="http://thevirtualdocent.blogspot.com/2008/11/what-is-there-worth-visiting-in-iowa.html">great state of Iowa</a>! (please reference the map, in case like my Nana, you do not know where Iowa is...)<br />
<br />
This lovely little blog post talks about all the benefits of going on walks in case you're a skeptic, check <a href="http://zentofitness.com/walking-your-way-to-fitness-and-health/">this</a> out.<br />
<br />
I should say I am not doing this to replace exercising (I really need to get back to the gym...) or lose weight or anything like that. I am doing it to clear my mind a bit and tire myself out (so I can sleep with out stressful night thoughts that keep me up!). <br />
<br />
And perhaps its letting me see more and more of my beloved Jamaica Plain before I move.<br />
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Just in case you don't know what JP has to offer:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dahubbub.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/j-pond-sailboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://www.dahubbub.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/j-pond-sailboat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: http://www.dahubbub.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/j-pond-sailboat.jpg</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://parentimperfectct.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/jp-stores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://parentimperfectct.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/jp-stores.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: http://parentimperfectct.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/jp-stores.jpg</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.hotelclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/arnold-arboretum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://blog.hotelclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/arnold-arboretum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: http://blog.hotelclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/arnold-arboretum.jpg</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3b/Jamaica_Plain_monument_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3b/Jamaica_Plain_monument_2007.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3b/Jamaica_Plain_monument_2007.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2318305847654385429.post-64830095358777120232011-05-31T12:29:00.000-07:002011-05-31T12:29:25.528-07:00I love Amy PoehlerSo if you haven't already seen this video, you must check it out. Its funny, yet inspiring. She talks a lot about leaning on people and looking around you for inspiration. Maybe I should wake every morning and watch this, for a few laughs and a bit of good life advice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/T7N_L_pu74k/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/T7N_L_pu74k&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/T7N_L_pu74k&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>carolynshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12605738888698050237noreply@blogger.com0