Nicole Pothier: a vagabond in training

Six more weeks of winter? I sure hope not!

2012-02-03T01:36:00.000-08:00

So, last night when I went to bed the weather app on my phone said it was -17 degrees outside. Then, this morning when I woke up, it was -12. I seriously do not remember Germany being this INSANELY cold last year!

The photo above is how cold it feels in Germany right now. Seriously. Except, there aren't any penguins. In fact, substitute the penguins with annoying pigeons and you got Germany in February.

Now, I read that stupid Phil the groundhog saw his shadow (or didn't see his shadow? I forget which one it is) and predicted six more weeks of winter. Seriously.... I'm about to put poor little Phil on my animal hit list, right next to that damn octopus who predicted the outcome of the World Cup.

Hey Phil! Did you read about what happened to that damn octopus? That's right! Calamari time!

Ugh, all I have to say is, Germany better have a better summer than last year to make up for this crappy winter.

Basically, I'm just bummed. I went all November and December (I think) without being sick once. That's a milestone for me!! Then, Germany decides to frost over and what happens? I get sick! Ugh, today is just not my day. Time to go crawl back in my warm bed!

OH, and by the way. Shameless plug here! My latest story on Life2PointOh came out! Sightseeing in London: The Ultimate Travel Tips!

Check it out and let me know what you think! London is one of my favorite cities in the world, so it was great being able to write about it.

Actually... now that I think about it. The last time I felt this FREEZING COLD was when I visited England with the parents two or three years ago during New Year's.

The picture on the left is of me and my mom at Stonehenge. It's actually a good picture (I think) of me and Mom, but believe it or not, we were FREEZING our asses off on this trip.

The wind was insane and it must have been like -20 outside. I remember I didn't have gloves on and I had a hard time taking pictures because my hands were so cold.

Yup, it's time for some 100 degree weather now! Time to defrost!

Photo Friday

2012-01-27T01:43:00.000-08:00

Angkor Wat in Angkor, Cambodia.

Today, I'm dedicating my "Photo Friday" not to a place I've already been, but a destination I dream to visit in the future! Living in Europe has made it extremely easy to travel. I've been to more amazing places than I would have thought possible five years ago.

But, I'm craving something new. My itch for adventure is increasing. And one of the places I'm ready to start exploring more (not sure if my bank account is ready for it, but that's besides the point) is Asia! And in particular, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia (pictured here!), China, Japan, and the list just goes on!

In fact, when I think about moving home one day, I always have to remember that there is a whole world out there I have yet to see and explore. And as I cross more countries and destinations off my "travel bucket list," even more are added. I don't know if I will ever be done with traveling. If I had my way, I would visit every country in the world.

When I actually stop to think about it, if I didn't have travel in my life, I'm not sure I would be anywhere near as happy as I am now. When I was a kid I dreamed of being the business type with the full time job (in these visions I was always wearing the power suits with high heels, carrying a brief case. I think I watched too many TV shows as a child).

It's funny how growing up makes you reflect on who you really are and what you really want out of life. When I think back to when I was a kid, it makes me laugh. To be honest, if I did have that full time job I think I would feel suffocated. Maybe it's because I still feel like I'm in that place in my life where I'm still trying to find myself and discover where I fit in this world, but I can say that I would be more than happy with a regular job (bar job, waitressing, whatever) as long as it paid the bills and allowed me a few extra bucks a month to put toward traveling.

I may not have figured out much about my life, about where I'm going or about who I really am, but I do know that traveling will always be in my blood….and on those days when I'm feeling lost, sad and confused, all I have to do is hop on a train or board a plane to find myself.

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

Photo Friday!

2012-01-13T01:16:00.000-08:00

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru

This is one of my favorite pictures of all time. Can anyone guess where I took it? :-)

Is it too late to be making resolutions?

2012-01-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

OK, so it's been quite a while since I last updated my blog. In my defense, I've been dealing with a special kind of hell – moving apartments in Germany. Who knew it could be so complicated and such a pain in the ass!?

But, finally it's all over. I'm moved out and into my new place. Will post pics later.

So now, I have found some time to write. And, since it is only the second week of January, I think it's still OK to write about certain "resolutions" I have made for myself.

First of all, I think resolutions are crap. "I'm going to stop drinking." "I'm going to lose 20 pounds." "I'm going to finally clean out the beer bottles stacked up in the basement."

Nah. Not gonna do that this year. Those kind of resolutions I can never keep. And to be honest, I never give them an honest start either. But there were a few travel resolutions I thought up that I think will be easy enough for me to accomplish.

1. Update My Blog More Often. Seems simple enough, right? Wrong. Believe it or not, I actually really love writing here. And regardless if anyone even reads it or not, it still gives me some sense of accomplishment. So, this year I plan on writing more. Ideally, I would love to be able to write once a day, but with two jobs and my traveling lifestyle, I'm not sure that's possible. But I'm going to try to write at least once or twice a week …. starting this week of course!

2. Knock Something Off My Travel Bucket List. Oh man, this one is going to be so much fun. The longer I stay here in Europe, the bigger my bucket list becomes! So, the HUGE things on my list are: visiting Moscow, going on safari in Africa and taking the trans siberian railroad across Asia. The smaller things on my list are: hit up Croatia, travel to more Eastern European countries, and FINALLY get up to Sweden.

3. Speak More Languages. Yah, yah, I know I speak German, but I'm not counting that. My goal is to pick up more than just a few words in each country. When I go to Italy I want to be able to at least order food in Italian, or ask for directions in French when I'm visiting Paris. One of the things I love to do in another country is learn a few words to get me by, even if it's just saying "děkuji" (thank you) while in Prague or "s'il vous plait" (please) in France. So, I figure, why not learn some more?!

4. Take More Weekend Trips. This one should be easy, but I don't seem to do this as much as I could. I mean, Paris is two hours away by train, Amsterdam just four hours by car – there should be no reason for me to stay home on weekends when these place are so close by.

5. Travel Solo. I put this resolution at the bottom of my list because I'm still unsure if I'll be able to do it. I love the idea of traveling by myself: going where I want to go, eating and touring by myself if I so choose, meeting new and interesting people. But this also scares the hell out of me. I'm a social person and one of the best things about traveling is having the opportunity to share it with someone. Plus, there's the whole danger factor to it all. I know I will manage to get up the courage to travel solo one day, it's just a matter of when.

So, what are some of your New Year's resolutions and how do you plan on keeping them?

Falling in love with Paris all over again!

2011-10-21T03:03:00.000-07:00

Check out my latest story -- "Falling in love with Paris: Your must-see itinerary" -- at www.life2pointoh.com.

I was lucky enough to be able to write about my experience traveling to the "City of Light" -- Paris! I really loved writing this story and I'm really proud of how it came out in the end! Hope everyone can take a moment to read it and leave me their feedback!!

Prost! Get your drink on at Oktoberfest!

2011-10-14T03:25:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I'm especially proud of my latest story on life2pointoh.com. Check out my article on Oktoberfest and get tips on how to prepare for next year's drunken festivities!

Also, because I love my friend Kourtney sooo much, I'm going to show her a little love here! If you don't already know, Kourtney is now a published author! Her first book, "The Naughty Bucket List: 369 Sexy Dares To Do Before You Die," is now being sold on Amazon. So go buy it so she can make a butt load of money and use that money to come visit me in Germany!

And to get an idea of what Kourt is all about and what her book has to offer, read this awesome article online at the Sacramento News and Review. The whole interview was amazing (I felt like I could hear her talking in my head, even though I haven't seen her in almost four years! Aaaagh I miss my bestie!), but my favorite part was:

Interviewer: You suggest nude yoga and naked cooking. Jerry Seinfeld taught us there is "good naked" and "bad naked." How do you make sure you're showing "good naked?"

Kourtney: You would have to be aware of the body. It would relate to being a mode, I guess, knowing what looks good. You don't want to be eating a big ol' roast chicken naked, but a strawberry with whipped cream is sexy. Just think about what you would want to see.

I swear, Kourtney, I think I laughed for a good 30 minutes when I read this. Got an awesome visual of a chick trying to be sexy naked while eating roast chicken. Awesome.

Krakow!

2011-10-08T04:44:00.001-07:00

Well, day one in krakow, Poland, and I have to say I'm very impressed. This city has more than exceeded my expectations. I wish we had more than two days here. The history is rich, the people are friendly, the nightlife is rockin and the architecture just blows me away!

This is where I get to go tomorrow!!!!

2011-09-30T02:33:00.000-07:00

That's right people. Oktoberfest in München!

And boy do I love Oktoberfest. It's one of the only places in the world where if you're not dressed up, you look strange. It's the only place where overindulging is not only acceptable, but celebrated. And, for me, it's the only time of the year when I don't hate hearing German folk songs or "oompah music." In fact, I'll be singing along and dancing on tables.

So, tomorrow I'll be donning my Dirndl and heading off to the famous Theresienwiese to party with around 30 of my closest friends! I can't wait!

Prost ihr Säcke!

Headed to Florence?

2011-09-21T00:57:00.000-07:00

Check out my new story about Florence at life2pointoh.com.

I really enjoyed visiting Florence, and I think you can see that from reading my story! Florence is such an amazing place -- so beautiful -- and if you have any kind of traveling "bucket list," Florence should be on it. Right near the top!

Check out my article and leave me some feedback! I would love to hear what you think!

Can you believe it's been four years already??

2011-09-09T01:43:00.000-07:00

Monday officially marks my four-year anniversary in Germany.
I have to say that I'm a bit overwhelmed by this -- especially considering the fact I was originally only planning on being here for six months!

But I have to say, the last four years have been the very best years of my life, so far. Of course, I've had my hardships and my sad moments, but they have been greatly overshadowed by all the amazing adventures I've had.

I have a hard time making myself believe what I've been able to accomplish and what I've seen in just four years.

In four years I've visited 14 countries (two of them were not in Europe), made amazing new friends and gotten closer to my German family.

But most importantly, I've been able to live out my dream of traveling the world and having an adventure. I feel like I'm actually "living" here, and I couldn't be happier. In four years I've: sailed the fjords of Norway, drank too much Guinness in Ireland, enjoyed the beautiful beaches in Spain, strolled through the Red Light District in Amsterdam, braved the Christmas Markets in Germany (Glühwein is my love and my Kryptonite!), ate too much pasta and drank too much wine in Italy, biked around beautiful Prague, ascended the Seoul Tower in South Korea, and stood before the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, among many other amazing things!

And there are still so many amazing things coming my way. For starters, I will be spending my anniversary on Monday in Paris with my friend Bern. I think it's such a fitting way to spend my anniversary: showing my good friend around Paris. She's never been there and I've been there too many times to keep count.

Also coming up: another round of Oktoberfest on Oct. 1; a trip to Krakow, Poland, Oct. 7 to 10; and then back to London on Dec. 14 for the Def Leppard/Steel Panther/Mötley Crüe concert! I'm also trying to pin down my plans for New Year's. Right now, I'm debating between going back to Prague or heading to Budapest. Maybe I'll do both!

In case I don't say it often enough, I'm extremely thankful for the life I've been given. And I'm even more thankful for the people in it, especially my amazing family, who support me 100 percent and my friends, who make the hard times here not so hard.

So, Prost/na zdraví/Salute to four amazing years in Europe, and here's hoping the next four years are just as great!

T-minus 6 weeks until the biggest festival of the year!

2011-08-16T00:32:00.000-07:00

So, the train tickets have been booked!!! And now, I can hardly wait for this!!!!!

And THIS!!!

Oh, Oktoberfest is such a magical time! I haven't been since 2008, so I'm getting really excited to go back. And this time is going to be even more amazing because I'm going in a group of more than 20 people.

Things I can't WAIT to do:
1. Eat a giant pretzel. And my god are they giant!!!!
2. Drink a Mass!!! Though I think Oktoberfest beer is going to kill me financially this year, it will be totally worth it. I think beer at the Ofest this year will cost upwards of €8.50, which is insane.
3. Ride the rides ... well, some of them. The Ferris wheel scared me last time because it goes so high, so not sure I'll be riding it again this year. But I'll slide down the huge slide thingy and I'll ride the roller coasters!
4. Get into a tent. I didn't get inside one of the tents last time, so I hope I can sneak my way into one this time.
5. Eat the food. Yes, a lot of what I do at Oktoberfest is eat! hahahah. But you have to! The food is amazing: brats, baked chicken, pork sandwiches... yumm.

Editor's note: So sorry for all the exclamation points. I make a habit of never using them because they suck, but I'm just so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monsoon season in Germany

2011-08-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

Sooooo, this is what I've been living in for weeks now. I think it's Germany's monsoon season. It blows.

I'm not sure if you can really tell by this photo, but the skies are black, the thunder is deafening and the rain is coming down in buckets.

I took this photo from my office. That building in the photo is my gym ... the gym that I need to start frequenting again.

GOD, what I wouldn't give for some sun, some water and some relaxation! Usually, when the weather in Germany gets this bad, I fly to where the weather is nicer. Unfortunately, flights to anywhere with sunshine are a bit out of my price range. It sucks.
Well, I guess I should just count my blessings that it's not snowing yet ... because that hell is just right around the corner.

From the Czech to Poland ...

2011-08-08T05:23:00.000-07:00

With all the craziness in my life, the one thing I can always count on to center me is my travels! As you know, I just got back from Prague, which was by far one of the most amazing cities I've ever seen. I am already planning my trip back!

Check out my story on Prague HERE. I was really proud of this story, and it made me feel good to know that others had read and enjoyed it. I have been getting e-mails from random people about the story, wanting to know more!

The market square in Krakow, Poland. It's supposed to be one
of the largest squares in all of Europe.

But, as most of you know, without a trip on my horizon, my world is a little dark. My friend Summer put it perfectly: I have PTTD (Post Traumatic Traveling Disorder). And this disorder is hitting me hard right now, especially because the weather in Germany at the moment is absolutely horrible: rainy, cold and windy. Three things I absolutely hate.

But, at least there is one glimmering hope on the horizon: I booked my trip to Krakow for October. It'll be an interesting trip to say the least, especially because Poland was never a country I ever had an urge to visit, yet here I am!

But on another note, with my four-year mark in Germany quickly approaching, I've come to realize what a drug traveling really is. I am completely addicted to it and hopelessly dependent upon it. When I'm sad, I plan trips to make me happy. When I'm in a new city, it's like a high for me. And when I think about moving away from all of this and back to the states, I start to freak out. I was meant for traveling and seeing new places and I don't think I could do anything different. Plus, thinking back on the last four years, I'm excited to see what the next four years has to offer!

Battling Homesickness...

2011-07-29T04:29:00.000-07:00

I'm battling a bout of homesickness myself, so my new story on Life2PointOh.com couldn't have come at a better time. Check out my story "Moving Abroad: Top 5 Ways to Battle Homesickness" here. These tips may not work for everyone, but they are things that I have personally found helpful, especially the traveling part!

So far, I've really enjoyed writing for Life2PointOh. For the most part, I love it because I get to write about what I really love -- my travels. And after almost three or four years of not writing, I thought I had lost the ability. I have to say, it's been tough getting back into it, but I'm loving every minute of it.

And, keep reading because I have some cool stories coming up in the next month, including a City Guide to Prague and a story on how to find and book hostels in Europe.

But before I go, I need some help for a future story. I'm writing a story soon about how NOT to be a bad tourist. Have you ever been on a trip somewhere and thought to yourself, "Jesus. That person is embarrassing themselves. He/she looks like such a tourist!" Tell me about it.

As always, thanks for reading!

Seeing the world in a different 'light'

2011-07-28T06:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, your suspicions are correct. I only noticed
this lamp because of the "Dementor" next to
it. Actually, I can't remember anymore who
the hooded figure really is, but I thought
he looked so cool next to that lamp.

I don't know when it started, but at some point during my travels I stopped just looking at the main touristy things right in front of me and started looking at the objects around them: fountains, benches, windows and, above all, any kind of lamp or light fixture.

It wasn't until I went to Prague though that I realized how obsessed I am with lamps and light fixtures. I don't know why, but I love photographing them; they always make for such beautiful photos.

It may seem weird, but I think, as a world traveler, it's good to find things that are out of the norm to be fascinated by and to take pictures of, especially if you are continuing to frequent the same cities. I mean, how many photos of Big Ben and the Colosseum can you have before it all starts to look redundant and boring? And for me, it's lamps!

So, below is a selection of some of the lamps and lights I've taken photos of during my travels. You may think I'm crazy, but instead maybe you'll see what I'm talking about!

I found this awesome lamp in Florence, Italy. Somehow my eyes locked on
to this beauty and I just had to take a photo of it. Not only do I love the
detail in the stem, but I love the color!

This awesome bench-light pole combination was
discovered in Madrid, Spain.

And I don't just admire outdoor lights, either! This
cool looking table lamp was found at a restaurant
in Florence.

These have to be my favorite light fixtures of all time. So far, nothing has
been able to beat them. I got to see these amazing lights in Cairo, Egypt.
They were hanging in the Alabaster Mosque. The pictures don't even
show how beautiful these things were. My only wish is that they
had replaced all the bulbs so that they were all lit.

