Travels Abroad

I can not even begin to explain what an amazing trip that we had, with the beautiful cities we visited, the food and drinks we enjoyed, the breathtaking art and structures we saw.
It's overwhelming, and I miss it terribly.
I miss the little world or bubble that Darrell and I were in while we were there.  I've started explaining our trip felt like this wonderful movie we went to.  We were completely engulfed in everything we saw and now, being back in reality, it doesn't seem like it was real. 

I have so many things I want to share, mostly for my sake, so I can remember our trip.  I've decided I'm going to spread them out a little and write a post detailing each city.  This first one is really how we planned our trip, packing and the flight over.

Planning our trip started really with D and I wanting to go to Europe for our honeymoon.  Well, obviously that didn't happen, we moved instead.  Life got busy, we bought a house and adopted 2 pups and 2 cats. So, somewhere along the way, I decided that celebrating our 5 year anniversary was the best 'excuse' to travel to Europe.  D had been watching flight prices and around the 3 month out mark we finally took the plunge.  We were flying out of Austin and into London from February 18th through March 13th.  Now that we had the dates down, we shared a Google excel sheet where the planning really started happening.  

The hardest part was for us to narrow down the locations we wanted to visit.  We knew we were flying in and out of London, but we wanted to see all of Europe and it was tough to find the best mix.  With a little research, we narrowed it down to 8 major cities in 5 countries.

D did the hardest job, which was researching and deciding the trains we would take from city to city.  He also had to figure out if we would get the Europass (which allows you to go on any trains in certain countries) or if we would buy individual tickets.  He rocked it out and actually, mainly because we were going two and from London, that it was cheaper for us to purchase the individual tickets and not get the pass.  This is what he created on a tab in our spreadsheet:

Awesome, right?
Now it was my turn, I got the task of finding and booking all the lodging.  Through his research, I started looking between booking.com and at places on Airbnb.   I loved the idea of Airbnb and really wanted to use that avenue for as may locations as I could.  I ended up with a good mix of the two.  We were not trying to stay lavishly, but didn't want hostels either.  Then of course, because of D's awesome layout, I had to create one for the lodging plans:

Our next major aspect for me was to figure out what we wanted to see while we were in each city.  Between the two of us, we created a list of the things we wanted to see or do and then I looked on Trip Adviser to help estimate the times it would take at each place.   I knew we wouldn't specifically follow this to a T, but I know how D and I are, and it eliminated a TON of stress trying to figure out what we should do each morning. 

Okay, okay, I know.  A little crazy, but I'm a planner, so it's okay right?  It really was helpful to have, even though we really didn't follow it and the times were not accurate for what we did at all.  D and I tend to walk really fast.

At this point in the planning, we probably had already over planned.  The last thing we needed to finalize before the trip was packing.  We purchased new luggage from REI that allow you to wheel as well as carry the 21" luggage as a backpack.  It also has a detachable day pack on the front.  We purchased packing cubes so we could roll all our clothes and fit as much in these carry-ons as we could.  Did I mention that we ONLY took a carry on with us.  Needless to say, I wasn't quite sure how I could fit everything I needed for a 3 week vacation in one bag!!?!  It was even worse given the weather we were headed in to.  In the end, I was able to get it all in there, but it was pretty tight.

I based by entire wardrobe on black, and this is what I was able to stuff in there:
    3 pants (1 black jeans, 2 black tights)
    4 long sleeve shirts (1 solid black, 1 solid white, 2 striped shirts)
    1 short sleeve white shirt
    3 under shirts (white, black and cream)
    1 long sleeve dress
    1 dressy black sequenced tank top shirt
    2 jackets (1 light pink leather and 1 blue blazer)
    2 bras (black and cream)
    3 socks (2 regular long socks and 1 pair of smart wool socks)
    2 boots (black and redish-brown)
    1 pair of light pink flats
    1 bright green scarf
    1 heavy coat and heavy knitted scarf
Extra items we packed:
    Lots of the different converters
    Chi iron (although mine didn't work with the converters) and curling iron
    Small blow dryer
    Single travel sized lotion, body wash, shampoo & conditioners
    Full bottle of contact solution and contacts & glasses
Last minute items I picked up:
    Gloves
    Bobble water bottle with filter - SO GREAT
Things I wish I would have taken:
    Umbrella
    Cards

