Bonjour!
Matt and I arrived in Gorgeous Paris last night. Many accordians, beatiful lights, french onion soup...no time for internet...but we'll write more tomorrow..Safe and Sound and loving it!
Em
Monday, July 30, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Our Last Night in London
Does anyone remember the movie Three Men and a Baby? With Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg (I think), and one other man, and a baby? Tom Selleck plays an architect in it, apparently. This is because the movie was origionally "trois hommes e un bebe", a french film that was written by our current host's sister-in-law. She got the idea after witnessing him (who happens to be an architect) and two other relatives taking care of a local baby (possibly related). Tom Sellecks character is (very) loosely based on him, and we are excited to be in the presence of hollywood royalty.
Our stay in London has definately been a lot higher-class than we anticipated. We spent today on a driving tour with our gracious host John around the greater London area, seeing all of the sights not worth walking to. London is a large, spread out city with neighborhood pockets and some parky-ish spots. Yesterday we gave ourselves a 7 hour walking tour starting in one of these spots, aptly named Green Park. We ventured into Hyde Park where we passed Buckingham Palace on our way to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Parliament Square. Having a limited budget, we focused our attention on the outside of these buildings and can only guess at the wonders they may hold within. Then we ventured across the Westminster Bridge to a long walking promenade along the southern bank of the river. The nice thing about London is that all of the major museums are free, so after sharing a small sandwich for lunch, we took a break inside the Tate Modern. Afterwards, we crossed back over the Tower Bridge, leading to the Tower of London and back into the center of the city.
Last night we decided to splurge and treat ourselves to a late showing of the Simpsons Movie, and it was a nice distraction from how tired our legs were after walking all day. The advertisements before movies in Britain are way more interesting and clever than those across the pond, even for products like Ford, that are based in America. I don't know how we end up getting stuck with all of the Toby Keith "Ford Truck Man" crap.
Today we got up around 10:30 and had a full breakfast courtesy of John at the house. We then began our driving tour and ended it many hours later with tea in a local park. I think we may stay in tonight so we can get all packed up and ready to go for tomorrow, but I can't say for sure because Emily is napping and I don't want to wake her and ask her. After three great days in London, we move on to Paris tomorrow at 1 in the afternoon. I assume it is pretty much going to be the same city except for the Seine runs through it instead of the Thames, but I could be completely off base. I'll have to let you know.
Our stay in London has definately been a lot higher-class than we anticipated. We spent today on a driving tour with our gracious host John around the greater London area, seeing all of the sights not worth walking to. London is a large, spread out city with neighborhood pockets and some parky-ish spots. Yesterday we gave ourselves a 7 hour walking tour starting in one of these spots, aptly named Green Park. We ventured into Hyde Park where we passed Buckingham Palace on our way to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Parliament Square. Having a limited budget, we focused our attention on the outside of these buildings and can only guess at the wonders they may hold within. Then we ventured across the Westminster Bridge to a long walking promenade along the southern bank of the river. The nice thing about London is that all of the major museums are free, so after sharing a small sandwich for lunch, we took a break inside the Tate Modern. Afterwards, we crossed back over the Tower Bridge, leading to the Tower of London and back into the center of the city.
Last night we decided to splurge and treat ourselves to a late showing of the Simpsons Movie, and it was a nice distraction from how tired our legs were after walking all day. The advertisements before movies in Britain are way more interesting and clever than those across the pond, even for products like Ford, that are based in America. I don't know how we end up getting stuck with all of the Toby Keith "Ford Truck Man" crap.
Today we got up around 10:30 and had a full breakfast courtesy of John at the house. We then began our driving tour and ended it many hours later with tea in a local park. I think we may stay in tonight so we can get all packed up and ready to go for tomorrow, but I can't say for sure because Emily is napping and I don't want to wake her and ask her. After three great days in London, we move on to Paris tomorrow at 1 in the afternoon. I assume it is pretty much going to be the same city except for the Seine runs through it instead of the Thames, but I could be completely off base. I'll have to let you know.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Transcribed Email Update Numero Uno
Editors note: This is an Email that Emily sent out. We have different email lists of people and we're trying to consolidate a bit. This will be our universal hub of communication for now. Carry on.