Another beautiful lamp, but this time in Paris, France.

And this lamp-window combo was discovered during a walk around Prague,
Czech Republic.

Muggles rejoice! Hogwarts steam engine on display in England

2011-07-27T03:43:00.000-07:00

So, everyone knows I'm a huge "Harry Potter" fan. Like, insane fan. Like, you might need to "put me down" if you ever get me in the same room as Daniel Radcliffe.

One of the saddest moments of my life had to be a few weeks ago when I sat down in the theater to watch the final installment of the "Harry Potter" movies -- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two. And now that it's over, this muggle has an empty feeling deep inside. But, there are some cool things coming up now since the movies have finished.

For example, I may need to take another trip to England here pretty soon. The City of York, which is some 4 hours north of London, will soon be the permanent home of the Hogwarts Express train. The train that was featured in most of the Harry Potter movies will be displayed at the National Railway Museum there. So cool.

Plus, I need to go back to England anyways. I've been to London five times now I think and I have yet to make it to Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross station. How is that even possible? Too bad I just can't ride the Floo network or use a portkey to get there. I have to fly Ryanair! HAHHAHA

God I'm such a nerd. :-)

Moving abroad

2011-07-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

While I was away living the life in Prague, my latest story on Life2PointOh came out.

Check it out -- So, you've decided to move abroad -- and let me know what you think! I am also planning on writing a review of Prague. I can't wait!

Drinking with the locals...

2011-07-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

Summer and I discovered the most amazing restaurant/bar called Lokal.
Only serving one type of locally brewed beer, waiters fill the glasses to the brim and let it trickle over the sides as they bring it to your table!
The bar is laid out like a beer hall and the only way to get a seat is to squeeze in with strangers at a table with a few empty chairs!
I wish we had more time here - the food is amazing and cheap, the beer is some of the best I've tasted, and the atmosphere is lively, rivaling many German beer gardens!
I'm not ready to go back to reality!
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Enjoying every minute...

2011-07-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are drinking absinthe in Prague. What are we thinking?!
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Praha - Day 3

2011-07-13T04:02:00.000-07:00

Day 3 has started off amazingly! Though we stayed up pretty late last night indulging in authentic Czech food and pint after pint of beer over a course of about five hours, we were able to get up early to start our day! We walked across the Charles Bridge and made our way up the steep hill to Prague Castle. Summer and I have hesitantly agreed that Prague is now our city - surpassing Rome by a long shot!

Now, we're sitting at a little cafe overlooking all of Prague. There is little conversation between us because our attention is on the miraculous, bustling city below. We can't take our eyes off if it - trying to soak up every detail of the red roofed building below. I still can't believe we're here. But most of all, I can't believe the trip is almost over. This city is a place where you can spend a lifetime! I can't wait for the day when I return to beautiful Prague - my city!
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Speechless!

2011-07-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

Well, Summer is back at the hostel doing some quick school work so I'm sitting at a bar in Old Prague Square by myself and admiring the view in front of me. In the picture you can kinda see what I'm talking about - the astronomical clock.

We just finished a two hour bike tour of the city, so a beer was much needed! I'm loving just sitting here and people watching - listening to all the different languages around me. Behind me are two old American ladies chatting about their trip to Australia, and in front of me is a German family talking about their meal. I love that there are so many ways to experience this city (and any city really) than just hitting up the common tourist sites.

All I know is, three days here is not enough. I must come back. And I will. But for now, ill sit here and enjoy my cold glass of Pilsner Urquell! Nazdravi!
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Simply amazing...

2011-07-12T03:17:00.000-07:00

Its only day 2 and I'm already in love with prague! There is no way to describe this place or the feeling you get being here. Old town reminds Me of a Hollywood stage - like nothing lies behind the actual buildings but an empty stage.

At the moment Summer and I are enjoying Lunch outside in the beautiful weather...and I'm drinking a delicious Czech beer. Amazing!

Next up on the list for today: a two hour bike tour of the city, prague castle, Charles bridge and hopefully a trip up the clock tower to get a view of Old Town!
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On the road again...

2011-07-10T23:36:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm back at the airport again, this time on my way to beautiful Prague!

Though I despise getting up early, driving to the airport and going through the hassle of checking in, I love airports - mostly the part before boarding when I have time to scope out the people around me. Right now, I have a suited-up businessman, a little old lady, and two older women who look like they are on their way to somewhere tropical right in front of me! There was also the stupid girl who Decided at some point this morning that it was ideal to wear 4-inch heals when traveling. Blöde Kuh.

I'm always entertained at the airport, but thankful ill be boarding soon! So ready for vacation!
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Another Fourth of July in Germany ...

2011-07-01T03:31:00.000-07:00

Monday will mark another year that I celebrate our nation's birthday in Germany. What's funny is that I've more or less given up celebrating all of the U.S.'s holidays (like Columbus Day and Fourth of July) to honor Germany's holidays -- ones I still don't understand even after four years -- like Pfingsten and Christi Himmelfahrt.

Most times, I don't really miss American holidays (except for Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday of all time) -- Christmas in Germany is 100 times better than in the states and Halloween has never been all that important to me. But this year, I miss celebrating Independence Day, and here's a few reasons why:

- Right now, it's raining in Germany. My memories of Fourth of July in California are filled with sunburns, swimming and boating. Rain in July is stupid and wrong. Whatever happened to global warming? I could use a little warming in Germany right about now.

- I miss the barbecues and good friends. Back home, we would all get together on the houseboat, cook and have a good time. This weekend, there won't be any special food or anything special to celebrate. I miss that.

- And, most importantly, I miss the fireworks. Germany's fireworks on any occasion are boring compared to the fireworks shows in the states. And what always made Fourth of July fireworks in California all that more spectacular, was how we chose to view them. I miss taking out the Malibu, tying off to other boats in the middle of the lake, and watching the fireworks show all snuggled up in our blankets.

But, I guess this Fourth of July weekend won't be a total loss. This weekend is the annual "Altstadtfest," old city festival, which will be held less than 100 meters from my house! There will be live music, German food and lots of beer! So, this weekend, I'll hang with good friends, listen to live bands destroy classic rock songs, drink a Pils and eat all the yummy Bratwurst I can get my hands on -- all in the name of the Fourth of July!

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

UPDATE:
After writing this post I wanted to see some old Fourth of July photos from back in the states. And my dad rocks, so below are a few photos.

I miss the good ol' days of rafting all the houseboats together.
The green one right up front is our houseboat! Miss Breezy!

And this was my favorite pastime. Floating on kneeboards
with beers in our hands!

Holy cow, look how tan I am. I look
crazy brown! I'm nothin' but white now!

This is just one reason why I love Germany so much...

2011-06-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

The ice cream! God I love hot summer days in Germany... Eating ice cream with good friends!
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Should you live abroad in your 20s?

2011-06-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

My second story on the website Life2PointOh just came out and I'm very excited! I think I'm more excited about this story than the last one because this one is really close to my heart -- I moved to Europe in my 20s and had to deal with all the nasty worries and questions in my head as mentioned in the article!

I'm also excited for parts 2 and 3, which will be coming out next month. In those articles, I'll be talking more about a life abroad, including how to prepare for it and how to curb the homesickness once you get there!

It's humid and rainy in Deutschland!

2011-06-22T04:27:00.001-07:00

Well, summer has officially arrived in Germany. Right now its raining and the lightning is brightening up my dark office. How I long for dry summer heat spells. Sigh. The photo above is from my office window and you can see how welcoming the skies look.
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I heart Saturdays!

2011-06-11T05:49:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats a cold beer on a warm sunny day! Love Germany.
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I'm back in the game!

2011-06-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

After four years of not writing and not being published, I finally found a way to get back into the writing game! I started writing for the online magazine Life2pointoh!

And I'm sooo happy to say that my first story has come out! I'm so lucky that I get to write about something I'm insanely passionate about -- traveling!

So, here is my first published story -- Europe's Hotspots: what to see vs. skip! Check it out and let me know what you think!!

Oh, and on a side note, I'm mega stoked to say that all the photos published on the site are ones I took. I've never had my photos published before, so this is great for me!

Planning trips to get through the pain ...

2011-05-23T01:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated my blog in a while, but I figured today would be a good time since I'm in the middle of planning an upcoming trip.

A little more than a week ago my cousin Suzanne died. That, along with a bunch of other stuff, has just put me in the dumps. Though I did feel like writing during this time, I didn't. I was mainly worried that once I started writing, I wouldn't be able to stop and this blog would turn into a diatribe about my so-called messed up life. But I choose not to do that.

Instead, I'm planning my next trip. A friend of mine, Summer, is going to meet me in Prague from July 11 to 14. I almost want to jump up and down in happiness that I'm finally going to be able to go to Prague. I don't know how many times I've tried to plan this trip and it just didn't work out. But, finally, it's happening!! I'm planning on booking my flight today. And because of my awesome skills, I found a round trip flight for under €100. Now, the key is going to be finding a hotel or hostel that won't put me in the red numbers. Wish me luck!

Back at home, safe and sound ....

2011-04-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

So, my Italian vacation is over and, as always, I'm left with an empty feeling in my stomach that I can only fill with another trip.

When I walked in the door and dropped my bags on the ground, I realized how sore my body really was. My legs ached from all the walking and from all the stairs I had to climb and my feet still felt swollen. But what bothered me the most, was the knowledge that I was back at home and no longer sipping wine with Kelly in Italy. I miss it.

But, as Kelly told me on my last night in Rome, I have next weekend to look forward to. Next weekend is my 27th birthday, which also coincides with Easter -- a four day weekend in Germany!! So, lucky for me, I only have to work two days before I have another four days off.

Hopefully, next weekend will be just as sunny and warm as it was in Italy.

But, for now, I think I'll have a glass of wine and start unpacking. Ciao Italia!

A spiritual morning...

2011-04-18T02:14:00.000-07:00

So, for the second time in a week, I saw my clock strike 6 a.m. -- the time Kelly and I decided to drag ourselves out of bed so we could beat the lines in Vatican City!

And mission accomplished! Before noon we have toured St. Peters Church and the Vatican Museum, including the Sistine Chapel. The best part about getting to the Vatican though had to be walking through St. Peters Church right when the morning light was shining through the main windows. Regardless of cultural or religious background, seeing that is a spiritual experience!
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Enjoying the finer things in life...

2011-04-16T09:53:00.001-07:00

So, when in Rome do as the Romans do...drink wine until your teeth turn purple and eat even when you're not hungry!

So that's what we are doing. After only a few hours of throwing elbows with the throngs of annoying tourists, Kelly and I decided to duck into a nice wine bar to drink some vino, enjoy some delicious creme brule and relax.

Next stop: the Pantheon!

Ciao!
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Michelangelo's David

2011-04-16T01:07:00.001-07:00

Bright and early this morning Kelly and I headed over to the Galleria dell Accademia, which is a sculpture and painting museum dedicated to Michelangelo! And, of course, this is also where the famous statue of David resides.

This was the only picture I was able to capture in the museum because the entire place had security running around yelling at people if they even had a camera in their hand. This was my rebellion. The most famous statue in the world and you won't let me photograph it? That's insane!!! I refuse to abide by this rule. Either way, it was an amazing sight to see! You can't see it from this distance, but the statue is so detailed and intricate that you can't take your eyes off of it.

Well, Florence has been an amazing experience and I can't wait to come back one day. But, for now, it's off to Rome! Ciao!

This is why I should be working out...

2011-04-15T03:12:00.000-07:00

So we just got done climbing Brunelleschi's dome at the S. Maria del Fiore cathedral in Florence. I actually thought I might die climbing the dome's five billion stairs but I made it!

The cathedral is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen and it made it even more special to me because I studied this church and this city in college. Its all coming to life right before my eyes and I couldn't feel more blessed and lucky!

So as our reward for braving those suicidal stairs, Kelly and I are now enjoying a nice gelato in front of the church. I love my life!
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Soooo tired!

2011-04-14T01:24:00.001-07:00

Wow. I have to say, 6 a.m. Came really quickly. Luckily I was able to wake up on time to make my flight...no thanks to you Dad. Where the hell was that wakeup call by the way?

So, anyway, I'm boarding right now and will soon be on my way to Pisa! I'm so excited!

Check back soon because I plan on updating my blog along the way!

Ciao!
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Press play ...

2011-03-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

Since I’ve been here, I’ve thought a lot about taking a road trip somewhere. Though my destination is always changing, I have no idea how I would pay for gas money and I can never settle on a time to go, it is still something that I find roaming around in the back of my mind.

When I was a kid my family always took road trips. Though some parts of these road trips were extremely unsettling (like the uncomfortable sleeping or the constant fighting between me and my brother), overall I enjoyed every single one of them. It’s an amazing feeling having the open road ahead of you, having no idea where you are and seeing things for the first time, and getting the chance to crack a window and let the wind rush in.

But one of the best parts about a road trip is the music you choose to listen to.

Now maybe it’s the prospect of taking a road trip to Prague next month for my birthday or the yearning to just take a spontaneous trip and get out of here, but I think a road trip is definitely something I see in my future.

And because it’s something I’m dreaming up, I am also in the process of creating my road trip music playlist in my head … which I guess is kinda weird if you don’t know me.

So, out of fun (and also hoping it will get me excited enough to make this road trip actually happen), below are the top eight songs (in no particular order) everyone should have ready to play on their next road trip.

Journey, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”

I love this song. Every time I hear it I want to pump my fists in the air. It’s a rockin’ song with the catchiest lyrics that, to me, never get old. In the end, the best road trip memories are made when you’re having fun, and you can’t not have fun listening to this song.

Fleetwood Mac, “Go Your Own Way”

It was extremely difficult because all of them are epic, but I was able to narrow down all the Fleetwood Mac songs to “Go Your Own Way.” Not only is it a chill song, but it always reminds me of the part in the movie “Forrest Gump” when Forrest is running across the country with this song playing in the background. All he has is the road under his feet and the thoughts in his head – something a road trip is all about.

Garth Brooks, “Friends in Low Places”

Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a huge Country fan, but I had to have a Country song on my list as a shout out to all those road trips I took in my childhood. When I think of all the trips we used to make (to Nevada, Texas, Utah, wherever), I remember the CDs my dad used to pop into the CD player, and a lot of it was Country music, like Garth Brooks.

Lady Gaga … well, pretty much any of her songs will do the trick

OMG I’m a huge Gaga fan and I can’t even drive to the store without her locked and loaded in my iPod playlist. I know she doesn’t really match with the theme of this list so far, but fuck it. Gaga rocks!!

Limp Bizkit, “Rollin’”

OK, so the theme I had going just went out the window. But who can say some old-school Limp Bizkit doesn’t get your blood pumpin’ and get you dancing in your seat?

Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Sweet Home Alabama”

This song is an obvious classic and it’s downright impossible not to sing along to it. The only reason it almost didn’t make my list was because they used this song in the road-trip scene of the movie “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” right before they were all brutally slaughtered. No bueno.

Queen, “Bohemian Rhapsody”

I’ve been on a TOTAL Queen kick lately (RIP Freddie) so I’m surprised this didn’t make it closer to the top of my list. This song is not only brilliant, but I don’t think there’s any other song on this planet that can make a car full of people sing until their faces are blue and they have no more air in their lungs. If you don’t believe me, watch the video I’ve provided below.

Bryan Adams, “Summer of '69”

This song always makes great memories! I think the best thing about this song is that everyone can relate to it at some point.

Back in the summer of '69
Man we were killin' time

We were young and restless
We needed to unwind
I guess nothin' can last forever - forever, no

So, those are my top eight road trip songs. Does anyone want to add to the list? I’m interested to see what other people prefer to hear when they’re in the car with nothing but an open road in front of them!

Photo Friday!

2011-03-11T03:17:00.000-08:00

Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic.

I hope to be gazing upon this BEAUTIFUL sight next month!

Destination Prague ... hopfully!

2011-03-10T05:37:00.000-08:00

So, April is going to be a big month for me. Not only will I be creeping closer to the Big 3-0, but I'll also be using up a lot of my allotted vacation time to do some much-needed traveling.

From April 14 to 19 my friend Kelly and I will be making our way to Italy, first stopping in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower, then traveling to Florence and finally making our way to my favorite city in the whole world – Rome.

But also in April I will hopefully be embarking on another adventure to a city that has been on my must-see list for quite some time now – Prague. I haven't been doing much planning yet for this trip (I plan on going April 22 to 25), but after watching the above video, which I originally discovered on Hostelworld.com's Facebook site, I don't think anyone could keep me away from this magnificent city.

Though I think it's going to be a bitch getting there (I will be road-tripping it, hopefully with a few friends, five hours to get there), I still think it's going to be 100 percent worth it.

As of right now, I'm taking hotel and sight-seeing suggestions! Anybody know of a cheap (but nice) place to stay in central Prague? And what are some places you've been to that aren't normally on the tourist's map?

Photo Friday!

2011-03-04T05:24:00.000-08:00

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.