So now, to make this post even longer, let's talk about the flight over....
We decided to fly American Airlines and left mid-day on Monday and arrived in Dallas - DFW - around 3:30 p.m.  A friend of ours SO KINDLY allowed us to use his points to try and upgrade to business class for free.  UM, amazing.  When we arrived in our terminal, I went up to the attendant and asked if we could still get bumped up.  She was so nice, and of course I was totally playing up the sweet card for this one.  We were put on the stand-by list to upgrade and she promised she would see what she could do.  With about 5 minutes before we boarded, she called us up and we got upgraded!  D and I were no longer in the same row, but I was seated in the row right in front of him.  No big deal, we could handle that.

Can I just say that I was so excited.  Little did I know just how awesome it would be.  Not only do you get to board early, but they hand you champagne upon arriving. 

Complimentary champagne? Absolutely!
I am sitting in between two men, but the seats are so spacious.  I come to realize that they also give you all these amenities, like slippers. 

I wore my larger boots, which I was very excited to immediately take off.  Then as I'm settling in, they bring out more champagne and a snack.  Okay, fine, I'll take another.  I get all settled and I'm pretty sure I couldn't stop smiling for the first 30 minutes.  I was like a kid in a candy store.  The seat actually fully reclined and you have a foot rest!  What??!? 

You have your own TV to choose from Movies, TV Shows or music.  Oh lordy, I was never going to sleep, which was the goal of this flight.

Pretty quickly after take off, they come as ask for your meal choice.  We get a choice??!?  Not only do you get a meal, but you also get started with a salad, bread stick and smoked salmon. 

They come around and offer all sorts of options for drinks.  I decide on red wine.  D on the other hand goes for the Glenfiddich scotch and I'm pretty sure had 3 glasses on the rocks throughout the flight.  After dinner and 3 glasses of wine, they come by and ask if you feel like dessert.  Bowl of ice cream, this really is the best idea, with Bailey's on top. 

During all this, I decide to watch a super girlie movie (I'm sure the guys beside me just loved), Pitch Perfect.  Oh yeah, Jessica Mackert, I blame it on you!  I finally decided to get some rest and manage a few good hours.  At some point in the trip I wake up and decide to watch a few episodes of New Girl, and before I know it, they are serving us breakfast omelets and coffee.  The most amazing flight I've ever experienced ended way too quickly, but it was the best start to our journey when we landed in London.  Then that's where the fun really began....

  

Your favorite

Our travel plans are in full swing!  So now for a girl to pack for 28 days in a 22" suitcase... this should be interesting.  D found some checklists from Rick Steves, which include the following:

Clothing:

• 2 pairs of shoes
• 1 rain coat
• 3 pairs of pants (one dressy, one casual)
• 1 belt
• 4 pairs of socks
• 5 pairs of underwear (silk, lace or micro-fiber)
• 1 extra bra
• 4-6 shirts
• 1-2 light cardigans for layering
• 1-2 skirts (wrinkle resistant)
• 1 dress
• scarves
• 1 pair of PJs

Toiletries

• Body soap
• Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Brush
• Lotion
• Vaseline (for feet)
• Razor
• Sunscreen
• First aid kit/moleskin/blister kit
• Feminine hygiene products
• Deodorant
•  Nail Clippers/file/tweezers
• Spare glasses & contacts
• Hand sanitizer
• Vitamins
• OTC remedies
• Clothesline, sink stoppers, soap
• Dry Shampoo
• Pack towel
• Sleep sheet
• Moneybelt

What I'd really love to know what your must have's are when traveling, especially in Europe!

Love B

Bon Voyage!

I'm dying to go to Europe.  We haven't booked our flights yet, but the planning has begun, and it can't get here soon enough!  The hardest part is picking where to go and see while we are there.  We are going to go for 3 weeks and celebrate 5 wonderful years together in early 2013.  Here is what we are thinking: 

London >> Brussels >> Amsterdam >> Munich >> Prague >> Venice >> Florence >> Rome >> Paris

SO.... If you've been, tell me your favorite places.  What food/cafes/towns/cities/tours/etc did you love? 

This, that and everything in between...