Cheerio to all,
Matt and I arrived in London late last night in the beeeeeautiful heathrow airport...note the sarcasm (editors note: Heathrow is fine, I don't get it). After a good nights rest thanks to Jan's surefire tylenol PM Matt and I went off on our first European adventure. It was really pleasent actually, we rode a two story bus (top story of course) through central london..picadilly..baker street(Go Holmes!) and trafalger square till we reached Covent Gardens for a light lunch. The tiny restuarant owner, not that he was a tiny man, just small restaurant was Portuguese and Praying for rain so that he could walk his son to the Simpsons movie in 3D about 20min away. All and all, pretty hilarious. So we carried on to the British Museum and saw the Rosetta Stone (allllll right) and some cool egyptian mummies, ancient European astrological instruments and such..all pretty awesome. Finally, my feet were sore and we were both a bit worn our so we took the tube back to John's house...who is, by the way, amazing. One of the nicest men I've met and so generous. His house in St. John's Wood is gorgeous - he is an architect and from what it sounds, is very succesful...cool company paid surprise vacations to Prague and such - anywho. He cooked us a traditional dinner tonight. A starter of fresh cantalope followed by some kind of lamb (first time I've enjoyed it) with roasted potates and garlic greenbeans and wine...followed by some delicious cheeses and british crackers and more wine and finally finished off with fresh strawberries and cream....hard to beat in any five star restaurant...I'm just debating what to cook for him! Anywho, tomorrow we're off to Parliment, Westminster Abby, the Tate Modern and maybe some theatre at the Globe or some such. I'm not sure how regularly we'll be e-mailing once we're away from daily access but I'd love to hear from everybody...see what you're up to. Also, we've got a pretty hilarious and sometimes silly blog for our trip at mattandemilyadventures.blogspot.com...(editors note: you already know this) either way check it out...especially ben...we've got lobby featured prominantly...also, I need joel's email address. Thanks everybody...forward this on to all who would be interested and I don't have their emails...nicole included..THANKS!!!!
Love to All
EM
Editors PS: I made it through the new Harry Potter without anyone spoiling the ending for me! London is sweet. Talk to you all soon! Matt
Cheerio to all,
Matt and I arrived in London late last night in the beeeeeautiful heathrow airport...note the sarcasm (editors note: Heathrow is fine, I don't get it). After a good nights rest thanks to Jan's surefire tylenol PM Matt and I went off on our first European adventure. It was really pleasent actually, we rode a two story bus (top story of course) through central london..picadilly..baker street(Go Holmes!) and trafalger square till we reached Covent Gardens for a light lunch. The tiny restuarant owner, not that he was a tiny man, just small restaurant was Portuguese and Praying for rain so that he could walk his son to the Simpsons movie in 3D about 20min away. All and all, pretty hilarious. So we carried on to the British Museum and saw the Rosetta Stone (allllll right) and some cool egyptian mummies, ancient European astrological instruments and such..all pretty awesome. Finally, my feet were sore and we were both a bit worn our so we took the tube back to John's house...who is, by the way, amazing. One of the nicest men I've met and so generous. His house in St. John's Wood is gorgeous - he is an architect and from what it sounds, is very succesful...cool company paid surprise vacations to Prague and such - anywho. He cooked us a traditional dinner tonight. A starter of fresh cantalope followed by some kind of lamb (first time I've enjoyed it) with roasted potates and garlic greenbeans and wine...followed by some delicious cheeses and british crackers and more wine and finally finished off with fresh strawberries and cream....hard to beat in any five star restaurant...I'm just debating what to cook for him! Anywho, tomorrow we're off to Parliment, Westminster Abby, the Tate Modern and maybe some theatre at the Globe or some such. I'm not sure how regularly we'll be e-mailing once we're away from daily access but I'd love to hear from everybody...see what you're up to. Also, we've got a pretty hilarious and sometimes silly blog for our trip at mattandemilyadventures.blogspot.com...(editors note: you already know this) either way check it out...especially ben...we've got lobby featured prominantly...also, I need joel's email address. Thanks everybody...forward this on to all who would be interested and I don't have their emails...nicole included..THANKS!!!!
Love to All
EM
Editors PS: I made it through the new Harry Potter without anyone spoiling the ending for me! London is sweet. Talk to you all soon! Matt
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
New York New York
Hididdlyho Friendorinos
It's a me Emmmmily..and I'm taking over our final American blog. We finishing up our last night of three in Sunny NYC...and what a three days it has been. Matt and I enjoyed ourselves cruising the subways and strolling the streets of the busy city.
Our first day was highlighted by a visit to the Met to see an ancient egyptian temple, some pretty radical armor & weaponry, and some creepy paintings of charubs and royals. We followed that experience with a relaxing and FREE ride on the Staten Island Ferry...I highly recommend it.
Yesterday it rained, but that didn't stop us Northwesterners. We sought out a delicious pizza joint and found comfort in the warmth of the NYC public library, just as the poor souls in Day After Tomorrow had. It was incredible to be inside that building (not because of cinematic associations) and admire it's beautiful architecture - appreciate the history. So, we recharged our batteries and went off to BROADWAY where we caught Spring Awakening (Thanks again David)..We followed our theatrical romp with some original NY cheesecake and called it a day.