There's only one more month until Pisa, Florence and Rome. Hopefully I won't self destruct by then. Sometimes, I feel like I'm being crushed under the weight of all my drama, all my problems, all my worries. And traveling is oftentimes all I have to save me. It's a wonderful breath of fresh air!

I think I have a problem ...

2011-01-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

I've known I've had this "condition" for a while, but I've never wanted to talk about it until now. Not only is it a bit embarrassing to admit I have it, but I'm not sure there is even a cure.

This affliction I so seriously suffer from puts me in daily distress.

The condition I suffer from (and please, God, I hope I'm not the only one) is called Travel Jealousy. Yes, I just made that up. So, let me explain.

When it has been a few months since my last trip (and I'm not talking trips to Frankfurt or Saarbrücken here. I'm talking Berlin, or Spain, or England, etc.) and I hear that someone is coming back from YET ANOTHER vacation, I look like this:

When it has been a few months since my last adventure and I hear that someone is going on a trip to somewhere I have already been (like those people who went to Egypt after me or decided to take a trip to Korea after I did), I look like this:

And when it's been a few months since my last vacation and I find out someone is going on a trip to some place I have always wanted to go or some country on my list of destinations, I look like this:

The funny part about my Travel Jealousy is that I travel quite often. There should be no reason for me to get jealous of other people who travel, right? Well, I hate to say it, but I do. In fact, that is the only thing I can honesty admit to being jealous about when it comes to other people. I don't envy a person's money, or clothing or how skinny they may be. I become envious when I find out they are either traveling more than me or have been to more places.

This phenomena has become so strange to me. You would think the easiest fix would be to travel more, right? Wrong! After I got back from Korea last Christmas, a friend of mine told me she was going on a trip a few weeks later. I was furious -- not at her, just at the thought that it was her going and not me.

And it's also strange to me because I ENCOURAGE others to travel. I think traveling is the most liberating and adventurous thing you can do in your life. I believe everyone should travel. And what's funny is even though I feel sorry for those friends back home in the states who either can't travel or choose not to, when I find out they are finally taking a trip, somewhere behind all that happiness and excitement I feel for them, I sense that jealousy way deep down, reminding me that I have to go to work while they backpack through Europe. Frankly, it sucks.

I guess the only time I have ever been spared from this ugly green monster of mine has been when I'm actually on a trip or when a trip is planned. But what does this mean? Does this mean that I can only be saved from this stupid jealousy when I have nothing to be jealous about ... or something psychological like that? I mean, you wouldn't be jealous of another person with an ice cream cone if you too get to have one, would you? That's how I see it anyway.

So, tell me! What the hell is wrong with me? Is there are cure, or is this fatal? Or am I just being stupid?

King Tut's tomb closing to the public

2011-01-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

Howard Carter examines King Tut's sarcophagus. (Associated Press photo)

In 1922 Howard Carter opened the door to a tomb that would become world famous. The tomb he uncovered had hidden not only treasures, but also the mummified corpse of the now-famous boy pharaoh, King Tutankhamun.

Today, more than 80 years after the initial discovery, it is being reported that (tomb) KV62 in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt – King Tut's Tomb – will soon close to the public.

According to a recent article by the Guardian, the 3,000 year old tomb has suffered a great deal of damage since it's discovery and will be closed this year as a way to prevent any further deterioration. Though the tomb has been robbed dating back to Antiquity, most of damage was caused after the tomb was opened to the public. The article quotes Zahi Hawass, the secretary general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, as saying the tomb's damage was created from the thousands of tourists who visit the tomb each day who track in dust and other material and contribute to the rise in the tomb's heat and humidity.

A photo I took before entering King Tut's
Tomb.

When I read this news I felt saddened and relieved at the same time. I also felt a pinch of guilt, since I too can be considered a contributor to this damage.

During my trip to Egypt in 2009, I was lucky enough to venture to the Valley of the Kings and not only see KV62 myself, but lay my own eyes upon the mummy of King Tutankhamun. I can't even express to my readers how it felt to walk into that dark tomb and see that small body in front of me, surrounded by the painted walls of the tomb that was meant to protect him. This trip was, even until today, the highlight of my life, and it will be hard to top.

Since hearing the news of the tomb's closure, I have felt a little sad. Not only do I hate the idea that I may not have the opportunity to see the tomb again (obviously depending on how long the tomb will be closed. As far as I can tell, there have been no reports that say whether this is just a temporary thing or a permanent solution.), but I also don't like the idea that, once again, another of our world's treasures is being closed to the public. I feel the world deserves to see these places. Mostly, it upsets me to know that somewhere out there, there is another little girl (like me, when I was younger) who is picking up and reading every book she can find on Egypt and dreaming of the day when she can finally stare up at the Great Pyramids and step inside King Tut's tomb and that this little girl will have to be told that her dream will not come true (either that, or will be less than fulfilled).

However, relief is another feeling that overcame me after reading this article.

In Egypt, the very first thing I noticed while visiting tombs (and not just KV62) was the lack of respect not only from the tourists, but from the Egyptian natives who were given jobs working in them.

Tourists are often a horrible breed of human, and I am glad to say that I don't consider myself one of them. I have seen tourists tag historical buildings, litter and take things that don't belong to them. And in Egypt, I saw tourists taking photos of tomb walls when it was specifically forbidden, touch artifacts or walls when they were told not to, and overall act like their behavior was in no way going to alter the state of things.

I, personally, had to ask a few tourists to stop taking photos of the hieroglyphics in the tombs. They claimed to me that they didn't know it was forbidden, and I had to sit there and remind them that we were all asked to give up our cameras and put them in safety lock-boxes before we entered the tomb.

But the people who were worse than the tourists, were the Egyptians paid to work in these tombs. Because tourism is one of the most important sectors of the Egyptian economy, it is completely normal to see Egyptian natives running the "security" in each of the tombs. The problem is, however, that every Egyptian has a price, and it usually isn't very high.

If I had wanted to, I could have paid a few dollars to one of these men and they would have allowed me to take all the photos I wanted. In one tomb, I even had one man offer to take photos of me sitting upon a stone sarcophagus. The sarcophagus was three times as big as me, and I thought, because he was running the security inside the tomb, that it was normal for tourists to do this. So, I paid a few bucks and willingly climbed upon the sarcophagus that I thought was OK for tourists. The man took one photo, and upon taking a second started yelling at me to get off the sarcophagus. It turned out, this was not allowed and he was only trying to make a few extra bucks. I felt horrible. I was tricked into acting like a bad tourist.

As a solution to the tomb's closure, officials have decided to create a replica tomb that will be "visibly indistinguishable from the original." The tomb is supposed to be better lit and have more vibrant colors – something more like what the tomb would have looked like 3,000 years ago.

Though this tomb is a logical solution to the problem, somehow I feel like it was decided in haste. I feel like there could have been other options to fixing these problems without resorting to closing it, starting with getting better security that actually follow the rules and can't be bought.

What do you think? Do you think Egyptian authorities did the right thing by closing the tomb? What other options could they have considered, if any?

Travel vs career: Does it have to be all or nothing?

2011-01-14T05:20:00.000-08:00

I choose all!

A recent article on the website Lonely Planet asked readers if they found it tough to balance travel with real life. Can we have both or does one suffer while the other takes over? In essence, can we see all the world has to offer while having a career, or do we have to choose just one?

Well, I can't say I've been in the working world long enough to able to give an appropriate answer, but in my perspective, I find that both are possible. And that's what I strive for everyday. But not everyone agrees.

One reader in the article was quoted as saying: "I LIKE my job. I compromise so I will probably never go out traveling for more than a few months at a stretch but make sure I can take those stretches along the way. I think people lead a sad life who only view work as a way to save money to travel."

Though I completely disagree with this reader, I find her commitment to her career admirable. Though a traveler at heart, I hope to one day too find a job that I actually enjoy waking up for.

However, the end of this person's comment (the part about how sad it is when people only view work as a way to save money to travel) is completely misguided and probably comes from a person who when he/she was sitting in their office writing an e-mail, I was touring the Louvre. When he/she was in a conference call, I was drinking Sangria on the beach. When he/she was eating their lunch in the break room, I was walking through a tomb in Egypt looking at hieroglyphics. And when he/she was sitting in traffic during rush hour trying to get home, I was watching a professional soccer match in Madrid.

Though this reader said he/she likes their 9 to 5 job enough to where they don't need to travel, they don't understand that to some (and I'm talking about me here), travel is their career. Though I know I will always need to have some sort of job to fund my traveling career (unless I win the lottery or marry rich. Cross your fingers!!), in the end it will all be worth it. Because, for me and for many other career-travelers out there, traveling is not just the act of crossing off countries on your "must see" map. And here's why:

The act of traveling is an intoxicating thing, better than anything you can experience. You can be completely ignorant about a certain place, but once there you can find yourself completely consumed with its history, its people and its culture. The act of traveling is nothing short of a true learning experience.

Every destination I have been to has been an adventure. Though a scary thought, sometimes getting lost or walking down those wrong alleys can be the best thing to ever happen to you. Getting lost is an amazing way to see and experience new things.

And the No. 1 reason why traveling means so much to me is because with a full-time job you likely are seeing the same people every day and doing the same tasks. You eat your lunch in the same break room. You take the same route home from work. When you travel, you become a new person. You meet new people all the time. You are never stuck doing the same repetitive thing every day; you are doing everything for the first time. And when you travel, if you choose to take the long way back or experiment with new things, it's encouraged!

So, for me, I will always strive to have both ... with maybe a larger focus on my travels. Because hey, when I'm done with my vacation (even if it was just a weekend excursion) and I'm sitting back at my desk feeling that wave of depression wash over me (like it does every single time I come home from a trip and realize I have to go back to work), there's nothing better than setting my eyes on the horizon and planning that next big adventure! It truly is a wonderful motivator.

So what do you think? Can we have both or does one always have to be sacrificed? And what do you think of those crazies like me who put traveling first!?

A day without you is like a day without sunshine … I miss you…

2011-01-06T03:04:00.000-08:00

And of course I'm talking about my laptop here!!

I miss it. I miss it so much. I have all these thoughts in my head and nowhere to write them down. I mean, come on, who uses actual pen and paper anymore??

Plus, I feel like my ears are dearly missing the sweet sounds of Robert Plant, Roxette, Journey, and a million other bands. They are bleeeeeeeding for some sweet tunes!!

So, computer, if you could come back to me soon, that would be really great. I will treat you right from now on. I will never say mean things to you ever again and I will make sure to back you up (hahhahaah that sounds dirty) all the time! I will also not let you ever get violated by mean viruses. I will make sure your "protection" is always up to date!

So, return to me, if for no other reason then it SUCKS to Facebook at home from my BlackBerry.

Love, always,
Nicole!

Oh, and on another, brighter note, I'll be going HERE tomorrow!

And I'll be seeing THIS on Sunday!

Looooove my life!

Graduate leaves one Paradise for another

2010-12-15T06:48:00.000-08:00

So, the Chico State alumni newsletter, the Journalism Times, published a small feature piece about me moving to Germany and working at the Kaiserslautern American.

The article was nice and well-written, but I have to say it's really weird to see my name in print, let alone with two photos. The only thing I'm used to seeing in print is my byline above the stories I've written.

But I digress. I enjoyed the story a lot and though sometimes I feel like I don't give my current job a lot of credit or give it the props it deserves, this article just reminds me how lucky I really am. If anything, I hope students read this little story and realize that it is possible to have a career and live an adventure at the same time. I mean, hell, I'm doing it!

So, below is the article that was written about me. Let me know what you think! Also, check out this story about a previous journalism professor of mine.

After 16 years at Chico State, Dr. Glen Bleske is retiring. Though it is sad to see him go, I feel thankful that I was given the opportunity to study under this amazing professor. Every student who has sat in his classroom is a better writer now because of him.

Since Dr. Bleske announced his retirement, numbers of journalism students have reached out to tell their stories and anecdotes about our "Journalism Dad."

The thing I remember the most is how scared shitless I was of this man when I first sat down in his class. After he did his beginning-of-the-semester spiel, I never thought I would pass (at one point he even failed me on a paper because of a fact error. After I was done whining and crying about it, I swore to learn from that mistake). Then, fast forward four years later, and I remember how thankful I was to have this man give me my diploma on that stage at graduation and shake my hand. Thank you, Dr. Bleske.

Graduate leaves one Paradise to find another
By Sarah Kennedy

It’s normal for average travelers to daydream of the lives they could have if they stayed on vacation. Nicole Pothier, who graduated from Chico State in 2006, turned those daydreams into reality, and her career in journalism is allowing her to live where she used to vacation.

Nicole first visited Germany as a graduation gift from her mother. Now she is living there working for the Kaiserslautern American newspaper.

Nicole describes her journey to Germany as a bit of organized chaos. Taking a risk, Nicole booked her ticket before finding a job and followed a tip from her dad about a newspaper job.

When Nicole first spoke to the editor in Germany before she left, it was obvious that he had little faith in the fact that Nicole would ever walk through his doors. Yet a month later, there she was.

“I think he was pretty much relieved when I came in for the in person interview,” Nicole said. “You know AP style, you know how to design newspapers, you’ve had experience, you’ve gone to college, you’re hired.”

Nicole thought that the universe was working in her favor, but for her it wasn’t an option for it to not work out.

Nicole has become one of the only editors for the newspaper. She receives stories from 10 different writers from the military where she then edits, designs layouts, prints drafts and then edits again until it is ready to go to print.

This experience comes from Nicole’s first job upon graduation where she was an intern turned reporter at the Paradise Post for a year before moving to Germany.

Although Nicole brought a lot to this new newspaper, it has continued to be a learning experience for her.

Journalism students are taught to leave college still clutching their AP Stylebook, but in Nicole’s new job she had a higher rule to follow: The military.

“There are a lot of things that are military style that trumps AP style, so it was a big time learning process,” Nicole said.

This current system of editing has Nicole recalling on the times at The Orion when she would have three sets of eyes looking over the newspaper.

“I actually miss the organization of The Orion,” she said.

Although Nicole sometimes misses The Orion and Chico, she loves her life in Germany, she said. Though it will always remain a fond memory for Nicole, she never sees herself coming back to Chico or anywhere in the United States — at least not anytime soon.

German culture is what originally drew Nicole in. The German passion for enjoyment of life has kept her there for three years.

“America is very much the type of country where your life is your job. You live to work,” Nicole said. “Here in Germany, they go by the motto of ‘working to live.’”

Nicole works her 8-to-5 job but once the day is done she unwinds with friends.

“Alcohol is actually a huge part of German culture,” Nicole said. “You don’t drink to get drunk. You actually enjoy the taste of beer.”

Sitting at a local pub allows Nicole time to enjoy the comfort of having friends around.

“The culture’s amazing,” Nicole said. “On a Tuesday afternoon when there’s nothing to do and the weather’s nice, there are people sitting outside under umbrellas drinking a beer just chatting and it is just that lifestyle.”

This is what I'm thankful for ...

2010-12-07T00:49:00.000-08:00

Though a weekend late, I was finally able to have my Thanksgiving dinner -- and it was a complete success!

On Sunday, Dec. 5, me and 10 friends sat down in my tiny apartment and enjoyed a full Thanksgiving dinner, complete with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli and cheese sauce, nectar salad, pumpkin pie, and apple pie.

Even though Thanksgiving has always been, and will likely always be, my favorite holiday, it couldn't be so wonderful without my friends and family. And I must say, I have some of the best friends in the whole world. I'm thankful for each and every one of them. My dinner would not have been as successful without these people spending it with me.

Below are a few pictures of the night. I didn't take as many as I would have wanted, but I was pretty busy with all the cooking and then with the coma afterward! hahhah.


Carlos and Christian helping me cook!

The turkey, fresh out of the oven. It was so
delicious. The meat just fell off the bone --
no cutting necessary.

Christian was amazing -- he helped me cook
and my meal wouldn't have been as good
without him.

Christian cutting the turkey.

The turkey being cut!

My homemade apple pie before it went in the oven. I was
very proud of myself for this!

Me and Carlos. That shirt was his birthday gift
from me. It says "I like turtles."

Mira and James.

My very successful nectar salad! Everyone turned their noses
up at it at first, but it was a huge hit!

Everyone serving themselves.

Everyone getting their food while Christian serves up the turkey.

James in a turkey coma after dinner!

From left, Elsa, Sala and Anali.

Happy Friday!

2010-11-12T01:32:00.000-08:00

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." ~ Mark Twain

I love this quote, so I decided to post it! Also, got lots to look forward to in the next month or two: Harry Potter next week with Julia, my Thanksgiving Dinner in two weeks, Christmas markets at the end of the month, and New Year's ..... hopefully spent in Cologne with my best friends!! I love my life!

Berlin! Berlin! Wir fahren nach Berlin! YAAAH!

2010-10-28T05:43:00.000-07:00

"Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination."
It's safe to say that in no way am I living within my means by taking this
trip to Berlin right now. :-) But I don't give a shit, it's gonna be epic!

The train tickets have been purchased and our living arrangements are confirmed -- Julia and I are Berlin-bound early Saturday morning!