D and I just got back from a long weekend away in Kansas, and I am still recovering.  It was so great to see everyone, but for those that live away from family, you know how crazy going home can be.  Since we don't make it back very often, we try and see everyone that we can.  

Our first stop was in Olathe to see our new baby niece, Presley!  We spent the day with his sister and the kiddos.  Bryson is hilarious, and I could watch him play for hours.  It's hard living so far away from my nephew and new niece.  They change so much every time you see them.  I just want to eat them up.

I was lucky enough that I got to spend Friday breakfast and lunch with some of my friends from college.  I got to see my Payless girls for lunch, and they are the best.  We don't get to see each other a ton, but I have so much fun with these amazing girls. 

While I was at lunch, D took the pups to see their cousins for a few hours.  Bella LOVES D's brother's dog Khan, who is a lab.  The pictures that I could snap are hilarious.  She chases him around and her face is priceless.  She just wants him to love her.

Friday afternoon we took the trip back to Hutch and spent the rest of the weekend visiting friends and family there.  Saturday was a girls day with some of my best girlfriends and their kiddos.  We never have enough time in one place, and we always have to leave too soon.

Here are some other random happenings in my life...

{ Pups... Steel is getting so big!  I knew he would grow fast, but he has at least doubled in size from when we first got him.  I am trying to take pictures of him every day, but with the travels it's been less frequently.  I think I'm aiming for 1 picture a week for the first year.  He's so funny and clumsy.  He can't quite figure out his body and runs into everything.  He eats his food and drinks water like a pig - seriously.  We have gotten him a device to slow down his eating.  It's helped a little.  He loves to sleep.  He will play for maybe 30 minutes to an hour and then will pass out for 2 hours.  Bella and him love to play, and Apollo and Steel are even worse.  They both feel like they need to dominate and end up just barking at each other the whole time.  }

{ Shark Week... besides October, which is my birthday month, this is my favorite time of the year.  I didn't get to watch quite as much of it as I wanted to, but I did manage to throw a little get together before we went to Kansas }

{ Running... in Kansas sucks.  First of all, I am not use to having bugs flying at my face the whole time.  It's amazing how many less bugs there are in Texas.  I couldn't open my mouth for fear that I would swallow one.  Gross.  That and we decided to do our long run Saturday morning.  I figured out that my Vibrams are horrible on wet pavement.  Since the ground was so wet, I couldn't get any grip on the ground, and I had the worst shin splints and cramping in the first mile.  I was so frustrated and only made it 5 miles with me walking part of it.  Now, I'm starting to get annoying chest congestion and don't want to weaken my immune system right now by running.  Took today off as well, but hoping to get back tomorrow.  We'll see. } 

{ This weeks projects... We are hoping to have a garage sale, and I plan on making these today.  Seriously, food blogs are my worst enemy.  How can you not make these??!? }

Hope you are all having a lovely start to your week. Love B

The Great Amercian Beer Festival - Year 4

For the past 3 years Scotty, D and I have all ventured out to Denver, Colorado for the annual Great American Beer Fest.  For our 4th year together, we decided to expand our weekend horizans from the lovely downtown area.  We arrived on the evening of Thursday, September 16th and picked up our lovely rental car from the airport.  We had a whole row of cars to pick from and we went with a Kia Soul, that's right.  We figured it could handle our epic adventure.  I decided to document most of the time we spent there, so with out further explanation, I'll show you our time in Denver.

 This was our first beer in Denver.  We decided to go and try out a local restaurant that we saw on Man vs Food called Cherry Cricket.  The boys loved all the crazy different things that they could put on their burgers.  We spent most of our first night there, then checked in to our oh so fancy (not so much) Ramada Inn. 

 This was pre-GABF and we were playing around in the shops down town.  We thought the head gear was pretty appropriate.  

 Every year we have to decorate ourselves with foods (mainly pretzels) so we have something to munch on while trying all of the different beers.  I wasn't going to settle with the 'normal' pretzel necklace this year.  I was experienced and made sure to have a few different key food groups: Pretzels, Bag of Goldfish, and had to do FruitLoops.  Scotty decided on those, and they were the best decision.

