 Kate and Ian! - katenian | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 9th October 2009 Ashley | - From: Auschwitz Can we spend the night there? How was it, did you feel like there was people watching you? Please write me back I would like to find and read more about it |
| 12th January 2009 Mom | - From: Afterthoughts. I think the changes you have noticed will last forever. Nothing will ever be quite the same and change is a good thing. Wonder where you will go for your next adventure? Glad to have you home, though. |
| 25th August 2008 Draco, Merlin, Pappy, Simba, Doodles | - From: LAST DAYYYYYYY WE are ready for you to come home! We will sit for hours while you tell us of your adventures and show us thousands of pictures, we promise. |
| 24th August 2008 sherry | - From: A few more for the road... The quite man is Randy's FAVORITE movie-you guys will have to see it. We are really going to try and take that tour so that he can drag me accross that same countryside! See you soon! |
| 24th August 2008 Mom | ahhh - From: A few more for the road... So you got to visit the magical land of the fairies. That is the part of Ireland that I want to see some day. Hope your photos do it justice. I know The Quiet Man well and can see the landscape in my mind. Very, very pretty. Hope Ian got a photo of you and the pony. Keep enjoying your adventure. Love you ..... |
| 24th August 2008 Sheryl | Cool Ireland - From: A few more for the road... I wanna go, I wanna go. Sounds beautiful. The Quiet Man movie is my favorite John Wayne movie. You should rent it. Can't wait to see you when you get back. |
| 24th August 2008 Sheryl | Happy Birthday - From: J'adore Paris!! Happy Birthday. Sorry it is belated but this is the first time I've been near a computer in several days. Love ya. |
| 22nd August 2008 Linda | Happy Belated Birthday! - From: Holy Shamrocks, we're in Ireland!! Hi Katie and Ian, Happy Belated Birthday Katie!! What a fantastic way for you to have spent it in Paris. I am just getting caught up again with your blog. I have truly loved reading about all of the wonderful things you have experienced. Have a happy and safe trip home! Love, Linda |
| 21st August 2008 Uncle | The Geezers - From: Holy Shamrocks, we're in Ireland!! So ... you say you were 2 of maybe 5 people under the age of 45 on the pub crawl. What's THAT supposed to mean? You're not dissing people over 45, are you?!! Watch it, whippersnappers, or you'll feel the wrath of my cane and the ire of my breath! |
| 21st August 2008 anonymous | - From: Holy Shamrocks, we're in Ireland!! I love their accents, don't you?! |
| 20th August 2008 mom | - From: J'adore Paris!! happy birthday! what a wonderful and memorable way to spend your birthday! Love you lots! |
| 19th August 2008 Desiree | yay - From: J'adore Paris!! i'm so glad that you got to spend your birthday in paris! i know it was amazing to see the sights again, and i know that it was even better since you got to see it with your love. can't wait to see the two of you soon! |
| 18th August 2008 Mama | lucky - From: J'adore Paris!! What a memorable way to spend your birthday. BTW ... there is a large yellow box on our dining room table right now. Any ideas of what might be inside? Want me to look??? Just a little look??????? |
| 18th August 2008 enid | happy birthday - From: J'adore Paris!! what a wonderful way to spend your birthday,and where did you find such a great guy to spend it with maybe one day I will be so lucky. Big "G" |
| 16th August 2008 Sheryl | T-shirts & food - From: Espańa, Ole! Just out of curiosity, were the T-shirts in english or spanish? LOL! Aside from the Tapas and no burritos the food should be wonderful in Spain. I can imagin how much more comfortable you would be in a country where you can actually understand what they are saying. How was the Flemenco Dancing? |
| 16th August 2008 Sheryl | Great Pictures - From: Photos!! Love, love, love the pictures. It's almost as good as actually being there. Not! LOL!!! But really, you look like you are having such a good time. The places you have been are simply beautiful. I can't wait to see more. Miss you. |
