Day 12: Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 Lucerne, Switzerland Morning has broken, like the first morning. From our hotel room window, we're able to see some of the mountains and already I'm in love. While our hotel is in Lucerne, we are a ways away from the hub of it so we get back on the bus and it takes us into town. This is something we will soon get use to because Contiki saves us money by booking hotels that aren't close to the action (with a few exceptions). Lucerne is adorable/gorgeous/many other words I feel like I've used too many times. First up is an excursion that will take us up the Mt. Pilatus via cable car. Unfortunately, while it is gorgeous in Lucerne, the weather up yonder isn't that great and they move the ... read more

Day 10: Sunday, December 6th, 2009 Paris, France We start the day off early at the Louvre. Well, that's how I start MY day. Everyone else starts with the free breakfast but I have a plan to keep myself from getting sick- it's called not eating until dinner! Then, whatever magical ingredient that is out there that likes to go thru my body in under 20 minutes can hopefully be avoided. It's a trick I have come to perfect (and yes, it's unhealthy- don't nag at me.) So, we get to the Louvre around 9:15am because on the first Sunday of the month, it is free, so there's going to be a line. And oh boy is there a line. We stand in said line for almost an hour and a half. Gives us even more ... read more

Day 8: Thursday, December 4th, 2009 Edinburgh, Scotland to London, England So I left Edinburgh at 11am and got into London at 12:30pm. I was once again a big girl and took "the tube" (look at me talkin' British!) to Russell Square where my hotel, The Imperial Hotel, is located at. As usual, there was a sense of euphoria when I got to my room and got the backpack off my back!! By that time, it was about 3:00pm and I was supposed to meet up with the tour group at 6pm. I headed over to the Contiki office and just double checked as to where I was suppose to go at 6 and asked them what I could do in 3 hours. They suggested The British Museum. So, I spent a couple of hours there ... read more

PICTURES have been added to all blogs- go back and take a gander! :) Plus, if the Internet connection holds up tomorrow, I'll be posting some videos soon too! (all G rated, except for the one with the donkey.) Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 Dublin, Ireland to Edinburgh, Scotland. All is right with the world, I'm in Edinburgh! Leaving Dublin was uneventful. At some point I'll get use to having that backpack on my back- who knew 38 pounds strapped on your bag could be hard to carry around? Well, okay, everyone knew, but I still hoped I'd have super human Buffy strength kick in. No such luck. So, for those of you that know me well, how much sense does this sentence make: "Today I used public transportation!" I know! Look at me, I'm growing! Sure, ... read more

Monday, November 30th, 2009 Dublin, Ireland. I woke up around 2am and decided to do some picture editing/journal work. I thought it might be nice to have some noise other than my iPod so I tried the TV again. While the picture still wouldn't work, the audio this time was "My Name is Earl". So I listened to the one where Joy might go to prison. While more amusing than the Irish Talent Show to listen to, it's still not the same. I want to see Joy go "Oh snap!" Went back to bed around 4am. So, I slept until about 11am and then forced myself over to the window. I didn't wake with much enthusiasm today. I pictured another day of bitter cold (it was about 35 yesterday) and rain. Imagine my happiness when I ... read more