 The boys and their gear.  Scotty full of FruitLoops and D decided to go for the Peanut M&Ms.  Oh, and did I mention that this was the first year we were smart about the line.  We got our tickets through Scotty's American Home Brewers Assocation.  That meant that instead of having to camp out 2 hours early, we could come later, got to wait inside and got released into the Fest earlier.  Basically that means that we got to go and get in our favorite beer lines first.  Some of the more popular ones run out of their new items quickly.

 Best idea EVER. 

 This is what the plastic glasses looked like this year.  They will pour you 1 oz which is up to the red line. 

 This is the first place we went - Dogfish Head. Yum. 

 This is actually the owner of Dogfish Head who poured me his favorite that he brought along called Bitches Brew.  It was delicious. 

 Funny sign one of the booths had up.  I laughed.

 I laughed at this sign too.  D made the best monkey. 

 Silly magnets.  This was a new vendor this year, and there are now a few of these magnets on our mini fridge.  They also had a chalk board where you could write what new magnets they should make. 

 One of my favorite parts of the GABF is the silent disco.  Whoever came up with this idea was genious!  We could spend hours in there. 

 D showing off his sweet dance moves.

   This was our friend Andrew, who I hit his glass down and broke it.  All in good fun, but I must say, I am the best at hitting the glasses out of peoples hands.

We actually stayed the majority of the time at GABF, and we even felt up for going out on the town afterwards.  We probably should have gotten some food, but over all it was a great 1 night at GABF!!

This was the start of the next day.  We decided to spend the day climbing the mountain!!!

 This was the good view of the mountains. 

 Scott captured my excitement out to the mountains!!

 This was a picture of a crazy house that sat above the trees right outside of Denver.  I had to share it. 

 Nothing but road and mountains ahead!

 Had to throw some of D's excitement in there as well.  

 The trees were just starting to turn colors, and the yellow leaves were absolutely breathtaking!  I love nature!

 They love nature and each other.  A little bit higher up the mountain.  

 Gorgeous. 

 About half way up Mt. Evan there is a lake that we stopped at.  I could have stayed there all day, it was so calming. 

 Scotty decided that he should test the water... Super cold. 

 A little higher up there was another stop.  I'm attempting to capture the beauty. 

 We are such goofs. 

 Love this picture.  He makes me laugh. 

 Again, so pretty. 

 That was the lake that we were at a few pictures ago. 

 Only the Kia could make this venture up the highest paved mountain in the country! 

 Yeah it was a little windy. 

 We are almost to the top of the tree line, but love all the yellow in a sea of green.

 We tried to take a few group pictures by setting up the camera.  Basically it took a few attempts and Scott trying not to kill himself climbing on the rock to make it on time. 

 This crazy animal that we saw super high up on the mountain and on the very edge of the road.  

 This was my attempt to show just how crazy these roads were.  There is no ledge, no railing or guard, just straight down.  No messing around while driving here. 

 This was taken on the side you just saw looking back. 

 Sadly, for some reason we could not go all the way up the mountain.  We had to stop at this lake and we could venture by foot, but not by car. 

 This is probably my favorite picture of the trip.  Again, we used the timed feature.  

 The boys had to go get their jackets from the car and I decided this was the perfect napping rock.  

 This was the view after we climbed a little bit up the back side of the lake. Super windy, but really pretty view. 

 We learned what our little bushy friend was called.

 After our adventure in Mt. Evans we drove to Dillon Co and went to the Damn Brewery.  We drove through the Dwight D Eisenhower tunnel on the way there. 

 Did we mention that there was also the Oktoberfest going on in another area of downtown Denver.  We had to partake one night.  I was so happy that I got a funnel cake and Scotty got a delicious turkey leg.  The best part of the night was sitting and watching all the drunks come from GABF.  I love drunk people.

The last day of our trip we spent down in Boulder, Co.  We went to the Avery Brewery and enjoyed a few beers there.  We then went downtown to find a Green/Firefighter/Hippie festival going on.  It was quite interesting.  The funniest part of the trip there was that we ate at a brewery and the options to pay were cash, check or mail in the check at a later date.  So funny.  Once back in Denver that night, we ended the evening at the Great Divide Brewery.  Such a fun trip.  Now we need to start planning year no. 5.  Who wants to join up for 2011?

Cheers, B.