Today, not much of note - I'm not even sure how much of what I've been wrirting is either - we met up with Mike Sullivan which was a total treat and spent the rest of the day lounging in Prospect Park....reading Harry Potter. I admit it, snicker if you like but it's the last book and I won't have the ending ruined for me. Speaking of, I'm 100 pages away from the end....and with my nerd flag waving high, I retreat to the couch.
It's a me Emmmmily..and I'm taking over our final American blog. We finishing up our last night of three in Sunny NYC...and what a three days it has been. Matt and I enjoyed ourselves cruising the subways and strolling the streets of the busy city.
Our first day was highlighted by a visit to the Met to see an ancient egyptian temple, some pretty radical armor & weaponry, and some creepy paintings of charubs and royals. We followed that experience with a relaxing and FREE ride on the Staten Island Ferry...I highly recommend it.
Yesterday it rained, but that didn't stop us Northwesterners. We sought out a delicious pizza joint and found comfort in the warmth of the NYC public library, just as the poor souls in Day After Tomorrow had. It was incredible to be inside that building (not because of cinematic associations) and admire it's beautiful architecture - appreciate the history. So, we recharged our batteries and went off to BROADWAY where we caught Spring Awakening (Thanks again David)..We followed our theatrical romp with some original NY cheesecake and called it a day.
Today, not much of note - I'm not even sure how much of what I've been wrirting is either - we met up with Mike Sullivan which was a total treat and spent the rest of the day lounging in Prospect Park....reading Harry Potter. I admit it, snicker if you like but it's the last book and I won't have the ending ruined for me. Speaking of, I'm 100 pages away from the end....and with my nerd flag waving high, I retreat to the couch.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Assorted Californication
Hey friends and friendettes,Thought I'd give you all one more update before we get on that steam engine across the American world. Since last post we spent two great days in San Francisco, enjoying the sights and the friends and their lobsters (crayfish). We also made a trip out to the Eel river for a couple of days of camping with some good buds.
Packing for the trip is almost complete, and we have our passports and rail passes and all kinds of goodies at our disposal now. On Wednesday we will start our three day train trip that ends in New York City, at which point I will enlighten you on the boring things that we did on the train. I am also starting to realize that posting images isn't quite as easy as I had hoped, so we may not be putting up millions of photos all of the time, but we'll try and at least throw one or two in on each post so you know what kind of stuff we're looking at. But we will still be taking millions of photos all the time, so be ready for a boring slideshow when we get home. I feel like these are really boring, so hopefully Emily will post something soon to lighten the load. Until she does.............you'll have to put up with this guy.
oh yeah p.s., in my attempts to upload photos, I made another web album of pictures from down here. enjoy!
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Comment allez-vous?
Hey folks, this is the first post of our travel blog, and with any luck we'll be keeping it up to date on our wanderings and ponderings and whatnots. We're in sunny California right now, trying to get as much relaxing in as possible before the traveling storm hits us in the faces. This means lots of swimming, movies, wine tasting, and other assorted leisure related activities to make sure we're all rested up by the time our train leaves on July 18th. I'm fooling around with a few options trying to determine the best way to post pictures for you guys, so be sure to check those out if you please. So far I've put up a photo album of the ones Emily took on the drive to California (the one on the left included) and you can check that out here.
So far the summer has been a blast, and this past week has been no exception. We left my house in Baker after a delicious BBQ and ventured towards Sun River where we met up with Nathan at Skull Hollow where he romanced us with Jimi Hendrix from his pickup stereo and all of the Pabst Blue Ribbon we could handle. We still had more driving to do though, so it wasn't very much. Maybe next time, bud.
After catching very little sleep at Kim's house in Sun River, we left town bright and early and hit the road again, rolling into Glen Ellen around two o clock. So far the highlights have been a couple of great swimming sessions (both in lake and in pool), a fantastic day downtown celebrating the fourth (fireworks especially), a lively BBQ to celebrate Emily's graduation, and today's venture out to the wineries for free tours and tasting thanks to Nicole. We still have a trip into San FranFrisco in the works for tomorrow for a free showing of the SF Symphony in Golden Gate Park, and a 2-3 day camping trip in the works for next weekend. It is finally cooling off after a few 102-104 degree days and we are thankful. Our bellies are full and our schedules are open. I'll try and get a general itinerary posted sometime in the next few days, or something else, or nothing else. You are at my mercy.
Bonsoir!
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