| 14th August 2008 Auntie Gail | Hi Kids! - From: Interesting I have only now read your travel blog - have been busy with work & family situations here - you'll be filled in later - and I haven't had time - so glad you have had such memorable experiences (good and bad shape us, don't you think?) Ian - you have the "GIFT" which you inherited from your Dad - I LOVE reading your stories with substance such as Auschwitz and the little boy!!! You should write books - I always told my brother that as well - you are both captivating when you set your minds to it. . . Katie - thank goodness you are good with content - that is why the dialog was effective - you give good content, Ian gives good character and color! :) I think you'll be back next week and until then I will pray you have safe travels back to us. . . Love you both very much, Auntie Gail |
| 14th August 2008 Mom and all ... | thank you - From: Photos!! THANK YOU so much for sending photos!!!!! I have missed seeing your smiling faces, and now in so many wonderful faraway places too. Keep on having fun!!! |
| 13th August 2008 kirsten | - From: Photos!! ooh. pretty pictures! |
| 12th August 2008 La Vegetariana | Tshirts - From: Espańa, Ole! Hola, im also living in Spain...and can totally see where you´re coming from with the culture shock from the form of dress and crazy things on tshirts...i dont know how many times i have seen an over 60 year old wearing a tshirt saying sexy lady or hot mami and just wanted to crack up... |
| 12th August 2008 enid | forget the news - From: The mishaps and adventures of getting to Barcelona... enjoy what time you have left soon reality will set in,see you guys in a month can't wait love G |
| 12th August 2008 kirsten | - From: The mishaps and adventures of getting to Barcelona... Sounds like good times. |
| 10th August 2008 mom | - From: The mishaps and adventures of getting to Barcelona... That sounds horrible! I would of had a tantrum! Ian you can imagine how your dad would of reacted! Hopefully all will be perfect now for the rest of the trip. Let us know if you have a ride back from the airport. We love you, be safe. |
| 10th August 2008 Mom | Awwwwww - From: The mishaps and adventures of getting to Barcelona... Poor things .... I hope Barcelona is worth all the trouble you both have to go through to get there. Glad you had each other to lean on. And you will have quite story to tell. Miss you both. (Draco says something about "that's what you get for leaving me so long.") |
| 2nd August 2008 Blake and Dillon | Broke yet? - From: Firenze, Italia so i know you guys are running low on moolah so ill see you soon |
| 30th July 2008 Mom | awwww - From: Ciao! Katie, Katie, Katie ... kinda sorry to read about your perfect, romantic night in Venice. You have peaked at such a young age; no way to top that for romance ... downhill from here. |
| 25th July 2008 Mom | Buon divertimento - From: Bon Giorno! Glad to hear you are both back in Italy where you seem to be most comfortable. And a hotel for a change ... such a treat! Sounds like your little friend on the train made the travel a lot more enjoyable. But just what was his laugh like? Ian will have to demonstrate when you get back. Ti amo e ti perdere ! |
| 25th July 2008 Sheryl | Enjoy - From: Bon Giorno! Hello, Not much to say but I hope you have a really nice time in Venice. Also wanted you to know that I'm still reading your blogs. Love ya |
| 22nd July 2008 Linda | You are too cool!!! - From: A day trip for glasses. Hi Katie and Ian! Katie, you are too cool! How many people can say they crossed a country to retrieve glasses just in time before they were jacked???? What a great story. Thank you for making me laugh! Very cute! :-) I am glad you both are still having a great time. I love reading your blog. It makes me feel like I am on the trip with you. Take care! Love, Linda |
| 21st July 2008 mom | - From: There are no Kangaroos in Austria... Hi you two it sounds like you are still having a fabulous time. You haven't mentioned the food or weather lately. How has it been? Keep those updates coming, we love to read them. |
| 19th July 2008 Uncle | Meine Geburtstag - From: Last day of Austria You remembered! From half-way around the world, you remembered your dear Uncle's birthday. Thank you. Stay out of that Austrian jail and I'll consider that my present. Auf wiedersehen!!! |