I'm so excited! One more place to cross off my list of places to go! Though I'm mega (and I mean MEGA) broke, this is going to be an AMAZING trip. It's going to be great: just me and my Buttcuddler (Julia) in Germany's capital!!

We leave for Berlin at 5:15 a.m. Saturday. The train takes about five hours to reach Berlin. We were lucky enough to be able to score a place to stay with Julia's aunt, who lives there. And because Monday is a German holiday in the state I live in (it's called "Allerheilegen," or All Saints Day) we both don't have to go to work until Tuesday, which means we don't have to leave Berlin until Monday afternoon.

So, here comes the Brandenburg Gate, Hitler's Bunker, The Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, The Curry Wurst Museum :-), the Fernsehturm, Potsdamer Platz, the Reichstag, The Jewish Museum, the KDV, the German Cathedral, and much more!

I can't wait!

A must-read, if you can stomach it ...

2010-10-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

While at Dachau last month, I did what I do best and raided the library! Though Kelly didn't seem that interested in buying any kind of reading material to remind her of that place, I just HAD to know more.

So, I bought two books: "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" and "Inside the Gas Chambers: Eight Months in the Sonderkommando of Auschwitz." I already read "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," which was a really great book with a surprising ending that even I didn't see coming (if you haven't read it, you should. So I won't spoil the ending for you here.).

But the book that just completely seized all my time was "Inside the Gas Chambers," a first-hand account of working in the crematorium at Auschwitz by Greek Jew Schlomo Venezia.

The book was absolutely frightening. In heavy detail, Venezia retells his story of being deported to Auschwitz, where he was forced to join the Sonderkommando, a special group of prisoners at Auschwitz-Burkenau who were forced to work in the crematorium burning the bodies of the dead Jews the Nazis had murdered.

Venezia not once held back. In the book's forward it reads, "The force of this eye-witness account comes from the irreproachable honesty of its author. He relates only what he himself saw, leaving nothing out: neither the worst, such as the barbarity of the man in charge of the Crematorium, nor the summary executions or the uninterrupted functioning of the gas chambers and the crematorium ovens ..."

From the beginning of the book, when Venezia is deported and realizes almost immediately that half his family was killed in the gas chambers while he himself survived, to the middle, where he speaks about how, at first, he couldn't eat because he was constantly reminded of the hundreds of dead bodies he touched and helped cremate, to the very end, when he describes walking in the "Death March," being deported to other camps in Austria and, finally, being saved by the liberating Americans, I was kept in complete shock, unable to believe there was a time in our history when these kinds of things actually took place.

Though it was horribly difficult to read, and even more difficult to believe, it was an amazing read. A specific note at the beginning of the book sums it up perfectly: "Since he was at the heart of that machine designed to pulverize human lives, Schlomo Venezia is one of the few survivors able to bear witness to the 'absolute' victims, those drowned amid the multitude of forgotten faces not saved by chance and an eceptional fate."

All I can say is, read the book. It will leave you moved, saddened and angry -- emotions that are hard to come by just through reading a book. And if anything, you'll get a first-hand historical account of what happened at Auschwitz from one of its many victims.

Busted!!!

2010-10-15T02:31:00.000-07:00

So, my bestie Kourtney runs her own fabulous blog called "Douches of our Lives." This blog is a way for her to express her hatred for douches and gives her a way to point out these douche-mongers to her girlfriends.

And today's update hit home with me. The blog, titled "Are women to blame for all the douche bags in the world?" asks women if they allow guys to be douche bags. Do you allow them to take advantage of you? Do you constantly make excuses for their douche-like behavior? And after reading this, I realized that yes, I do all of the above.

Crap!

Well, no more, I say! Especially now, I have to say "Down With Douches!" You are no longer welcome! And assholes need not apply either!

So, needless to say now, I'm hip to your game!

I'm a great person and (don't mean to float my own boat here, but I totally will) an even better girlfriend. So, if I'm the best, I deserve the best, right? Exactly.

So, Kourtney, when do you come out with your own Douche-Away Repellent Spray?? hahhaha. I need some! Let's start working on the trademark for that!

A trip to Dachau ...

2010-10-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

The sign that greets visitors to Dachau Concentration Camp. The quote says,
"Dachau -- the significance of this name will never be erased from German history.
It stands for all concentration camps which the Nazis established in
their territory.."

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to be able to play tour-guide to my good friend Kelly. Together, we road-tripped it the four hours to Bavaria and back again. During our short, yet amazingly fun, weekend, we saw a lot and learned even more.

In Bavaria, we were able to visit some of the most amazing and awe-inspiring castles in the country. We enjoyed some "tasty" (hahaha, sorry. This is a little joke between me and Kelly) Bavarian food. We drank some awesome beer. And we also laid our eyes on some beautiful Bavarian countryside.

But not all the weekend was just laughs and good times. We also got to see a very dark and depressing side to German history -- a side that not everyone can accept and others would rather forget.

On our last day, we traveled to a small medieval town about 10 minutes north of Munich -- Dachau, home to what Heinrich Himmler officially called "the first concentration camp for political prisoners."

Though I spend a lot of time researching World War II history and even dedicated a minor to history in college (I focused mainly on European history with a narrow focus on the World War II era), there was nothing that could have prepared me for what I saw there.

The original railroad tracks that brought prisoners
to Dachau.

After entering the main gate and picking up our audio guides, Kelly and I began our tour of Dachau Concentration Camp with a stammer in our voices, shivers in our bones and butterflies in our stomachs.

The first part of the tour brought us right in front of the main camp gate. Two faded steel lines in the dirt appeared at our feet. I didn't know, nor could I recognize at first, that they were the old remnants of the railroad that brought the prisoners to the doorstep of Dachau.

"Arbeit Macht Frei," or Work Makes You Free.

Venturing a bit further, Kelly and I came upon one of the most famous relics of the World War II time period -- a small sign that would inform the camp's prisoners that work would ultimately make them free. Though adopted by the Nazis as a way to tell their captives that work was liberating, the "Arbeit Macht Frei" sign seemed to me as nothing more than a cruel joke -- especially after what I saw further in the camp.

The grounds of Dachau Concentration Camp. In the middle, you can see the
original foundations of where the 32 barracks once stood.

Once inside, I was shocked at the size of the grounds. Though no longer containing the original 32 barracks that once stood facing each other in the middle of the camp, the place still seemed massive. But even with its vast size, it was hard for me to believe that at liberation, there were more than 32,000 residents of Dachau -- what the audio guide described as completely overpopulated.

Continuing on, past the trenches where prisoners would throw themselves so they could get shot and, ultimately, end their suffering, beyond the guard towers where the SS would keep watch over their captives, but before the newly constructed memorials where visitors can come and mourn the horror that took place there, I came upon a small clearing with a distinct building and even more familiar chimney.

The crematorium. The visitors enter on the left side and get to see all the rooms,
including the waiting room, the undressing room, the gas chamber and the
crematorium.

I can't even begin to describe the feeling I got when I approached the crematorium and had all my college history classes flash in my mind -- photos of ovens and gas chambers and dead bodies.

I also can't begin to describe the feeling you get once you enter.

Though Dachau was never proved to have actually been the scene of mass murder (this obviously doesn't include the people in the camp who fell victim to disease, malnourishment, torturous science experiments and executions), the camp did include a gas chamber and a crematorium, complete with reconstructed ovens.

The "Brausebad," or showers. These were the gas chambers
and they were constructed to look like showers. They even
included shower heads and drains. The Nazis constructed
them to look like showers so the prisoners would not be
hesitant to enter and would not put up a fight.

The crematorium was a horrible place. I don't believe Kelly or I spoke to each other the entire time inside. My eyes filled with tears and Kelly and I were both obviously affected by this place. Once we entered the building, we were guided from the waiting room (a room where the prisoners waited to meet their fate) to the undressing room (where they were told to take off their clothes and leave them behind, along with all of their belongings) to the "Brausebad," or showers, and into the crematorium. The walk from room to room was chilling and morbid -- it was very difficult to handle. The walk allowed us to follow in the footsteps of the prisoners as they headed to their deaths. As educational as it was, it was still a tough thing to do; my eyes were never empty of tears and my hands were rarely far from my face, where they were often busy covering my mouth in shock.

After having visited Dachau, I have come to the conclusion that as sad and deeply tormented as these places are, they are places that everyone should visit, if not for the opportunity to see and touch history, then to come and mourn those who died and honor those who survived.

And if anything good can come out of such a horrible place, maybe it can be the ability to talk about it and remember it so as to prevent this type of thing from occurring in the future. Dachau is a true reminder of what humans are really capable of.

As the memorial at Dachau reads: "Nie Wieder." Never Again.

A memorial in front of the crematorium that says in German,
"Remember how we died here."

In another note, I've asked Kelly to write up a little something about her second trip to Germany and be a guest blogger, but we'll see if I can actually get her to do it. She said she was going to write something for me last year, but it never happened. :-)

Kelly and Nicky's European Shenanigans Part II

2010-09-29T06:52:00.000-07:00


Courtesy of Google Maps, this is the route Kelly and I will be taking on our way to Bavaria.

Well, there's only one more day until Miss Kelly gets here, and I have to say I'm ÜBER excited! Not only have I been dying to see her face since we last hung out in July, but I'm in need of a mini-vacay. I need some time away from here!

So, we are going to take a mini road-trip down to Bavaria. The plan is to get up really early on Friday morning and drive straight to Schloss Linderhof, which is a beautiful palace near Oberammergau (I love pronouncing that city, by the way) in Southern Bavaria that was built by King Ludwig II.

After touring that, we plan on driving to Schloss Neuschwanstein, which is a 40 minute drive. Neuschwanstein was also commissioned by Ludwig II and was the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Friday night we plan on staying in Füssen, which is a small town near the castle. Then, on Saturday, we plan on getting up early and driving to Dachau Concentration Camp. Though it seems a bit morbid, Kelly and I both agreed that this is something that needs to be seen.

After touring Dachau we are heading back to Kaiserslautern, where a few other fun things await. I am going to get dinner reservations at Twenty-One, which is a fun wine bar/restaurant in my city that sits on the 21st floor of the "Rathaus," or city hall. Then, after dinner, it's off to Chucks for some beer pong and good times with friends.

Man, I can't WAIT for this weekend, although I'm definitely not excited about having to get up at 4:30 a.m. tomorrow to drive to Frankfurt to pick Kelly up. That's gonna blow.

But no worries, I'll make sure to update my blog along the way. I found a way to update my blog on my BlackBerry, so there's no excuse now!

A little help please ...

2010-09-20T04:34:00.000-07:00

So, I just looked at my calendar and noticed there is a German holiday on Monday, Nov. 1, which means I have that day off!! WooHoo!! So, I'm going to go somewhere for my three day-weekend. I'm thinking about leaving Friday after work and coming back Monday evening.

Anybody have any travel ideas? Where should I go? I'm very indecisive right now.
Oh, and mind you, I will probably be traveling alone. I doubt I will be able to get someone to go with me.

What a sad day ....

2010-08-30T00:49:00.000-07:00

Ugh.. it's the middle of SUMMERTIME and we only have a high temperature of 13 Celsius today (55 Fahrenheit). What is wrong with this country!!???

I actually had to wake up last night and close my bedroom window because it was storming so bad outside and it was raining IN MY ROOM. And I just looked, and the highest temps we are expected to see this week are only in the high 60s. Lame.

Well, I guess I just need to keep a positive outlook. I mean, I have a few good things coming my way: Bad Dürkheim next week and an awesome weekend vacation with Kelly at the end of the month. We have already booked our trip. We are going to drive down to Bavaria and see Neuschwanstein Castle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuschwanstein_Castle), Linderhof palace (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linderhof_Palace) and Dachau concentration camp (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachau_concentration_camp). Should be educational. Can't wait!

Unpacking

2010-08-13T08:08:00.003-07:00

I walked into my bedroom today and this is what I saw. And I have to say, I was quite shocked.

I guess I just realized how I unpack after trips. It is dumped out of my suitcase and onto the floor where it remains for a few days until I get tired of stepping on it and decide to put it all away ... does anyone else think I may be getting a little to old to still be doing this?

What a rough day ...

2010-08-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

Today is my first day back to work, and I have to say today had been kind of a bad day. Nothing particularly bad happened at work and it has actually gone by pretty quickly, but I guess I just miss California more than I thought I would.

Lucky for me, I pretty much went to sleep right when I got home yesterday, so I didn't have a lot of time to dwell on it. But today, it's all I've been thinking about. I miss my parents, I miss my puppy, I miss my friends, and I miss my California sun, and soon, I'm going to miss my tan. This rain is depressing.

Well, I guess I'll get over it soon. Maybe I just need a vacation from my vacation. Anyone up for a weekend trip? :-)

I'm travel depressed :-(

2010-07-02T05:04:00.001-07:00

To be completely honest, I'm going through a lack-of-travel depression. I can't even believe that my last real vacation was my trip to Korea back in December/January!

And I just don't understand why I haven't traveled much this year: I have enough days off, I have three jobs to fund my travels and my thirst for adventure is just as strong today as it was the first day I arrived here in Europe.
Something HAS to be done about this.

I guess the biggest thing holding me back is the lack of travel buddies. Though I guess I could travel by myself, it just seems like I would have a better time with friends. But I guess if I want to change this travel drought I'm having, I'm going to have to learn to branch out and become more independent and daring!

So, because I'm a bit melancholy about the fact I haven't left Kaiserslautern in six months (Jesus, has it really been that long? Shit.), below is a little collage of a few of the places I've been. I'm hoping it will cheer me up a bit. Because, after all, it's about quality not quantity, right?

Drinking a Guinness in Dublin, Ireland!

All dolled up in my Dirndle for the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.

The beautiful canals of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Building a snowman in Interlaken, Switzerland.

Taking the cable car up to the Zugspitz in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

Taking a felucca boat ride in Luxor, Egypt!

Visiting the Alabaster Mosque in Cairo, Egypt.

"Kissing" the Sphinx in Cairo, Egypt!

Standing in front of Tower Bridge in London with my momma.

Showing Kelly around Nanstein Castle in Landstuhl, Germany.

Visiting Seoul Tower with some new friends in Seoul, Korea.

Leaving my mark on a key locked to a fence at Seoul Tower.

Drinking a "Mass" at Oktoberfest with my girl Julia.

Visiting the opera in Oslo, Norway.

Me in front of my favorite statue in Vigeland Park in Oslo, Norway.

Taking in the view in Mallorca, Spain.

Visiting some of the beautiful sights during a road trip around the island of Mallorca, Spain.

Kelly and me blending in with the locals during a trip to Paris, France.

Rome's Colosseum at night.

Chilling out at Big Ben during a birthday trip to London with my brother.

Dancing on the beach in Barcelona, Spain. This is also my favorite picture of me, ever.

Nicky proves she's not TOTALLY out of shape ...

2010-06-01T01:44:00.000-07:00

So, I'm posting this a little later than I had originally intended, but whatever.
On Thursday I officially ran my first 5K race. The race, called the "Firmenlauf," or company run, started and ended in a large square in the old part of Kaiserslautern. There was live music, good food, entertainment, and even beer.
More than 7,000 people participated in this year's race, which was a new record. There were only five people who participated from my company.
At the beginning I was a little intimidated to run 5K since I had never attempted that before, but it was actually not too bad.
I ran as much as I could, and when I couldn't run anymore, I walked for a bit. It did make me laugh when I saw a group of guys in big, puffy bear slippers run right past me in the third kilometer, but whatever. I'm still proud of myself for finishing.
Here are a few photos from my race. I actually think I want to try running a race again in the future. This time, though, I want to prepare and train more for it.

This is me and my co-worker and friend Hannah after we ran in the race.

My boss saw me posing like this before the race so he made me recreate it. I was definitely not in my happy place. I was trying to come up with a way to get out of running.

They set out a bunch of picnic tables and booths during and after the race. There was also live music, awesome food and after-race refreshments ... because EVERYONE knows there's nothing better for after a race than a nice cold beer! hahahah.

From left to right, my boss John, co-worker hannah, me and my other co-worker Armand. This was before the race, I think.

Football fans unite: Mit Herzblut Zurück!

2010-04-26T04:47:00.000-07:00

The streets of Kaiserslautern were made up of only two colors Sunday night – red from the jersey clad mob of chanting football fans and blue from the uniformed Polizei who were there to keep the peace.

And Kaiserslautern had a lot to celebrate. With chants of "Wir sind wieder, erste Liga" (We are first league again), 1. FCK (Fussball-Club Kaiserslautern) fans celebrated the team's promotion to the first league – a place Kaiserslautern hasn't been in about four years.

The team will now play in the Fussball-Bundesliga in the 2010-2011 season.

Thousands of fans, dressed in their red jerseys and draped in their 1. FCK scarves, mobbed the city streets, set off red fireworks, sang football chants and songs, and held up traffic, all in the honor of their hometown team. At one point in history, 1. FCK was considered one of Germany's best teams, and their home stadium was feared by other teams because of their hard core fans. And hard core is merely an understatement.

