MM Quatorze: May in Paris Courtesy of the iPhone

Just a little glimpse of the last few weeks in Paris through the eyes of my iPhone.  Even though it hasn't been the nicest weather (downright winter-like, in fact), we've had a blast the past few weeks with friends and events around the city.  It's really starting to feel like home, which is good, because we are getting ready to welcome visitors again this weekend!!

MM Treize: Rain, Rain, Go Away!

So, I bet you didn't know I moved to London....

Every day I check my phone and I think, "Oh yes, today will be the day that I see sun in the forecast" and instead I just see more and more rain! :(  This is what I think of when I think of London weather.  But I'm quickly realizing Paris weather is very similar to London weather!

I mean, I know I shouldn't be complaining, I live in a city that's still beautiful in the rain, but COME ON....weeks of rain on end and cold temperatures are not fun.  It's almost June people!  Right now, I'm just looking forward to Wednesday...

Italia: Cinque Terre & Lake Como

And so begins my favorite place of the whole vacation--Cinque Terre!!

Italia: Rome & Amalfi Coast

Thanks to the awesome French holiday schedule, we were able to take our first week-long trip this past week!  I think one of the parents at school this morning put it best, "How lucky are we that we can just travel to these countries as if it's another state?"  And how right she is--kids went to Monaco, Corsica, and Morocco to name a few.  I'm feeling very blessed that we have this wonderful opportunity to visit so many places.  Nick and I flew into Rome, headed to the Amalfi Coast, then to the Cinque Terre, and finally to Lake Como before taking the train back to Paris.  It was a busy 8 days, but so much fun!!  I few things I realized on this trip:

Mine's the bigger one, but
I'm still pretty proud of myself!

~Gelato really is the best ice cream anywhere. period.
~the French just really don't seem to care about checking
train tickets on high speed trains
~Double (and triple) check what train stations all your trains
leave from more than an hour before your train...
~it really is possible to pack everything in a backpack for 8 days!

Belgium: Chocolate, Beer, and More Canals

We boarded the train Wednesday night for Brussels, and thanks to Kim's Raddison points, we were treated to a suite at the Raddison Blu.  After our hotel experience in Amsterdam, we were in heaven!

This is really only 1/3 the size of the room!

Amsterdam: Bikes, Canals, and Flowers

I'm going to attempt to catch up on my recent trips before I leave on the next one tonight (rough life, I know).  So, if something doesn't make sense, it's probably because I'm in a rush! :)

My friend, Kim, and her friend, Shannon, arrived in Paris on a beautiful Saturday.  After bringing us American goodies (Crystal Light, peanut butter, and contact solution--yes, it really costs 13+ euros a bottle here), we were able to explore Paris--including a little picnic!
Since they'd both been to Paris before, we left bright and early Monday morning for Amsterdam on the train.