| 19th July 2008 Merlin | hi - From: Last day of Austria WOW, it sounds expensive over there. A lot cheaper here especially living the way I do. I spent some time yesterday stalking Simba. I was having a lot of fun, he wasn't, and apparently neither was Grandma judging from the way she yelled at me. Sometimes she is no fun. But wanted to tell you that we all miss you (but me the most) and love you. |
| 18th July 2008 Uncle | Give regards to Mickey - From: There are no Kangaroos in Austria... Lilly wants to make sure you say hi to Mickey if/wehn you visit the Neuschwanstein Castle. Your Mom and I were debating whose castle is was -- I sad Sleeping Beauty, she said Snow White. So I asked Lilly to break the tie. She said Mickey Mouse lives there. Glad to hear that you're having such a good time!! |
| 17th July 2008 Mom | - From: A day trip for glasses. My dear doting daughter, I would not have killed you for losing your glasses. You have done FAR worse than that before and you are still alive, right? Glad you followed through, though, and found them. Well done !!! You called me today!!!!!!! You have no idea how I loved that and had a big goofy smile on my face in Wal Mart while I talked with you. Just made my week !! Love you and miss you. Keep writing the blogs, we are reading them even if we don't reply to them. |
| 16th July 2008 Sheryl | Very Cool!!! - From: Our day at a castle! It's always so cool to see someone you know in a place that you would never expect. Like in another (huge) continent. I'm glad to see you're still having such a great time. I've been telling my friend Jeff (you met him at my party) about your trip. Now he wants to do it. I think when you get back he will want to pick your brain for info. He's still young enough to pull it off. Sorry I haven't wrote/commented in a while. I took the kids camping for a few days. You can read all about it in my MySpace blog. When I have the time to write it. I've rambled enough. Luv ya, miss ya. |
| 15th July 2008 Mom | good!! - From: Our day at a castle! Thank you for making the comment that your knee feels better. Yes, I do worry, but less and less about that. I hope you took great photos of the castle for Lilly ... maybe even stick Cinderella in there for good measure. Amazing that you ran into your fellow classmate there. I bet she was stunned; who would have thought? Happy to hear you are still in love ... never doubted it. Weather is hot and muggy here. Guess it is finally summer. Keep having fun and make us feel like we are there too. LOVE you both!!!! |
| 11th July 2008 desiree skelton | - From: Pictures!!! i love reading your blogs. i liked the dialogue thing that the three of you had done, it makes it more fun! :P great pics as well, it looks beautiful over there. yes, our flights have changed so i'll contact you and kirsten with a huge e-mail describing the situation and a possible change that we might all have to agree upon. i might have to talk to colleen as well. <3 you guys, stay safe! |
| 10th July 2008 Becca | Strongbow! - From: Scotland! The alcoholic cider is called Strongbow, and I personally wasn't a fan, but it's my sister's favorite, so I'm glad you liked it! and do you KNOW what are in haggis? ...it's pretty gross. |
| 10th July 2008 The Lone Wolf | news - From: Auschwitz I, Dillon, am alive and well staying in a small hotel haha because all the hostel in paris are fully booked. I think its total bullshit but what can you do. i got the money fron aunt susie and i hope it will be enough for this very expensive city which i know like the back of my hand now. well time is literally money so love you all and hopefully i will be home soon have fun ian and kate and watch your pockets those guys are like ultimate ninjas |
| 10th July 2008 Linda | What an experience! - From: Auschwitz Hi Katie and Ian, I just had to respond to this. You both did an excellent job capturing your feelings about Auschwitz. I went to Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany and was very moved by the experience. One of the reasons I work in Public Health is because of my belief in social justice. I love the County of San Diego motto..."The noblest motive is the public good." Take care! Love, Linda |
| 10th July 2008 grandma | never again - From: Auschwitz my wonderful grandkids ,I am sad that you had to see that,we have a sane(sp) that we say in our faith "that never again)what we mean is that as long as there are young people like both of you who think like you do,you will help prevent that,by seeing that you will remember will never let that happen again.There are people who say we made all that up I don't think so,but enough of that but that away until you need to bring it out enjoy your wonderful trip I love you both Nona |