Though most of the celebration was harmless, it did get out of control at times. Most of the fireworks seemed to erupt like bonfires in the streets. Many fans ran into local shops, vandalizing the property and stealing merchandise. As they crossed the streets, a mob of fans would break out into song, halting traffic and throwing their beer at passing cars. Many fans also confronted Polizei head-on, spitting in their faces, insulting them and throwing beer cups and food at them. And oddly enough, Polizei never responded. They actually backed away from the mob and allowed them to pass.

Below are a few photos I took from this epic celebration. I probably could have taken better photos, but I tried my best to stay out of the mob. And there will likely be another chance to take more photos in a few weeks if Kaiserslautern takes the top spot in the finals. And on that day, I'll be joining in! That will be a celebration not to be missed!

This photo was taken right by my house. The fans climbed light posts and lit red fireworks as they chanted and sang songs. After this photo was taken, they all marched through the Altstadt (old city) in a big mob.

The fireworks actually looked like large bonfires.

The fans actually stood in the middle of traffic to celebrate. They were hitting windshields, bouncing the cars and throwing beer at motorists. I thought there was actually going to be a fight because one fan threw a full beer at a car, but it turned out the window was open and the driver got a face full of beer. But he just laughed it off and honked his horn with everyone else to show his support.

This I'll likely regret ...

2010-04-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

Well, today I signed up for a 5K company run. I don't know what the hell I've gotten myself into. I think all the free beer you get at the end of the race warped my thinking at the time. Hey, it is still Germany after all!

I mean, I haven't been in a gym in at least a month, but what got me to sign the paper and place an order for a medium-sized shirt was the prospect of leading a healthier lifestyle. But I have a feeling that this isn't the way to go. I mean, that's almost 3 miles people! I did a 15 minute mile back in high school. By now, it's probably become a 25 minute mile.

I'm not sure I'm ready for this. Any ideas on how I can train up or prepare for this before May 27? I'll take all the help I can get!

Foreigner!

2010-04-19T06:21:00.001-07:00

That's right, I went to a Foreigner concert, and it was AMAZING! I didn't realize they could still rock so much after so many years, but they did! Of course, there is only one original band member remaining, but they still rocked! The new singer, Kelly Hansen, was actually awesome. Hansen kind of reminded me of Steven Tyler a bit up on stage, but overall I think he was a great replacement for Lou Gramm.

The concert was actually perfect! I think there were two songs I didn't know, and they were from their new album "Can't Slow Down," which I'm totally going to buy! The two songs they played from the new album were awesome! All the other songs they played were the favorites I used to grow up listening to: Urgent, Double Vision and Juke Box Hero, among many others. They even played I Want To Know What Love Is and Hot Blooded as their encore – two of my all-time favorite songs.

The opening band was Saga, some '80s progressive rock band out of Ontario, Canada, that I'd never heard of in my life. According to my research, they have a pretty huge following but were never talented enough to come up with a hook to any of their songs. Overall, I thought they sucked. I was bored. But luckily there was enough beer to help me with my boredom.

Here are a few photos from the concert. I got lucky and was able to throw elbows to get up front by the stage (to the unhappiness and discomfort of quite a few German douchebags, but whatever, it's a concert people!!) There are also a few videos below too!

This photo was taken during intermission as they were setting up the stage for Foreigner.

I couldn't believe this when I saw it. Saga actually had a fan.

This is the new lead singer Kelly Hansen. He totally reminds me of Steven Tyler up on stage with the way his mouth moves when he sings and the way he plays with his mic stand. But he rocks!

The old guy on the left is the Mick Jones, the only original band member left. And he must be a million years old by now, but he was amazing!!!

Overall, I'm pretty stoked how my photos turned out, especially since it's just a little hand held camera that I've found takes horrible nighttime pictures.

Dude rocked that flute!

Here are the videos I took during the concert. Please keep in mind that I did the best I could, but it's difficult to pay attention to making good videos when I just want to dance and jump up and down and sing away. And please also forgive me. I think most of the videos are ruined because you can hear me singing (badly) to the music! haahah.

Foreigner, Head Games

Foreigner, Cold as Ice

Foreigner, Waiting For a Girl Like You

Foreigner, Dirty White Boy

Me Versus The Volcano!

2010-04-17T05:19:00.001-07:00

So, apparently, my London birthday trip next weekend might be canceled, all because of a little volcano in Iceland!
OK, so it's not just a little volcano. The volcano, which is located beneath Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull glacier, erupted Wednesday for the second time in a month, causing the worst travel disruption that Europe - and the world - has ever seen, according to aviation experts.
An article I read online said the volcano last erupted in 1821, which lasted on and off for two years, killing a bunch of people in Europe. Scary.

Since this whole catastrophe started, I've been keeping in contact with Kelly and Darcy, and it's not looking too hopeful at the moment. So far, Kelly said her flight hasn't been canceled (she is supposed to fly out tonight), but according to online reports, the eruption doesn't seem to be ending any time soon and the flight cancellations and restrictions are expected to continue.

Darcy also wrote me today to tell me she might not make it over here.

And, to be completely honest, I don't know how excited I would be to get on a plane anyway during all this hooplah. I mean, I'm terrified of flying on a good day. Every time we take off and land, my fingernails (or the lack there of) are dug into the seat, I get sweaty and my heart rate jumps. I'm not too excited about having to fly when there is the possibility of ash getting in the engines and fucking shit up. And this is RyanAir we're talking about. The taxi service of airliners. Even scarier!

Well, I guess I'll just keep a good outlook and see what happens. I'll keep you updated!

LONDON ... again

2010-04-09T03:20:00.000-07:00

Well, the sun has finally peeked out of the clouds and Germany is defrosting. It's about damn time! Not to say that it is in any way warm, but it's a good sign that summer is finally on its way, which for me means traveling.

The first real trip of this year is actually going to be in two weeks over my birthday weekend. Again, I'll be making the trip to London, but this time I'll be meeting up with Kelly and her sister Darcy. Though I have been to London about four times already, I'm still psyched to revisit what has become one of my favorite cities in the world. It will also be great to see my Kelly Belly, who I haven't seen in a year, and her sis, who I haven't seen in almost three!

But realizing that I'm once again spending money on visiting a city I've seen so many times before, I've determined that now might be a good time to make a list of what I have yet to see and do in London. And I am determined to get through this list on this visit. Hopefully, Kelly and Darcy will be up for the task.

London Adventure 2010. The Top 7 things I must see and do (Top 7 cause I couldn't narrow it down to 5):

1. Platform nine and three quarters at King's Cross Station: Uh, duh! I've only talked about this since, like, forever! Everyone knows I'm a huge "Harry Potter" fan, so visiting Platform 9 3/4 is a total must-see. I've talked about going here every single time, but never actually made it there. Sorry, Kelly, you are just going to have to suffer through it with me. Oh, and you all totally know that I'll be taking AWESOME photos next to it!

2. See a play: I have always wanted to see a play in London. I have to admit that every time I see people walking into a theater dressed in their nice gowns and suits, I get a wee bit jealous. Actually, come to think of it, I don't think I've actually been to a real professional play. Well, according to "e-london tickets," some of the hottest plays in London right now include "Wicked," "Phantom of the Opera," "Chicago" and "Mamma Mia." Now, if it were me choosing, I would probably go with something I knew, like "Phantom of the Opera" or "Wicked" (heard that play is awesome, btw). And I'm not sure I really want to sit through "Mamma Mia" (that's Abba music or something right? Ewww). But luckily, Darcy is a theater nut, so I'm going to leave that decision up to her (as long as it isn't "Mamma Mia").

3. Madame Tussauds wax museum: I have never been to one of these, so I think it would be neat to see. And it will be fun to have pictures of me posing with my Top 3 Hollywood Hotties: Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Johnny Depp. These photos might not be suitable for publishing folks! Meeow!

4. Shakespeare's Globe Theater: I've seen the outside of the theater, but I've never been inside. And I'm not really sure how I've been to London four times and never been inside the Globe Theater, the playground of one of the most famous and greatest poets of all time! What a travesty. But I digress. According to www.shakespeares-globe.org, they still hold plays in the theater, and it appears they are playing "Macbeth" on April 24, which also just happens to be my birthday. This would be legendary!

5. The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square: I've walked past this building every time I've been in London and even participated in an amazing Indian festival that took place right in front of it, but I've never actually gone in, which is a shame because it supposedly boasts some impressive art. Plus, it's free.

6. London's Abbey Road: I've never been a huge Beatles fan, but you have to admit that their album cover photograph is one that will forever be remembered throughout history. I think it would be fun to see it and, of course, take our own Abbey Road photo.

7. The Natural History Museum: They have dinosaurs!!! Nuf said.

Is this taking the green movement a bit too far?

2010-02-08T01:48:00.000-08:00

I was late for work this morning – as usual – because I had to stop for some much-needed coffee and a breakfast wrap at the Barbarossa bakery near my work.

As I was singing along to Def Leppard's "Photograph" to wake me up, I pulled into my parking space and glanced to my left. This is what I saw.

Yes, that's a mini growing grass. Now I'm getting more into the "green movement," but this is just taking it a bit too far. I mean, what is the benefit of growing grass on your car? I think it just looks silly. Plus, I bet it would be a breeding ground for spiders. I hate spiders.

Donate today!

2010-01-19T04:25:00.000-08:00

According to recent reports, the earthquakes that recently devastated the Republic of Haiti are said to have killed more than 200,000 people and left more than 1 million homeless.

Now, as the dead are being piled up in the streets of Haiti, waiting for their unceremonious mass burials, and others are still being pulled from the rubble, the country has erupted into total chaos – there's no food, nowhere to live and looters have taken to the streets. Survivors have also begun to flee Port-au-Prince, the capital and largest city in Haiti, which was close to the epicenter of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake.

After hearing this, I realized that now is the best time to help out. Today I made a contribution to the American Red Cross. My donation will go directly to helping the efforts in Haiti. I encourage everyone to do the same. A little bit of money goes a long way in a country that now has nothing.

To donate to the American Red Cross, visit http://www.redcross.org/en/.

Anderson Cooper assists injured boy

2010-01-19T04:04:00.000-08:00

As lame as it sounds, I read CNN's Anderson Cooper's blog quite often.
I don't know if it's his rippling biceps or the fact that he's the only real male journalist I can honestly say is hot, but the Silver Fox definitely has a place in my heart (and in my dreams, my bed) – even if it is rumored he's gay and living with his lover.

So, when I came across this headline, I was immediately enamored. The pictures speak for themselves, but the blog entry tells the entire story. It's good to know that in a disaster like this that took so many lives, there are so many people willing and wanting to help – even the sexy Anderson Cooper.

Anderson in the midst of looting chaos
Anderson Cooper | BIO
AC360° Anchor

We were covering another story when we heard shots being fired. We ran toward the sound and found a store being looted. Two Haitian police officers were occasionally firing into the air to try to keep order, but that only worked for a few moments, then the looting would begin again.

They were stealing boxes of candles. An American businessman named Tony who owns two stores nearby barricaded one street to keep looters away. He had armed the two Haitian police with automatic weapons, and they were assisting him, but they were not able to control anything beyond their barricade.

It quickly became a free-for-all. Young men began fighting one another for the stolen items. A number of young men had knives, and planks of wood, screwdrivers and rocks. They were using their improvised weapons to threaten and injure others who had stolen items from the store. The robbers were now being robbed. One group of looters whipped another man with a leather belt. They punched him as well, and they stole the sack of goods he'd just stolen.

I was in the midst of the melee with Charlie Moore, my producer, Neil Hallsworth my cameraman, Vlad Duthiers, my translator, and there was a still photographer from Getty Images with us, photojournalist Jonathan Torgovnik. As things got really out of control, I saw a looter on the roof of the store they'd broken into throw what I think was part of a concrete block into the crowd. It hit a small boy in the head.

I saw him collapse. More chunks of concrete were being thrown at the looters on the roof. The injured boy couldn't get up. He'd try and then collapse again. Blood was pouring from his head. He was conscious but had no control over his body. I was afraid someone on the roof would see him lying there and throw another cinder block piece onto him. I was afraid he'd get killed. No one seemed to be helping him.

I ran to where he was struggling, and picked him up off the ground. I brought him to a spot about a hundred feet away. I could feel his warm blood on my arms. I stood him up, but he was clearly unable to walk. He wiped his bloody face, and I tried to reassure him. He had no idea where he was, and he clearly couldn't walk, so I picked him up again and handed him over to someone behind that makeshift barricade. Tony, the American businessman, gave the boy a wet towel. He was then taken away by someone else. We don't know what happened to him.

I hope he's ok.

Happy (belated) New Year!!!

2010-01-06T07:28:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to take a quick minute to wish everyone a Happy New Year.
I had the best time in Korea and I miss it already! Being in a foreign country to ring in the new year really made me realize how lucky I am. It also made me realize that if I plan on traveling to Asia again this year, I need to start planning ... like NOW! Flying to Asia isn't cheap, so I need to start planning and saving already!

Here are my New Year's resolutions, travel wise, for 2010:

> This year, I plan on making more smaller trips. A friend of mine, Kristen, who I actually just met in Korea, is PCSing to Aviano Air Base, Italy, in a few months, so I have a feeling I will be traveling more through Italy than I ever have. We've talked about Pisa, Florence and Cinque Terre. Kelly is also coming to visit again April, so we'll be doing something then, too.
I also plan on FINALLY taking my weekend trip to Prague. I keep seeing everyone else's pictures of their trips and it annoys me that I haven't been there yet.

> I also plan on doing more traveling in my own country. Main points of interest: Berlin and East Germany.

> And I can't forget my beach time. I feel like I've deprived myself of any form of sunshine for the last two years. I'm cold. I need sun. I need heat. So, if I can manage it (time and moneywise) I want to spend more time this year on the beaches. I feel I've earned it. Main points of interest: Sicily, Southern France and Portugal.

> And finally, I want to have one big trip later this year. Sometime around August or so, I want to have one big trip, like Korea was this year. I've narrowed it down to three places: Australia, Thailand and India. All three have been places high up on my list, but it looks like I may have to do a bit more research to figure out which one I want to do now. I think I'm leaning toward India.

It's funny. Every year I make some kind of list of places I want to travel to that year and it always turns out that I don't go to any of those places and end up visiting completely different destinations. So, even though I've made these resolutions, I wonder if I'll really make even one of them happen! Guess I'll have to wait and find out!!

Oh, and I am writing up a little something on Korea, but it's slow-going. I think I brought a nice head cold back with me and it's making me not want to do a damn thing. So, bear with me.

See ya next year ...

2009-12-25T05:25:00.000-08:00

I thought this Christmas was going to come and go with no problems or drama. But, of course, that didn't happen. My computer got a virus or something so I am completely cut off from the world, which sucks.
The virus is also making it so I can't bring my computer with me to Korea as I had orginally planned. I wanted to write in my blog while I was overseas, but now I can't. So, I'm going to try my best to keep a written diary of sorts and just type it all up when I get home.
So, my bags are packed (well, sort of) and I'm ready to leave. I fly out of Frankfurt tomorrow at 2 p.m. Wish me a safe flight!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and an awesome New Year's!!! See ya next year!

Let it snow ...

2009-12-21T03:30:00.001-08:00

Someone must have heard my wishes because just this last week it has been snowing like a bastard here in Germany. And what's great is that it's not just a little bit of snow -- it's record breaking snowfall!
No one I've talked to has seen it snow like this in Germany since the early '90s, and I'm lovin' it! The only thing I'm not loving is the cold temps that go along with it ... Brrrr!

Below are a few pictures I took today around Kaiserslautern while I was out and about. Will probably take some more later.

This photo was taken right outside my apartment door. That balcony above is mine.

This is a photo that looks down the street from my apartment. The street sweepers FINALLY came through and cleared a lot of the snow. Last night I had to walk to work in my snow boots the snow was so deep.

This is the place where I park my car. My car is the one on the very right. It's been a bit tricky getting out of here because the snow hasn't been removed and it's really slippery.

This is the alley right behind my house.

This is Chuck's Diner, the bar where I work.

A picture of me all covered in snow.

A view of the Weihnachtsmarkt ... all covered in snow.

The fountain in St. Martin's Platz. It's so pretty all covered in snow.

St. Martin's Platz. This is only a two minute walk from my apartment.

The Gluehwein stand at the Christmas market. Really wanted a warm cup of Gluehwein!

Tis the season ...

2009-12-07T05:17:00.000-08:00

Seems that I got a little carried away with the Glühwein this weekend at the Cologne Christmas market that I ended up not taking any good photos of the actual market. Yes, there were quite a few photos I managed to take, but unfortunately, they were all of my drunk ass and my friends' drunk asses.

So, to compensate, here are a few pictures of the Christmas market here in Kaiserslautern. This market is no more than a two minute walk from my house and I try to visit it every chance I get.

I took the photos from www.ramstein.af.mil and the photographer is Airman 1st Class Caleb Pierce.

My favorite time of year ...

2009-12-03T05:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas has never been my favorite holiday or time of year. In fact, I have always despised Christmas time – the lines at all the stores are too long, traffic becomes unbearable, people actually manage to become meaner and the idea of Christmas becomes not about being thankful for what you have, but about who got what and how much it cost.