| 8th July 2008 Sheryl | Not so brave - From: Auschwitz Please share with Ian. I feel your sorrow. I am crying with you as I read both of your stories. I understand the importance of a place like this and the life altering conclusions. But I don't think I would be so brave to go there as you have. I am thankful that you have shared your experience with me. I too feel that there is so much more we can do to improve the human race and help others. Thank you. I love you. |
| 8th July 2008 Carol | Smiling - From: Pictures!!! Thank you so much for sending photos ... proof that you are having a wonderful time! Dro looks beautiful. Keep the pix coming. |
| 6th July 2008 Carol | - From: Poland! OMG, Katie, you guys have been incredibly busy !!! Was Verona ever on your itinerary or did you just luck out there? Bus, train, tram, plane and on foot ?? By now you both know how to get just about any place. Soak it all in, enjoy every moment, or at least most every moment. Fantastic. Still missing you ... the critters miss you too. Love ~ Mom |
| 6th July 2008 katenian | Well have tons of fun! - From: Safe in Dro! You will have to tell us if we should go there too. It is almost outside the US so i think i would do it. only kidding but please have tons of fun and tell my other mom not to worry too much about dillon getting gored or something because its just not worth it, itll teach him a lesson if you ask me! or just keep her drunk and having fun!!! love you all enjoy! |
| 6th July 2008 Carol | cows - From: Safe in Dro! Yes, but were they as cute as the Highland Coos, Katie?? Sounds like the family is taking very good care of all of you. Glad you are able to go out and see the countryside too and get a real feel for the area. Is the wine a local wine or can we buy it here too? Love you and miss you. |
| 5th July 2008 Sherry | Our turn! - From: Safe in Dro! Tomorrow the Fantastic Four will be off on our "little" trip to Florida. We will have access to your blog 'cause Randy's taking the lap top. We have suffered major vacation envy the past few weeks, and while our trip is nothing compared to yours, we are looking forward to it. Glad you'r still all having so much fun-hope it continues-we love you :) |
| 4th July 2008 Sheryl | WOW!!! - From: Safe in Dro! Can't wait to see those pics. I'm so glad you are enjoying yourselves. Luv ya. |
| 3rd July 2008 mom | - From: Safe in Dro! Boys, did you get the e-mails from us? they are important. Ian it's about registration and Dillon your return home. With the family were you able to explain who your grandma was? They'v met her before. Kate please have a glass of wine for me! Take care and love you lots. |
| 30th June 2008 Kirsten | - From: Heading to Italy soon. Katie, Rachel called and said something about the flight that we are all on being changed, so she said to check on it. You are the one that booked them right? not desi? Let me know what you want to do. |
| 30th June 2008 Sheryl | Ditto - From: I <3 Brugge Ditto to the previous comments. Leave the details to Kate and have fun but not tooooooo much fun. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Wait, strike that. I think it might already be too late for that. hehehe. Luv ya. |
| 29th June 2008 Rusty | Ill post this again in case you get bored in Amsterdam. - From: Actually bored. http://matadortrips.com/10-things-to-do-in-amsterdam-besides-smoking-pot/ Clear your head and get outside to explore Amsterdam like a local. Contrary to Pulp Fiction lore, there’s more to Amsterdam than hash bars. Coffeeshops are the shit for many an Amsterdam virgin, yet locals view them as tourist traps lacking in “gezelligheid,” or coziness, the cornerstone of Dutch culture. Smoking yourself into a coma at the Bulldog is just fine, but you’re going to miss out. Follow these ten tips and you’ll do Amsterdam like a local. 1) Immerse yourself in art. From Spui take tram 2 or 5 to Museumplein, where the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum keep you occupied for hours. View Van Gogh’s life through art, from the Potato Eaters up through the last two months of his life in France. Holland’s Golden Age is the highlight of the Rijksmuseum. Don’t miss Vermeer’s Milkmaid. 