It's sickening.

But since moving to Germany, my Christmas spirit has surfaced and I have actually found myself looking forward to Christmas festivities instead of dreading them. In Germany, Christmas itself is celebrated and not just the idea of gift-giving.

Germans celebrate Christmas over two days. Dec. 25 and 26 are both national holidays - nothing is open on these days, everyone gets paid leave from work and everyone spends time with their families.

No one does Christmas like the Germans. Every Christmas here I look forward to three things:

1. I look forward to the food. My uncle always makes the most amazing Christmas meal that completely outdoes anything he's ever made. And after dinner, we all sing carols (something I had to get used to because we NEVER did that back home in the states), drink wine and eat dessert, and then open gifts.

2. I look forward to the snow. I had never had a white Christmas before I moved to Germany, and now that I've had one, I don't know if I would like Christmas any other way. Though I hate scraping snow off my windshield, it does make me happy when I see it falling outside when I wake up Christmas morning.

3. The thing I look forward to the most, though is the Christmas markets. You can't fully appreciate a real German Weihnachtsmarkt until you've been to one. Even in the smallest towns and cities, they set up hundreds of stalls in the town square where you can buy food, candy, Christmas trinkets and, my favorite, Glühwein. Glühwein is probably the best thing ever made. Glühwein is a warm spiced wine drink that tastes amazing on cold nights.

Every year during the few weeks leading up to Christmas, thousands of Christmas markets spring up around Germany from the larger, and more famous, markets in Nürnberg and Berlin to the smaller ones in my city. And though this year will be my third Christmas in Germany, it will be the first time I've visited one of the larger Christmas markets.

On Saturday I'm going to Köln (Cologne) for their annual market. This market is supposed to be world famous and is said to attract more than 2 million visitors each year – and I can't wait. I can't wait to get my hands on some delicious Glühwein.

Below are a few photos I dug up from previous years' Christmas markets. Can't wait to post pictures of the market in Cologne. You won't believe it until you see it.

A Christmas Pyramid stands in the city square at the Kaiserslautern Weihnachtsmarkt. The Christmas Pyramid was created in the mountains of Germany and is said to be a predecessor of the Christmas tree.

Visitors at the Kaiserslautern Christmas market wait their turn to get a cup of Glühwein, a hot, spiced wine that has become the staple of markets all over Germany.

Drinking a cup of warm Glühwein at the annual Christmas market in Landstuhl.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T08:39:00.000-08:00

Today is Thanksgiving and there is only one place I would like to be - back in California with my bum planted firmly on the couch, eating Ruffles potato chips and dip, watching football with my dad, and, at times, peeking my head into the kitchen to make sure my mom is cooking everything that I require for my Thanksgiving meal. (You laugh, but it's true. Ask her. She forgot the cauliflower and cheese sauce one year and I told her if she ever did it again, I would never come back. She never forgot the cauliflower and cheese sauce again.)

But, unfortunately, I have to, yet again, spend my FAVORITE holiday in a country that doesn't recognize it and doesn't even cater to those Americans around who do.

This will be my third Thanksgiving in Germany, and each year it becomes harder to miss. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday: food, booze and family. What else does a girl need?

I miss waking up and watching my mom storm into the kitchen, annoyed that she has to cook yet another Thanksgiving meal. Why she complains, I'll never figure out. She makes the best Thanksgiving meal I've ever had. I miss hanging out with my entire family: my parents, brother and, if we were lucky, my aunt, uncle and cousins. I miss the molded nectar salad. I miss hearing my dad whine when he has to get sent to the store before it closes to pick up something my mom forgot to pick up the day before during her shopping trip. And I miss watching movies after dinner while managing to stuff my face with pumpkin pie, even though my stomach is screaming at me to stop.

But though I am not there in person, I am there in spirit. And even though I'm not officially celebrating Thanksgiving this year, there are still plenty of things I have to be thankful for.

I'm thankful for my family, who have been there through good times and bad. I think I lucked out with them. No matter what dilemma I get into, no matter what mistake I make, not matter what problem I encounter, they are there and ready to get their hands dirty helping me. And it's not just my parents I'm talking about either. My aunt and uncle here in Germany have been like second parents for me since I moved here. Though they often treat me like I'm 10 years old again, I'm still thankful for them because they have never let me down. They have made my transition to living abroad almost flawless.

I'm thankful for my friends. Though few in number, the friends I have are amazing. There are a few friends back home (they know who they are) who have made the effort to keep in contact with me, even though I'm nine hours and an ocean away. Some have come to visit and others are still making plans, but they are all very important to me and I wouldn't be the same without them. I'm also thankful for new friends. I've lost a few friends in the last year, but through my new job, I've made a few new ones. These new friends are amazing and it wouldn't be the same without them.

And, finally, I'm thankful for my life. I'm thankful for the lifestyle I lead that allows me to travel the world. It has always been my dream to travel, and I'm thankful that I found a way to make it happen. My life would not be complete without this part of my life.

So, I wish all my friends and family back home a wonderful Thanksgiving. Eat lots of food, get drunk and have fun! I miss you all and wish I could be there.

Happy Thanksgiving!

South Korea ...

2009-11-09T01:44:00.001-08:00

That's right! I'm heading to South Korea.

I have a good friend who is stationed at Osan Air Base and I'm going to go visit him for a week over New Year's. I've always wanted to visit Asia, but never thought I would begin my explorations in Korea. I think it will be pretty interesting. I have a few ideas of what I want to do while I'm there: visit and tour the DMZ, visit Seoul and drink Soju (which I've been told is some pretty crazy shit). Other than that, I have no idea what there is to see and do there. If you have any ideas, let me know.

I will be leaving Germany on Dec. 26 and after a short layover in Japan, I'll be in Korea in the mid afternoon. Then I'll be heading back to Germany on Jan. 3, just in time to make it to work the next day. booo.

Can't wait!!!

On the horizon ...

2009-11-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

So, a potential new adventure has just come up and now awaits my decision.
I've only really talked to my dad about it, but trust me, this one will be a doozy.

Basically, just wanted to say that I love my life. It is so easy to travel here in Europe. It's not just easy because it's so close to everything, but it makes it easy because with every trip I take, I become more and more comfortable with trying new things and experimenting. Every new trip becomes a challenge to make it better than the last. Every new places makes me feel more educated and aware of the world around me.

Living here and traveling makes me see how fortunate I really am. A lot of people make excuses for never traveling: I have pets to take care of, I have no money, I have kids ... And I think that's bullshit. I grew up in a house where we had little to no money often times and MULTIPLE pets to take care of. But my parents still took me and my brother places. They figured it out. Every time it was somewhere new. It may not have been London or Italy, but it was always an adventure, and I love them for that. My parents are the reason I am the way I am. They are the reason why I'm starving for more and never settle for anything less. They are the reason why I'm so hungry to try new things and why when people say, "Girl, you're crazy. Why would you want to go there?" I say, "Why wouldn't you want to? You're the crazy one."

So, stay tuned for more deets on my next adventure. If it all goes through as planned, it will be a trip of a lifetime and one no one will believe I'm actually doing!

Happy Friday!

Paris ... third time's a charm

2009-11-05T06:40:00.000-08:00

Almost five weeks ago now I took a trip that I have done so many times before. With one of my best girlfriends in tow, we tackled the famous City of Light, making sure to see as many sights as possible, experience all the city had to offer and leave wanting more. And we did.

I had not planned on writing an entry about Paris because I thought, "Hey, I've already been there three times before! It doesn't really count." But today, after having looked at all our awesome photos, I decided that this was one of the best vacations I've ever had and it deserves an entry. Plus, I got to thinking, and I realized that it had been my laziness talking and not me.

The first two times I visited Paris were great – the first was with my aunt when I visited her one summer between my freshman and sophomore years of high school, and the second time was with my parents during a family vacation to Europe. Both of those trips were amazing, but traveling is so much more liberating when you do it on your own or with a good friend.

So, this time, my friend Kelly and I took the fast train from Germany to Paris. In no less than three hours we were sipping cappuccinos at a quaint little cafe by the Seine River with a view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Paris really is a tourist's dream destination. With three days in Paris, Kelly and I only managed to crack the surface of all there was to see and do in Paris. Though I say constantly that I'm against what I call "shotgun tourism," in Paris, there is no other way when you're on a deadline. In three days Kelly and I visited Notre Dame cathedral, took a boat cruise on the Seine, visited and ascended the Eiffel Tower, saw and toured the Louvre, walked past the Place de la Concorde, toured Napoleon's Tomb and the Army museum, passed by the Arc de Triomphe, walked through a photography museum, and saw a bunch of other stuff that I don't even really remember what they were.

But also during those three days we tried to do more than the normal "shotgun tourism." We tried focusing on the culture: we drank innumerable cups of cappuccino; we made an honest effort to see more than the Big 3 at the Louvre (Mona Lisa, Winged Victory and Venus de Milo); and we walked literally everywhere, refusing to take the Metro, so we could see all of Paris, not just the places outside Metro stations and in front of large tourist hotspots. Kelly and I found that the best part of Paris was getting lost, though it was a bitch on our feet.

On our last day, we took a stroll to find the photography museum, which, according to our trusty map, was only supposed to be about a mile or so away. But we still got lost. My feet were definitely screaming at me, but in the end, it was worth it. We found so many cute shops, we ran into the Gay District, we found an awesome building that was created to look like it was inside-out and we had a great last lunch in Paris before heading off to the train station.

And more than a tourist's dream, Paris is also a food- and wine-lover's dream. Reinstating our old wine nights could not have been done better than in Paris. Though often times full, Kelly and I found ourselves eating just for the sake of eating. On our second night, Kelly and I walked down a shady-looking side street in the rain looking for a restaurant that was recommended by our guide book. Instead, we found a fancy little restaurant called Le Grand Colbert, which we later discovered was the restaurant featured in the movie "Something's Gotta Give" featuring Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton and Keanu Reeves. I have to say, it was the best dinner of the trip. The food was amazing – we dined on escargot, perfectly cooked steak with a cream-pepper sauce and the best au gratin potatoes we've ever had in our entire lives. No joke. We also finished off a good two bottles of French red wine.

So, for the sake of not wanting to sound long-winded, I'll end it here. Check back soon because Kelly will be appearing in a future entry as a guest blogger. She has been so kind as to write a blog for me about her vacation to both Germany and Paris!

My recommendations:

Hotel Saint-Honore
85 rue Saint-Honore, 75001 Paris, France
Thumbs up – perfect location, friendly staff, adequate accommodations, affordable.
Thumbs down – no elevator (we were on, I think, the 5th floor), extremely tiny bathrooms, paper-thin walls.

Le Grand Colbert
http://www.legrandcolbert.fr/#
4,, Rue Vivienne F-75002 Paris

A new name for my blog ...

2009-11-03T03:28:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,
so I was doing some updates to my blog today ... let's not tell anyone that I was doing them at work while I should have been laying out the newspaper. But regardless, during these updates I realized that the name of my blog is still what it was when I first started this thing.

Somehow, "Nicky" doesn't seem like a cool name for a blog and it doesn't seem to encompass the direction my blog has taken. So, because I'm not that creative in this department, I thought I would ask for your help. So, please post a comment and let me know some of your ideas! Thanks!

UPDATE

I did the stupid thing of asking my co-worker Adam for help naming my blog. To paint a nice picture for you, Adam is a 30-something perverted Australian guy who absolutely hates being called British (which I try to call him at least daily. Crazy Pom!) and does even less work than I do. So, he had a lot of time on his hands today to help me come up with a few names. Below are a few of his ideas. I actually dig the third one, even though it kinda makes me feel like I'm referring to myself as trash. Meh... you decide.

EuroNicky

Send me money

Travel Trash (With No Ca$h!)

EuroShot

Yep, it's a BLOG

Snoggin' & Bloggin'

I hate all blogs (...except mine)

Blogsnot

Spaghetti Blogenaise

Raining Cats & Blogs

Get Blogged

Kiss my Blog

and

Badass MotherBlogger

Two years and counting ...

2009-09-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend marked an important milestone in my life – two years in Germany.

Looking back, I still call it the best stupid decision of my life. The choice to move to Germany was done in haste and with no real afterthought to what would happen or what I would do once I finally made it here. Luckily for me, everything worked out for the better and if I had to come back to California tomorrow, I would come back with my head held high, no regrets and a suitcase full of memories.

But the most important thing I have learned from this experience is to go after life and not let it come to you. Life here is so different compared to in the states. Here, the people work to live, not live to work. The people here work enough hours and make enough money to live comfortably and travel. Back in the states, some people will go their whole lives in one job, never having experienced what this world has to offer. They live their lives with the motto of, "I still have time. Maybe I'll go do that next year." But for me, the time is now.

One co-worker of mine will always come into my office and ask me when my next vacation is. Ninety percent of the time, I always have a destination to tell her (last time she asked was this week, and I told her Paris). And she laughs. She laughs because she says I'm always on vacation and always on the go. She said she's jealous of my traveling. But she shouldn't be jealous, because living in Europe makes it so easy to travel that it hardly takes any forethought. All it takes is initiative and the drive. And for the amount I travel, it also takes having to live paycheck to paycheck to fund it all. But I'm OK with that. I love my life and I love the amount of traveling I do.
Back in the states I dreamed of nothing more than to travel the world and see and experience all it had to offer. And now I'm doing it – Norway, Ireland, England, Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Egypt, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and, of course, Germany. And what makes me even happier, is that every time I cross a country off my list, two more appear below it. My list is never ending and it gives me something to look forward to.

The past two years have been an amazing experience for me. There have been wonderful friendships made and others lost. There have been horrible times at work and then the awesome days when we get our bonuses. There have been loves created and loves lost. There have been great parties and long nights hung over the toilette. And there have been horribly sad times when I just want to go home and then the extreme happiness I feel when I experience something new.

The experiences I have had and the memories I have made will last me for the rest of my life. I'll always remember my first month in Germany. Jobless and friendless I often thought, "Did I just make the stupidest mistake of my life? What the fuck am I doing here?"

But I also remember the great times: Dancing on the beaches of Barcelona, getting yelled at by crazy old Italian women after getting locked out of our hostel at 3 a.m. in Rome, watching football in Irish pubs, injuring myself trying to learn how to snowboard in Garmisch, making a perverted snowman in Interlaken, the 50 mosquito bites I counted over my entire body after my dream trip to Egypt, dressing up in a dirndl and riding the party train to Oktoberfest, watching my friend Dave puke on himself at the Bad Dürkheim wine fest, drinking Glühwein at the Christimas market with my girl Julia, and the list goes on forever.

And, of course, there were bad times: my horrible job that sometimes made me want to say "fuck it!" and move back home, the first time I got a speeding ticket, my car "shitbox" and all the trouble it gave me over the last two years, the second time I got a speeding ticket, locking myself out of my apartment and having to pay €300 to get back in, the massive allergic reaction to Magnesium (a friend's hang over 'cure') I got on New Year's Day that put me in the ER and the broken heart.

These two years have meant more to me than I can possibly explain. But the one thing that does make me wonder is how much longer I will be here. My friends ask me on a daily basis, "When are you coming home?" "When are you coming to visit?" And the answer is always, "I don't know." The longer I stay and the more I get used to the life I lead the more I decide that I never want to be without it. So, the only thing I can tell you all is that moving here was a spontaneous decision. It worked for me. So, I'm guessing the moving home thing will be spontaneous as well. I just hope that the next however many years I'm here bring me as many great memories as the last two years have.

A weekend in Norway ...

2009-08-21T03:13:00.001-07:00

Slowly cruising over the choppy waves of the Oslo fjord, I zipped up my light sweater, took a sip from my steaming hot Chai tea latte and closed my eyes.

The hairs on my arms stood upright from the cold breeze, I could feel the spray from the water on my face and I could hear the engine of the boat putting along as the waves lapped up onto the bow. I could also smell the water; it's a smell that I've always loved and a smell that I have dearly missed since I moved to Europe.

It's difficult to explain the smell of the sea to someone who does not share the love of water or boating. It is also a smell that I think everyone develops for themselves. To me, it's sacred. It's important. It's a smell that centers me, calms me and allows me to breath when my problems, issues and worries suffocate me.

Before my recent weekend trip to Norway, I did not know what to expect. I knew I had always wanted to go to Norway even though I never really knew what there was to see and do.

Once I arrived in Oslo, the seaside capitol of Norway, I found it to be one of the most beautiful cities I have yet to encounter. Though it is a thriving, bustling city of entrepreneurs and businessmen, it is also a city of art, imagination and creativity. From the smallest architectural designs to the massive Vigeland Park, Oslo is a city unlike any I have ever seen.

Vigeland Park covers roughly 80 acres and features more than 200 bronze and granite sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. Most of these statues can be found straddling on of the longest pathways in the park. The pathway begins at the main gate, crosses over a bridge, winds around a fountain, meets up with the Monolith and ends at the Wheel of Life. Though most of the statues along this path made me laugh and crack jokes, they all have a deeper meaning and purpose. Most of the statues depict children at play and represent death and new life; the overall theme throughout the park is "man's journey from the cradle to the grave."