2) Day trip it. For an excursion, the 15-minute train ride to Haarlem is worth the trip. Browse fashionable boutiques, visit the Gothic St. Bavo church, and walk to the Frans Hals art museum. For eats, kick back at the spacious Café Brinkman (grandcafebrinkman.nl) on the square, and to top off the day, have drinks at Café 1900 (Barteljorisstraat 10) on the way back to the train station. 3) Drink up. With more than 1200 intriguing pubs to crawl you’ll have more than your fill. Start at the Heineken brewery (Stadshouderkade 78) to see how famous beer is produced. Check out Café Belgique to taste smooth Belgian brews like La Chouffe and La Trappe Dubbel. Other standouts: gallery/bar Schuim (Spuistraat 189), Gollem, and In De Wildeman. 4) Night bike it. Amsterdam is most romantic at night, when the city is aglow from lit up bridges and canals. Start at Leidseplein and bike down Kerkstraat to the Amstel River, where you’ll find the Skinny Bridge in all its glory. Cut across Waterlooplein to Jodenbreestraat, which takes you into Nieuwmarkt. Pay a visit to the Waag, a pub/restaurant that once formed the city wall, or brown bar Café ‘t Loosje (Nieuwmarkt 32-34). 5) Club it. For pre-partying, head to Lux (Marnixstraat 403) Bitterzoet (Spuistraat 2), or Seymour Likely (Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 250) for live DJs. Join the dance crowd at Mazzo (Rozengracht 114), Club More (Rozengracht 133), and Paradiso (Weteringschans 6-8). For a laid-back vibe, check out Café Alto (Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 115) for local jazz acts. 6) Shop for treasures. Walk the famous 9 streets (theninestreets.com), to pick up cutting edge fashion and eclectic wares. Don’t miss Lady Day, which sells vintage and secondhand European fashion for a steal. Browse for a designer fragrance like Creed at Skins Cosmetics, investigate the Paul Frank Store , and get pampered at Spoiled, where you’ll be custom matched to a designer pair of jeans. 7) Do it like the Dutch. Nothing says typically Dutch better than a hunk of Gouda stuffed in a fresh bread roll. Savor this ritual by picking up a sandwich at Broodje van Kootje (Spui 28). Grab a newspaper at the Athenaeum bookstore across the way, and plunk yourself down on a bench in the square. For another Dutch favorite, visit the Pannekoekenhuis, a tiny upstairs restaurant on the second floor of a narrow canal house. Dive into big pancakes, served sweet or savory. 8 ) Indulge, Indonesian style. A former colony of the Netherlands, Indonesia now occupies Amsterdam, in terms of cuisine. The rice table (a smorgasbord of dishes) is the name of the game but you can opt for the Nasi Goreng (fried rice) at Sie Joe. For something more upscale, consider Tempoe Doloe, on the boutique-lined street, Utrechtsestraat or Puri Mas, located in the entertainment district of Leidseplein. 9) While the day away in a café. At Café Zeezicht (Hoofdweg 456), people watch on the outdoor terrace, sipping a Dutch style latte and nibbling on the best apple tart in town. Brown cafes, named for their wooden interiors, are good for mingling with the locals. Cafes not to miss: De Balie, Café De Tuin (Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 13), and Café ‘t Smalle (Egelantiersgracht 12). 10) Walk it. Start at the eastern end of the Albert Cuyp street market in the ethnically diverse neighborhood De Pijp. Peruse Dutch treats like fish, cheese, and chocolate among 300 stalls. Take a right on Ferdinand Bolstraat, then a left on Stadshouderkade. Take a right at Spiegelgracht for a stroll in the antique district. Turn left onto Herengracht to see splendid 17th century canal houses. Make a right at Leidsestraat and go up to Singel. Hit the Singel lunch Café (Singel 404) for homemade soups and baguette sandwiches. |
| 28th June 2008 Carol | Brugge - From: I <3 Brugge So you now have a new favorite place in the world. Glad to hear that. Sounds like you are meeting some great people in the hostels and that is a very good thing. Have fun in Amsterdam; but make sure you can remember having fun. Love you ...... |
| 27th June 2008 mom | - From: I <3 Brugge Kate I'm so glad that you are the one giving us the details of what you have been doing! Ian did you get us some of that fabulous hot Chocolate? And Dillon quit drinking so much! Love you all be safe! |