The Monolith is a giant obelisk in the center of the walking path. The Monolith was carved to look like hundreds of naked people, intermingled and intertwined, reaching for the top of the obelisk. Though sexually misleading, the Monolith actually represents man's desire to be closer with the spiritual and divine.

Though I had read up on Vigeland Park before my visit, I was completely unprepared for what I found there. The art was amazing, immensely detailed and utterly fascinating.

But this creativity and imagination does not appear in Vigeland Park alone. The Oslo Opera House, which was just opened last year, is the seat of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and the building is amazing. The opera was designed to look like an iceberg rising out the water. And indeed it does resemble and iceberg rising out of the chilly Oslo fjord. Visitors have the opportunity to walk up the white-tiled sides of the building to the roof, where they encounter a breathtaking view of Oslo, the fjord and the outlying mountains. At the bottom, the building also sinks right into the water. I imagine it being a great place for locals to come and soak their feet on those rare, warm summer days.

But during my four day trip, nothing made me happier and more excited than the fjord cruise. Though only an hour long, it was worth every Kroner (or NOK, as the locals call it). We began our cruise at the pier and it continued on past the fish market, the opera, the shipping docks and into open water. We passed by many small islands where the locals had built small summer cottages. It was interesting to learn that, depending on the island the owner was building on, they had to paint their cottage a certain color. While one island allows residents to paint their cottage red, blue or yellow, another island might only allow residents to choose from red, blue or green. It was a small intricate detail that I really liked.

Because our boat never pushed past 10 mph, the hour-long cruise flew by in what seemed like mere minutes. One minute we're cruising past the king's ship and the next minute I notice we're heading back to the dock to end our cruise.

As we pulled up to the dock, disappointment set in. I wanted more. I wanted more history, more time on the water and more of that smell. After disembarking, I decided I would have to return. There are other, longer cruises available that venture further out on the fjord. There are also cruises on bigger boats that sail up the entire coastline of Norway. So, though I'm sad to be home and I miss Norway more than I originally thought I would, I find myself content with the knowledge that I will return again soon. Very soon.

Calling all travel buddies …

2009-08-02T02:24:00.001-07:00

In May, I took a trip to my No. 1 travel destination – Egypt. I had the time of my life, but ever since then, I've been left with this icky feeling that I may have accomplished my dream to early in life. I know, it sounds stupid, but it's true. I had always wanted to go to Egypt, but it was always a dream that I thought I would have, but might never accomplish. Let me first say that I'm glad I accomplished it. It has only renewed my love for traveling and my thirst for more!

So, I decided to start looking to the future. Below is a list of five really crazy, off the wall shit that I want to do and some destinations I have always wanted to see and visit. A few of these ideas will probably surprise some, especially those who know me as the sun-loving freak with no sports-like ability. But I can tell you, I've branched out over here and am ready to challenge myself. These destinations are ranked in order of one to five, No. 1 being the destination I'm most determined to see and experience! Hope you enjoy.

The Ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden – About 200 kilometers inside the Arctic Circle is a hotel unlike any other in the world. With ice from the nearby Torne River, the hotel staff rebuilds this hotel every winter to get ready for its guests and visitors. As I'm sure you can guess from the name, the hotel is built entirely of ice. The hotel is always kept at a chilly -5 degrees Celsius.

During the day, the hotel is used for guided tours. Visitors from all over come to visit the hotel that is, more than anything, a work of art. During the evenings, registered guests of the hotel sleep in one of its many frozen suits. The hotel guarantees that though the guests are sleeping in a cold room atop beds made of ice, they will be quite warm and be able to get a good night's sleep. Guests have the choice of booking warm or cold accommodations. In the cold room, guests sleep on top of ice blocks inside sleeping bags and blankets made of reindeer fur. There are no personal bathrooms in the rooms and all luggage has to be stored in an adjacent “warm room” so they don't freeze.

During the day, there is supposed to be plenty of activities for guests to do. The hotel's Web site says guests can go on dog sledding tours, have picnic dinners under the northern lights, go on northern lights tours by horseback, take snowmobile tours, take ice sculpting lessons, or go on moose sighting tours by horseback. The hotel even offers the option of picking you up from the airport by dog sled.
Though I have stated numerous times that I hate the cold and would take a steamy 100 degree day over a cold one any day of the week, this hotel really intrigues me and I definitely want to take a chance and see what it's all about. Plus, this is something that I never would have imagined myself doing in a thousand years, so it'll be great to prove myself wrong! If you want to read more on this awesome, but chilly, destination, check out http://www.icehotel.com/Winter/Home/.

Turkey – Though I am interested in seeing what this entire country has to offer (I have only heard good things about it), there are a few cities that are on the top of my list.

About 90 kilometers south of Antalya is the city Olympos. This city's name was taken from Mount Olympos and has its roots in Ancient Greek mythology. The city is near a beach, which is my type of thing, but the reason this place draws me in so much is because of its living accommodations. After reading up on a friend of a friend's blog and doing a bit of research myself, I've decided that this hostel might just be the most bad ass hostel on Earth.

The Turkmen Tree Houses is a hostel built in the trees on the riverbank near the Lycian ruins of Olympos. They claim to be the biggest hostel in Turkey. The hostel is near the Mediterranean Sea and offers guests great outdoorsy daytime activities such as canyoning, white water rafting and trekking. To see more on the Turkmen Tree Houses, visit http://www.olymposturkmentreehouses.com/.

The second place in Turkey that I just must visit is Chimaera, which is about 5 kilometers away from Olympos, and is where the stones are said to erupt in flames for absolutely no reason. Supposedly, when the natural gasses within the rocks reach the surface, they ignite when they mix with the air. These flames have been burning for thousands of years and it is said that while you can extinguish them by covering them, they light right back up when uncovered again. Though I read it is a bit of a treacherous hike to Chimaera, it is supposed to be an amazing sight to see, especially at night.

India – I blame my choice to go to India mainly on a book I'm reading right now. The book I'm reading, or obsessed with is more like it, is a true story set in Bombay, India. Bombay is now called Mumbai. Throughout the entire book, the author describes the city (though most of it is a slum) as a wonderful place and he describes the people as some of the most welcoming and wonderful people you'll ever meet. It's hard to describe why I want to go to India without taking words directly from the author's mouth. So, if you want to know, read “Shantaram” my Gregory David Roberts.

But more than anything, I want to see the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal, which is located in Agra, is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Home to supposedly one of the most amazing love stories of all time, the Taj Mahal is one of the most famous structures on earth. In 1631, emperor Shah Jahan was devastated when his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died while giving birth to his 14th child. So, in her memory, he built a mausoleum that would “be more beautiful than any the world has seen before.” Personally, I think every woman who has to have 14 children deserves a monument built in their honor. But that's just me.

Marrakesh, Morocco – I've had my taste for
Africa, and I'm ready for a second helping. A lot of my dream destinations in the future will include Africa, I think. Not only is Marrakesh intriguing because it's the only African city that Ryanair flies to, but it is also known for its beautiful Atlas Mountains, its architecture, snake charmers and dancers and its world-famous markets and bazaars. From reading up on other people's blogs and through my own research, I've discovered that Morocco is the gateway to experiencing the environment of a real desert. This isn't the crappy deserts you find in America people, this is the Sahara. I found great trips where you ride out on camels, climb sand dunes camp out in the vast Sahara. Then at night, you are entertained with mint teas and dancers. And if the teas in Morocco are anything like the teas in Egypt, they alone are worth a trip.

Santorini and Athens, Greece – I have always wanted to travel to Greece, but not until I moved to Europe and started doing my own travel research did I realize why this place draws me in so much. One of the cities I pine to see the most is Santorini. Santorini is a part of the Cyclades – one of 39 volcanic islands off of mainland Greece in the Aegean Sea. It is also said to be the most beautiful, with its sky blue roof tops and steep, daring cliffs. Santorini itself is the location of one of the world's largest volcanic eruptions and is rumored to be the birthplace of the legend of Atlantis.

Home of Plato and Aristotle and the birthplace of Socrates, Athens, the capitol city of Greece, is known for its famous civilization and religion. The sights to see in this city are known around the world – the Acropolis, the Parthenon (which was dedicated to the Goddess Athena) and the Temple of Zeus are only a few of the sights I want to see in Athens. There is also supposed to be one of the best panoramic views from Lycabettus hill, which is one of the tallest hills in Greece and is said to have been created out of a boulder that Athena threw down from the sky.

My love affair with Rome ...

2009-06-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

No other city in the world makes me feel the way Rome does. No other city gives me such joy, such hope, such energy. And no other city in the world seems to calm the soul quite like it.

As I see it, Rome is like a good song - not just any song, but that one song that packs so much meaning that it sends shivers up your spine every time you hear it. Rome is like that song. It has a hidden nostalgia, it burns within your soul and it stays with you forever.

During troubling times, Rome is a place I can go and feel refreshed. It takes away my worries, my pain, my doubt and replaces it with this electric feeling that makes me love my life all over again.

Last week was a difficult time for me personally. Then, this weekend, I took a trip to Rome to visit my friends Lindsay and Summer. Though the trip was supposed to be nothing more than a drunken fiasco, it turned out to be much more.

On Saturday morning I followed Lindsay to work. The office where she works is a few blocks from one of the main Metro stations and after a brisk 20 minute walk, we were there. I decided to stay outside while she finished up her business inside. While I sat outside, undoubtedly feeling sorry for myself and my pitiful situation, I looked up and saw something I have seen numerous times before - the Colosseum. If you have never been to Rome and seen the Colosseum, then believe me when I tell you it's a sight to behold. In its time, it was the largest building around, able to seat more than 55,000 spectators. Looking at this massive structure, my worries and troubles just melted away. I can tell you that it's difficult to feel sorry for yourself when you are in such a wonderful place.

Then, on Sunday, we headed to the beach. After a 30 minute train ride, we were laying on the black sand beaches of the Mediterranean. Laying in the sun, listening to music and sipping wine was the perfect way to spend a day. At one point, I snuck away from the group and went out for a swim. While wading out in the water, looking out at the Mediterranean before me, I thought how sad it must be to feel jaded about Europe. To stand in front of a beautiful monument or, in my case, swim in the Mediterranean sea and have a "been there, done that attitude" is just unconscionable. And the fact that I can visit Rome for my third time and still be amazed and mystified at what I see and what I experience gives me such hope for the future and reminds me of how amazing life really is. The one thing I hope for my friends, family and even my enemies, is that they find a place like this and hold on to it.

Now being back, I feel better but my troubles and worries have resurfaced. But I take solace in knowing that there is perfection in this world, and I will always have Rome.

Wishing I fell in love with Venice ...

2009-05-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

Venice is known worldwide as many things: one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the "City of Water" and a place for lovers. But the one thing that Venice sure is not, is entertaining.

I had been to Venice on a day trip only once before. It was with my family many years ago and we only had a few hours to walk around, take some pictures and buy some souveniers. I always wanted to spend more time there, but little did I know that those few hours I had already spent there were plenty.

Don't get me wrong; Venice is a beautiful city. The spanning bridges are gorgeous, the people there are some of the nicest I have run into and the food is, simply, to die for. But on the other hand, the city is hot, cramped, smelly, difficult to navigate and get around, and it lacks any type of entertainment other than the entertainment that comes along with eating.

Danny and I spent four days and four nights there, which was three days too many. By day two we were already bored and wondering how logical it would be to move up our flight. We decided to stay though because we were there to see his friend Chris. Chris had just got married and he and his wife were on their honeymoon. We spend two of the days walking around the city with them, eating a lot of food and drinking an absurd amount of Italian wine. But what we all agreed was that Venice is too expensive (Danny and I actually had to pay 40 euro on just drinks in Saint Marks Square), too hot and humid (the temps were upwards of 100 degrees) and lacked any nightly entertainment. Even with Frommer's guidebook, we had nothing to do. Venice has no clubs (literally zero clubs) and the "bars" are all restaurants in disguise.

Then, there was the hotel. Danny did a great job finding a good hotel for a decent price. Because of the ridiculousness of the prices in Venice, we couldn't stay on the main island; we had to stay on Murano, which is a smaller island known for its Murano glass. The hotel was right next to the water bus station, so it was easy to find, but the hotel itself was hotter than the outside. So, in the evenings when we had run out of things to occupy our time, we headed back to the hotel where we stripped down, layed on the bed in our underwear and just roasted. I felt like a turkey. I was literally roasting. We even had to make a nightly habit of showering in cold water, which, if you know me, is something I never do.

And though we saved some dough staying on Murano, it didn't come without its consequences. Not only did the island close at 6 p.m., so did any transportation to and from it. No restaurants or stores were open past 6, which was a bitch when it came time to eat and there was nothing open on our island. The water busses also stopped coming to the island after a certain hour, which was frustrating. We ended up having to take a water taxi back to Murano on two of the nights, which, let me tell you, is not cheap.

But while staying on Murano did have its drawbacks, I have to say that it was my favorite part of Venice. The main island was pretty and had more things to see, but there are only so many bridges and canals you can look at before they too become mundane and boring. Murano was great because of all the glass shops and galleries it had. We spent most of an entire day just roaming through the many galleries, admiring the talent it probably takes to create these amazing works of art.

So, in the end, I think Venice has been completely crossed off my list; I have no interest in returning. And for any travelers out there thinking they might want to take a trip to Venice, do it, but don't spend more than a full day there. If you want to see a great Italian city, visit Rome!

OH, and P.S., I still plan on writing about my trip to Egypt. I haven't had much time lately and I want to make sure I give it justice. It was the most amazing trip of my life and I plan on writing a lot!

Walking in the footsteps of the Pharaohs

2009-04-22T05:33:00.000-07:00

"When we find something new at Giza, we announce it to the world.
The Sphinx and the Pyramids are world treasures. We are the guardian's of these treasures, but they belong to the world."

- Zahi Hawass, secretary general of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities

As any of my family or friends can tell you, I have dreamed of visiting Egypt my whole life. Finally, my dream is becoming a reality. I always thought Egypt was going to be one of those places you always say you're going to go to, but never actually make it to, but I was wrong! I guess my determination accounts for something!

However, I only have one person to thank for this trip - my boyfriend Danny. Egypt is my combined Christmas-birthday present, and as far as I'm concerned, this trip means he never has to buy me anything again! Or at least until next Christmas!

After a lot of searching and talking to a lot of travel agents, we finally found a package deal that suits us both. Luckily, we both had the same interests, so finding stuff we both wanted to see wasn't an issue at all. We both wanted to see the Great Pyramids, we both wanted to see the Sphinx and we both wanted to visit Luxor.

Below is a breakdown of our trip! I can't wait to see this place for myself and write about my experiences after I return! Wish us luck!!

Flight Details

TO CAIRO:
Departing Frankfurt Airport on Saturday, May 2 at 3:10 p.m.
Arriving at Cairo International Airport at 8:15 p.m.
Flying with Egypt Air

FROM LUXOR TO CAIRO:
Departing Luxor Airport on Thursday, May 7 at 8:05 a.m.
Arriving back at Cairo International Airport at 9:15 a.m.
Flying with Egypt Air

FROM CAIRO TO FRANKFURT:
Departing Cairo International Airport on Thursday, May 7 at 10:45 a.m.
Arriving back in Frankfurt at 2:10 p.m.
Flying with Egypt Air

"Auf den Spuren der Pharaonen"
On the tracks of the Pharaohs"

The trip is six days, five nights and goes to both Cairo and Luxor. Two nights will be spent in Cairo, one night will be spent on a train from Cairo to Luxor and the remainder of the trip will be spent in Luxor, which is about 700 miles from Cairo. All of our enterance fees are covered and we are guaranteed five breakfasts and one dinner.

The trip we booked is with a German travel agency, so all the tours will also be in German. So, needless to say, I'll be doing a lot of translating.

According to our travel book, this is what we can expect on our trip:

Day 1 - Arrive at Cairo International Airport and head to the hotel. The rest of the day is spent how we wish. Stay overnight in Cairo.

Day 2 - We begin the day with history about the thousand year history of the Egyptians. In the morning, they pick us up at our hotel and we take a short drive to the Great Pyramids of Giza where we get to visit the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. We will also get to see the Sphinx.
Also on Day 2, we will travel to the dead city of Sakkara, a portion of the necropolis of Memphis, which used to be the capital of Egypt. There, we get to see the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, which was created by Imhotep in the third dynasty and believed to be one of the first pyramids built . The rest of the day we have to spend as we wish in Memphis before our drive back to Cairo.

Day 3 - We delve deeper into Egyptian history with a trip to the Egyptian Museum, where we get to see, among many other things, the actual gold funeral mask of King Tutankhamun. We then go to the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, which is situated in Cairo and is the most visible mosque in the city. After visiting the mosque, we have the option to go to Khan el Khalili, which is a famous bazaar in downtown Cairo where you can buy everything from jewelry to shoes to tourist gifts.