| 27th June 2008 mom | - From: En Bruges All will say is that is what you get for trying to be to mean to my baby boy! miss and love you lots! |
| 26th June 2008 Kirsten | - From: Last days of London what a dirty lady. lol. nah, i'd probably do it too! hahahahahaha |
| 26th June 2008 Kirsten | - From: More Scotland That's so weird about when it gets dark and when it gets light. I'd probably never sleep there. |
| 26th June 2008 Sheryl | Chocolate - From: Hello from Belgium!! Have some chocolate and bring me back some from Brugge. |
| 26th June 2008 Harris | Glad you are w/them Kate - From: Hello from Belgium!! Thanks for the up-date, looking forward to the next great adventure. Stay safe, we love you. |
| 25th June 2008 Gianna | - From: Hello from Belgium!! Is Brugge the same place from that movie we saw with Colin Farrell? Wasn't it called En Brugge? That would make sense! I love your updates and I miss you guys. I look forward to hearing about all your adventures. Stay safe! |
| 25th June 2008 Gianna | - From: Scotland! I love the picture from the hotel room in Scotland. Awesome! |
| 24th June 2008 Sheryl | Wishing I was there - From: Last days of London Hi Katie and Carol, I wish I was there with you two. Can't wait for the next entry, I check almost daily. Can't wait for some more pics. |
| 24th June 2008 Token Asian | I Love you!!! - From: Bye Scotland! Dillon and Ian!!! haha Thats awesome that you took Dillon to a graveyard!! HE TRIPS OUT about that stuff. haha. Dillon we are going to go after the proctor valley monster after Europe cause you have exp. in paranormal activity now!!! woot! I love you guys(non-homo) stay safe, dont party too much. See ya in about one month. |
| 23rd June 2008 Sherry | - From: Bye Scotland! I love all of your adventure tales! It sounds like you are having a great time-keep posting and be safe! We love you! |
| 23rd June 2008 katenian | Blogging - From: Last Day of the Tour Tell my father this is a blog where you put down your travel adventures so you remember even little things that you did; even when you're old like him. |
| 22nd June 2008 Harris | Communicating - From: Last Day of the Tour Tell Ian that he doesn't have to write alot each time. He just needs to let us know they are all right!!!!!! |
| 21st June 2008 Rusty | I saw this on digg and made me think of you guys.... - From: More Scotland http://matadortrips.com/10-things-to-do-in-amsterdam-besides-smoking-pot/ Clear your head and get outside to explore Amsterdam like a local. Contrary to Pulp Fiction lore, there’s more to Amsterdam than hash bars. Coffeeshops are the shit for many an Amsterdam virgin, yet locals view them as tourist traps lacking in “gezelligheid,” or coziness, the cornerstone of Dutch culture. Smoking yourself into a coma at the Bulldog is just fine, but you’re going to miss out. Follow these ten tips and you’ll do Amsterdam like a local. 1) Immerse yourself in art. From Spui take tram 2 or 5 to Museumplein, where the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum keep you occupied for hours. View Van Gogh’s life through art, from the Potato Eaters up through the last two months of his life in France. Holland’s Golden Age is the highlight of the Rijksmuseum. Don’t miss Vermeer’s Milkmaid. 2) Day trip it. For an excursion, the 15-minute train ride to Haarlem is worth the trip. Browse fashionable boutiques, visit the Gothic St. Bavo church, and walk to the Frans Hals art museum. For eats, kick back at the spacious Café Brinkman (grandcafebrinkman.nl) on the square, and to top off the day, have drinks at Café 1900 (Barteljorisstraat 10) on the way back to the train station. 3) Drink up. With more than 1200 intriguing pubs to crawl you’ll have more than your fill. Start at the Heineken brewery (Stadshouderkade 78) to see how famous beer is produced. Check out Café Belgique to taste smooth Belgian brews like La Chouffe and La Trappe Dubbel. Other standouts: gallery/bar Schuim (Spuistraat 189), Gollem, and In De Wildeman. 4) Night bike it. Amsterdam is most romantic at night, when the city is aglow from lit up bridges and canals. Start at Leidseplein and bike down Kerkstraat to the Amstel River, where you’ll find the Skinny Bridge in all its glory. Cut across Waterlooplein to Jodenbreestraat, which takes you into Nieuwmarkt. Pay a visit to the Waag, a pub/restaurant that once formed the city wall, or brown bar Café ‘t Loosje (Nieuwmarkt 32-34). 5) Club it. For pre-partying, head to Lux (Marnixstraat 403) Bitterzoet (Spuistraat 2), or Seymour Likely (Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 250) for live DJs. Join the dance crowd at Mazzo (Rozengracht 114), Club More (Rozengracht 133), and Paradiso (Weteringschans 6-8). For a laid-back vibe, check out Café Alto (Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 115) for local jazz acts. 6) Shop for treasures. Walk the famous 9 streets (theninestreets.com), to pick up cutting edge fashion and eclectic wares. Don’t miss Lady Day, which sells vintage and secondhand European fashion for a steal. Browse for a designer fragrance like Creed at Skins Cosmetics, investigate the Paul Frank Store , and get pampered at Spoiled, where you’ll be custom matched to a designer pair of jeans. 7) Do it like the Dutch. Nothing says typically Dutch better than a hunk of Gouda stuffed in a fresh bread roll. Savor this ritual by picking up a sandwich at Broodje van Kootje (Spui 28). Grab a newspaper at the Athenaeum bookstore across the way, and plunk yourself down on a bench in the square. For another Dutch favorite, visit the Pannekoekenhuis, a tiny upstairs restaurant on the second floor of a narrow canal house. Dive into big pancakes, served sweet or savory. 8 ) Indulge, Indonesian style. A former colony of the Netherlands, Indonesia now occupies Amsterdam, in terms of cuisine. The rice table (a smorgasbord of dishes) is the name of the game but you can opt for the Nasi Goreng (fried rice) at Sie Joe. For something more upscale, consider Tempoe Doloe, on the boutique-lined street, Utrechtsestraat or Puri Mas, located in the entertainment district of Leidseplein. 9) While the day away in a café. At Café Zeezicht (Hoofdweg 456), people watch on the outdoor terrace, sipping a Dutch style latte and nibbling on the best apple tart in town. Brown cafes, named for their wooden interiors, are good for mingling with the locals. Cafes not to miss: De Balie, Café De Tuin (Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 13), and Café ‘t Smalle (Egelantiersgracht 12). 10) Walk it. Start at the eastern end of the Albert Cuyp street market in the ethnically diverse neighborhood De Pijp. Peruse Dutch treats like fish, cheese, and chocolate among 300 stalls. Take a right on Ferdinand Bolstraat, then a left on Stadshouderkade. Take a right at Spiegelgracht for a stroll in the antique district. Turn left onto Herengracht to see splendid 17th century canal houses. Make a right at Leidsestraat and go up to Singel. Hit the Singel lunch Café (Singel 404) for homemade soups and baguette sandwiches. |
| 19th June 2008 monique | - From: More Scotland love reading about your adventures! and can't wait to see some more photos. It sounds like you are going all the time! Is there ever any down time for you both? Keep in touch, miss you. |
| 19th June 2008 Randy & Sherry | A little history of Randy's ancestors - From: More Scotland Some of Randy's family history notes; My grandmother's name was McCormick. It is said that Captain James McCormick’s name is listed on a stained glass window of a Londonderry Cathedral and that the McCormick family has many graves on the Isle of Mull (not to be confused with the Isle of Man). The Isle of Mull is located on the west coast of Scotland near the body of water that drains from Lock Ness. It is said that a castle belonging to the McKlean’s has a sign over a portal that states that any McCormick entering there shall be given food and shelter. My grandmother's name was Trueblood. The earliest know ancestor of the bloodline was Arnold Trueblood who died in the Goale of Lincoln castle in Beckingham, Lincolnshire, England. This explain's my interest in the region, more from a cultural point of view than actually seeing sites. Sherry and I both have a rich ancestral history in Ireland and the UK. Hope you're enjoying the trip and taking a lot on notes for us. Can't wait to get over there ourselves and find that $20.00 you left for us. |
| 18th June 2008 Kirsten Johnson | - From: Scotland! Oh I'm so jealous that you saw Scotland. I hope you and your mom are having fun. I thought of a cheap souvenier (spelling?)....Coasters! If the bars have coasters I want some! hahaha ya! |