In the evening, we will get on a train and head to Luxor. On the train, we have our own delux cabin with two beds, a sink and a table. The train also has a restaurant cabin where we will be served dinner and breakfast.

Day 4 - In the morning, we arrive in Luxor (called Thebes in ancient times) and begin our day. We will then visit the Valley of the Kings, which lies on the west bank of the Nile River, opposite Thebes. There, we will see the resting places of more than 25 kings and be able to walk in the footsteps of Howard Carter, who in 1922 discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun. We will also get to see the temple of Hatschepsut. Hatschepsut, daughter of King Tuthmosis I, is considered to be one of the longest running female pharaohs in Egyptian history.

We will also get to visit Deir al Medina, an ancient village where the workers who helped build the Valley of the Kings lived and are now buried. Also on the list for Day 4 is a trip to the temple of Amenhotep III and the Temple of Karnak, one of the biggest holy tombs in Egypt.

Day 5 - On our last day, we have the option to do what we wish. The book says we have the option to visit another bazaar, take a side trip to Abu Simbel (which I don't think we'll do because I think we probably had to book that already with the travel agent) or visit a museum. If we can't get to Abu Simbel, which is something I would really love to see, I think we'll probably head to some museums, walk around a bit and take in the Egyptian culture and, for sure, take a camel ride!!

Day 6 - In the morning we fly from Luxor to Cairo where we will transfer to our flight back home.

So, that's our planned trip. Though I'm really nervous and a bit scared, I still can't wait to go. Check back in two weeks for what I'm sure will be a VERY LONG blog about my trip! :-)

Amsterdam - more than just drugs and sex

2009-04-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

Before embarking on my latest trip to Amsterdam, I asked a few friends what impressions they got from the city and what it was I should expect.
About 90 percent of the time I heard, "Make sure to walk the red light district and see all the hookers," or, "Stay close to your boyfriend because it's not safe," or the most common, "Remember to breathe in that sweet smelling Amsterdam air and don't forget to stop in a coffee shop!"

So, naturally, when we arrived in Amsterdam, I stepped out of the car half expecting to immediately be bombarded with the smell of marijuana and to see hookers on ever corner. While part of this did, in the end, partly become the truth, I found Amsterdam to be so much more.

Amsterdam, the capital and the largest city in the Netherlands, is home to some of the most wonderful views and interesting history that Europe has to offer. The intricate city planning that went into constructing this city on water is enough to astound any visitor. At least, that was one of the first things I thought of crossing our first bridge over one of the city's main canals.

If the intricate web of canals and waterways aren't enough to impress you, the architecture of the buildings surely will.

Most of the homes, which are crowded tightly together on every street and often intertwined with a number of shops, cafes and restaurants, are built entirely of wood or bricks. Some even date back to the 1400s. But what impressed me most was the shape of the roofs. As the walls reach upward, they create a stairway type appearance before coming together at the top. The design is, in a word, beautiful. But the one house that drew my breath in an instant did not do so because of its fabulous architecture. It more so impressed me because of its history.

On our first full day in Amsterdam, Danny and I met up with his aunt and uncle, who he hadn't seen for almost 10 years. They were nice enough to invite Danny and I on a canal cruise. This was a great experience and is something I think every tourist should do.

While on the cruise, we passed by an old brick building with two green doors. I didn't recognize it until the tour guide said, "and on your left, you will see two green doors. This was Anne Frank's hiding place during the war."

It was definitely a sombering feeling to be next to the place that I had only before read about in books. The house, which I was told is still in pristine condition, was made into a museum in 1960 and is still open to tourists today. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to take a tour, but it will be the first thing on my list when I return.

One of the main ways to get around Amsterdam, other than by boat, is by bicycle. Now, I have been to other cities whose main source of transportation is by bike, but I can honestly say I have never seen anything like this before. Thousands of bikes lean up against buildings, cafes, fences and bridges in every corner of Amsterdam. You cannot even walk a half mile without dodging the daring bicyclists.

During our canal cruise, we passed by a parking garage filled with, according to the boat driver, more than 10,000 bicycles. It really brought a smile to my face because I don't know how many times I have walked around hopelessly in the Wal Mart parking lot looking for my lost car. I couldn't even imagine doing so with a bike.

And while Amsterdam has more to offer the tourist other than a bad hangover and a regretful night, it cannot be Amsterdam without the red light district.

No matter your religion, political beliefs or personal preferences, no trip to Amsterdam is complete without a stroll through this famous place. The red light district is the place in Amsterdam where prostitution is legal. Once inside the district, which extends a few city blocks, women can be seen "selling their wares" in small, rented out apartments with glass doors. The doors are often illuminated in red and covered with red curtains.
Inside the apartments, the women are often seen dancing to music, talking on their cell phones or laying "seductively" on the small beds. Some even poke their heads out when they think they have a potential buyer.

The most comical thing about the red light district has to be the time at which you decide to check it out. During the day, a trip to red light can be quite scary. Danny and I often joked that the day crew was often the Z squad: fat, tired, ugly women, or simply put, rode hard and put away wet.

However, when night falls, the Z squad retreats to their normal lives and the A squad replaces them in red light. The A squad is much more appealing: skinny, awake looking and stunningly beautiful. I was shocked, mostly because I could have passed any of these women on the street that day and not have known they were hookers. They looked ... well ... normal.

The red light district is also great for anyone who is interested in a little kink! Tourists can stop in a cafe and smoke some marijuana, visit the many smoke and drug shops, take a peek in the many sex and condom shops, visit one of the many strip clubs and peep shows or take in a live sex show. The opportunities are limitless.

And finally, one of the other great things about Amsterdam is the food. Though sometimes pricey, the food in Amsterdam was amazing.

On our first day, Danny and I decided to get some breakfast at a nearby pancake restaurant before beginning our day of sightseeing. Inside, the cooks could be seen in the middle of the restaurant preparing and cooking the pancakes, which were cooked on rotating form plates and ended up looking suspiciously like crepes. We both ordered the apple pancakes and were surprised to see a crepe on our plate covered in warm, diced apple sauce, topped in powdered sugar. And unlike the United States, the Dutch eat their pancakes with molassas.
Then, that night, Danny's aunt and uncle were kind enough to treat us to dinner at a five star restaurant. The restaurant was called "The Five Flies" and was the type of restaurant that had 10 different types of forks. The restaurant only intimidated me because I was wearing jeans and a T-shirt while everyone else was in formal attire.

At dinner, we all decided on the four course surpise menu. The waiter would bring out each course one by one and tell us what it was before we ate it. Because I'm a fan of all food and rarely discriminate, I was ready for the challenge. And I wasn't disappointed.
As a compliment from the chef, we enjoyed a goat cheese topped in a whipped tomato sauce, which came served in a shot glass with a spoon. Though I can't remember all that we ate, I do remember the Halibut. Our first course was an amazing portion of Halibut fish marinated in beet root juice. It was amazing and paired just perfectly with the wine.

Though the service in most of the restaurants was just horrible, every tourist should remember that it's like that in every European country. But don't let poor service stop you from experiencing some of the best tastes your mouth might ever come across.

On our last day, we said goodbye to Danny's aunt and uncle, had a bit of lunch and did a bit of tourist shopping. On our walk back to the car I decided that Amsterdam is definitely a city I want to explore further.

I want to visit some of the great museums. I want to take a biking tour of the city. I want to party in the ice cafe - a bar in the red light that is kept at -8 degrees farenheit and constructed entirely of ice.

And, of course, I might want to sit down for a nice cup of coffee in one of Amsterdam's famous coffee shops!

My snow adventures!

2009-03-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've been living in Germany for almost two years now, and this year I had the opportunity to branch out a little bit.
Everyone knows I'm a summer girl who does not like the winter or the crappy weather that comes along with it. It excites me to pick out that first bathing suit in the summer. I love grabbing my towel, sunglasses and suntan lotion as I head out the door to go lay out in the sun. And the beach is what I dream about when I'm stuck behind my computer screen all day at work.
But this year, I have finally accepted the fact I live in Europe where summer only lasts two months – if that. So, this winter, I donned the snow gloves, crammed my thighs into some tight flannels and braved the cold in the world-famous Alps.

In January, I took my first trip to Garmsich-Partinkirchen, Germany. Garmisch is a famous skiing vacation spot in southern Germany. Garmisch is not only one of the most beautiful (and typically German) cities, but it is also famous for having the highest peak in all of Germany – The Zugspitze. Skiiers and snowboarders from all over Europe come to Garmisch to ski on the Zugspitze, which stands at about 10,000 feet. And we were no different.

My boyfriend Danny and I, along with four other friends, took the four hour drive to Garmisch to partake in this skiiers paradise. Once in Garmisch, we immediately hit the slopes. It was only my second time snowboarding, so I was a bit nervous, but I trusted in Danny's ability to teach me this rough sport.

Unfortunately, his teaching skills were just as good as my snowboarding ability. Not good. I sucked.
I'll give myself credit and say that I kept a good attitude while I was tumbling down the mountain and I never wanted to give up, even when my butt crack was full of snow and my legs were burning and shaking from all the exercise.

At one point in the excursion, mountain patrol came crusing down to tell us it was getting dark and that we better make our way down the mountain quickly. I laughed at them. It was completely obvious that I was a beginner (I was completely covered in snow) and that I was not going anywhere quickly.
I was done and wanted off that mountain.
So, out of fear of getting eaten by whatever critters come out at night in Garmisch, I took off my board and walked, or slid, down the rest of the mountain. It was a great idea until Danny had the bright idea that I should place the board between my legs and sled down the steep slopes.
At one point, I was speeding down that slope and nothing was going to stop me. It felt like I was pulling a few Gs, and I was too scared to even have anything flash before my eyes. I bailed out, went airborne and fell right on top of the board's binding. That was painful, and it left a lovely bruise on my upper thigh that was about the size of a watermellon and 50 different shades of black and purple.

The second day of our trip I decided to skip the snowboarding lesson. I had learned from the previous day's trip that snowboarding is just not for me; it hurt too much. So, while everone else went out, I stayed in, used the sauna and got a full-body massage.

But on our last day, I decided to give the treacherous snow one more chance. This time, I rented some skiis and followed my friends up to the Zugspitze. I have to tell you, I was a bit intimidated. The gondola ride up 10,000 feet was a scary experience. Though I didn't see much of the view because I had my head burried in Danny's chest crying like a little bitch, I heard it was an unbelievable sight.

Then, at the top of the world, I discovered that the snow wasn't as horrible as I had originally thought. The snow was perfect! Complete powder everywhere. Even falling was fun because it didn't hurt. And I also did much better on the skiis and felt way more comfortable. The view was also unbelievable.

Then, in February, I took another ski trip. This time, however, I brought along my friend Julia and didn't rent any skiis. Julia and I, along with Danny and a few other friends, drove to Interlaken, Switzerland – another skiiers paradise.
Looking back, I wish I would have rented skiis and signed up for a one-on-one lesson with an instructor because other than skiing, Interlaken has nothing else to offer.
During the days, the boys would go off snowboarding and Julia and I would walk around the city. We didn't do much exploring or much shopping because Interlaken has to be one of the most expensive cities I have ever been to. It was ridiculous.

Interlaken city was not as pretty as Garmish, but the mountains in Switzerland were even more intense and beautiful than they were in Germany.

On the last day of our trip, Jules and I took the gondola up to one part of the moutain. At the top, we endured eating one of the worst meals and relished in one of the most outstading views, complete with jagged mountain tops and frozen waterfalls.
After our lunch, Julia and I found a quiet spot to sit down and build a perverted snowman. This was the first snowman I ever made, and yes, people, it was a perverted snowman. Dieter, our snowman, was complete with his own set of penis and balls. The penis was made out of a carrot and his balls – well, just one ball actually. We couldn't find two – was made from a gross piece of apple we found near the snow lodge. He was totally pimp and I'm sure after we left, he was gettin' all the ladies – well, before he melted.

Overall, the trip was definitely an experience, and I was lucky to get to spend it with such great people. I think next season though I will take a few skiing lessons.

It's funny. I came back home still wishing summer would hurry up and get here already, but in the back of my mind I was telling myself how much I had loved the snow.

I can't wait til next winter!!

And so it begins...

2008-12-22T02:00:00.000-08:00

After more than a year living in Germany, I have come to the conclusion that my flimsy attempt at keeping a diary or journal just isn't working.
So, I decided that creating a blog might be the best solution for me.
It will not only inform others of what I have been up to here in Europe, but also serve as a way for me to remember the best time of my life!
So, to begin, I guess I will answer the question that I hear the most, "Why did you move to Germany and how did you manage to make that happen?"
In June 2007, while on vacation in Rome with my mom, I decided that my life lacked direction. I was unhappy with myself and my life and decided that now was the perfect time to live the life of adventure I had always dreamed of.
So, after arriving home from vacation, I purchased my ticket.
I was able to make the move to Germany because I am a German citizen. I have dual citizenship, two passports, and legal rights to live in Germany as a German citizen.
So, in September 2007, I moved to Germany.
I didn't know what I was going to think about living here. Was I going to be homesick? Was I going to experience culture shock?
What I discovered was that Germany has been more of a home to me than any other home I have ever had.
Every carnival I go to, every family gathering I attend, every sip of beer I taste, every step I take outside on the cobblestone steps of the Altstadt, or old city, constantly remind me of how
lucky I am to live in such a wonderful place.
Recently, I was able to move out of my aunt and uncle's house and into my own apartment in the middle of the old part of town.
Though small, my apartment suits me perfectly and I am smack in the middle of all my favorite bars and shopping spots.
Having moved to Germany has given me inumerable opportunities of traveling throughout Europe. I fear that once I move back to the states I will be considered pompous or bragging, but it's amazing how every story in Europe starts with, "Hey, when I was in Rome ..." or, "When I was traveling through Spain ..."
And my life is no different.
Though it is nowhere near my goal, since I have lived in Europe I have traveled to more countries than I have ever hoped possible.
In November 2007, I took a weekend trip to Barcelona, Spain, with my friend Lilly. There, we visited a bunch of museums, ate the best seafood and played on the beach. We stayed in a hostel, where I learned first hand what it means to travel cheap.
Barcelona was amazing - one of my favorite cities in the world - and I can't wait to see what else Spain has to offer.

During my first Christmas in Germany, I was introduced to what is now my favorite holiday activity - Christmas markets.
You have never had a real Christmas until you've been to a German Christmas market. I think I spent every weekend
completely hammered off of Gluehwein, which is a warm, spiced wine that is considered to be the focal point of the season.
In March 2008, my friend Corinna and I took a four day trip to Rome, Italy, over Easter. This had been my second trip to Rome and her first trip, so I was the tour guide this time around. We stayed in a nice hotel and we saw EVERYTHING.
We toured the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Parliment Hill and we even got to see the Pope.
Rome is also on my top list of favorite cities, and if I didn't have such a long list of places I wanted to visit, I would, without a doubt, return to Rome on a frequent basis.

In April 2008, my brother was nice enough to treat his big sister to a litte birthday surprise. He bought be a plane ticket and flew me out to London for my birthday weekend. He got us a real nice hotel and basically spoiled the shit out of me.
I was absolutely amazed with London. Not only did it have Starbucks, which I had long been missing in Germany, but the sights and culture were everything I had imagined and seen on TV. In two days, we saw Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Bucingham Palace, among others.
It was, by far, the best birthday I have ever had.

Then, in June, I traveled my ass, and my wallet, off!
In the first week of June, my friend Amie came to visit. This was her first trip to Europe and we decided that it was summertime and we wanted to beach it up. So, we chose Spain. Because Barcelona is an expensive place to visit, we opted for the cheaper option - Mallorca!
My aunt and uncle had been there a million times themselves, so they helped me pick the best place for two single 20-somethings to go. And that spot was Al' Arenal, or as it is locally called, Ballermann!
As Amie will also tell you, all hell broke lose.
The first day we got burnt to shit on the beach, and every night we got trashed on Sangria before going skinny dipping in the ocean.
We met a bunch of hot guys, laid out on the beach and even rented a car and drove around the island for a day.
All in all, it was an amazing week. A week that only Amie and I will fully be able to appreciate!

Though sunburnt and completely broke, I still managed to make my second vacation that June.
At the end of the month, my friend Lindsay came to visit me and we traveled to London and Dublin.
We stayed in London for about three days where we got Henna tattoos at an Indian festival, walked the entirety of the British Museum and experienced the Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Then, in Dublin, I fell in love with a Ginger, we toured the Guinness brewery, watched the Europe soccer cup in a real Irish pub and listened to a real Irish band in the most famous bar in Dublin!

So, I think I've summed up my trips thus far. I had planned on a few more before the end of the year, but they all fell through for various reasons.
I am, however, heading to London for New Year's with my family, which I know will be a great time!
Next year, I also have large travel plans! In 2009, I plan on getting to Greece, Portugal, Prague, Sweden and Berlin, at least!
I think I can make it happen!

And other than traveling, I think it must be mentioned that moving to Germany has blessed me with the greatest friends.
Though I may only have a few friends, they are the strongest and best friends I have ever had. It is never a dull moment!