| 18th June 2008 Sheryl | Great first stop - From: Scotland! Looks like you're having fun. Can't wait for the next blog. So, do they wear underwear under those kilts? Hehehe. |
| 16th June 2008 Randy & Sherry | Hope you remember - From: Full Irish Breakfast Anyone? Hope you remember where this amazing breakfast place is or it's name. It sounds like a really neat place. We may want to visit it in September. |
| 15th June 2008 katenian | ok mom... - From: First full Day-kind of... ya we know ma and dad. the weather is perfect. gloomy!!! we love it! sucks for sunny san diego! |
| 15th June 2008 katenian | Thanks! - From: First full Day-kind of... We love you too and i will have more than a drink for you two! |
| 15th June 2008 Sherry and Randy | Wow! - From: England! Kate-I got tired just reading about all that you did! Have fun but take time for a nap! |
| 13th June 2008 mom | - From: First full Day-kind of... dad told you the beer was going to be expensive! Don't spend all of your money on beer! How is the weather? Be safe! we love you mom and dad |
| 13th June 2008 Lisa & Mark | WE LOVE YOU GUYS! - From: First full Day-kind of... Just wanted to tell you both we love you TONS and are so very excited for you guys! We know how important it is to see the world so enjoy every second of it, soak it all in and have a drink or two for us! Be safe and have lots of fun...keep in touch! Love, Mark & Lisa |
| 12th June 2008 Carissa | Madrid - From: Official Itinerary If you are suddenly craving Mexican food in Madrid get off at Plaza de espana walk towards the big statue, you'll see a parking garage go INTO the parking garage there's an AMAZING chinese food place down there... other than that there's the BEST Galacian food restaurant in Spain in madrid but my directions are awful (they involve looking for a big red lobster) so I'll see if anyone else can help you :-) |
| 12th June 2008 SherrynRandy | Yeah! - From: Ian and Dillon are here! Glad you made it-we want to hear all about Dublin! |
| 12th June 2008 Randy & Sherry | We're keeping tabs on you! - From: Ian and Dillon are here! Look out Ireland! Good to hear you're safe. We'll keep checking on you. Be good - be safe - and have fun. |
| 12th June 2008 mom | - From: Ian and Dillon are here! I'm so glad you arrived safely! Have fun but be GOOD! We love you lots! can't wait to hear more from you. Mom |
| 12th June 2008 katenian | Love! - From: Ian and Dillon are here! Glad you're safe! I leave in less than 24 hours nowwww!! Miss you already! |
| 11th June 2008 Desiree | woo hoo - From: Bon Voyage BBQ I had too much fun at the BBQ. I know you guys will have fun while you're gone and I look forward to reading your updates! |
| 10th June 2008 Matt | Fun times - From: Bon Voyage BBQ Thanks for inviting me you guys! I had lots of fun. I hope you guys have lots of fun on your trip and Ill check back here often. Can't wait to see some pictures :) |
| 6th June 2008 Chrissy | Wow! - From: Getting Closer! Wow! You are going to be busy. I hope that you have a lot of fun on your trip. I already have your blog saved in my favorites so I can read your updates. I would love to travel but really don’t have the recourses to at this time so I have to live vicariously through your blogs. When you get back in August we need to get together for lunch so you can tell all about your trip in person. =] |
| 10th April 2008 Shana | Woot! - From: Itinerary! Sounds awesome Katie!! My brothers and I will be in Israel when you're in Madrid!! :) ohh la la |
| 9th April 2008 Michelle | England - From: Top 10 This is my token protest at England being included on the list, with no mention of my lovely country to the north, Scotland. Just kidding, darlin', I know you're talking about coming here-ish, too. But this is where you provide dates and details, so I know if I get to take you and your mom out to lunch in my city!!! I"m sure I will have accumulated more than enough tips about the UK in general by the time you're here, particularly since most of my friends here are English, going to school in Scotland. So email me with where you want to go, and I'll see what I can find out. And I will be definitely reading this blog, following vicariously, and reliving mine own backpacking trip. Have fun! Michelle Millum |
