Travelin Tootse

Monday, August 31, 2009

Monday, August 10, 2009

Italy was hot, humid, and big. Everything about Italy feels big, instantly commanding your attention and respect. The grandeur and majesty that was put into every detail of its architecture is astounding. From the forum and the Colosseum to the Aqueducts and St. Peters Basilica it seems that everything had its birthplace here. You can't help but notice the roots of Design, and watching through time as it reforms to what we have today. You feel a sense of Awe and inspiration in its city streets and daily life. The people are loud and happy. The food is savory and hearty. There is something about the light that shines in Italy that separates it from the rest of the world. Everything is bathed in a golden light that Midas himself would worship. It ropes you in and staggers you with romantic thoughts and sweet anticipation. Italy is a place never to be forgotten, a place that calls you back time and time again.

France

France is a country in which there is never enough time to devote to it. You feel the need to walk a little taller, be a little more poised and proper. Some would say Pompous but I say Prestigious. France in a word is Fancy. The architectural ambiance is romantic and flourished. France brings an understanding that everything is inspiration for something new. Gothic Cathedrals juxtaposed against modern architecture floods the mind with excitement. The French are not rude, but proud. Something it seems we lack in our own nation from time to time. To find something beautiful you have only to go to France to see something 100 times more beautiful than imaginable. The art is something to be revered; as the works of art I have seen in France have caused me to weep in a public place in honor of such refined beauty. The food alone is drive for one to visit, sweet custard and fruits wrapped in the lightest of pastry crust brings you senses to its knees. The bread and cheese is like manna from heaven. France will seduce you with its glamour and scintillate you with its history, to leave is to leave a piece of yourself, waiting to be reclaimed in your inevitable return.

England

England is sophisticated and diverse. Although it feels gray and chill it only adds to the drama. It seems to be a place of lovely secrets and fabulously interesting stories. The people are so polite and so nice you feel quite comfortable. Though the city life is busy and constant it is elegant in its daily rhythms. The food is delicious in its own right, and if you count scones and cream as a food group you will never be disappointed. The sheer volume of history and majesty really challenges the imagination. You never realize how young our home country is until you have seen where we have come from. The propriety is intoxicating and you find yourself wishing for tweed and Burberry. The fashion is classic. The architecture is a lovely sampling of the major influences and educating in its display. England is exhilarating, your mind is packed with the expanse of knowledge and your heart longs for more. England receives you a willing student and returns you a noble master. Always to be remebered and never to be compared, it will always be there.....London Calling.

London Day Sixteen/Seventeen Photos!

Outside the palace

This is my Asian Impersonation...

For those of you who watch tv....think wizards.

We signed on this red graffiti

The Tile in the Subway was so cool!

Its totally Sherlock Holmes

These are my Souvenirs

This is your brain on Drugs

Tucked in tight for a long plane ride home!

This literally happened within two minutes of a conversation...that fast!

London Day Sixteen

Today is my last day in London. we started off by heading to Buckingham palace. we toured the inside and walked through he gardens for a bit. The palace is beautiful and it was cool to hear lal the storied of what was finished when and who had visited. The flag at the top of the Palace was flying which means that the Queen was actually there. We didn't get to see her. But it was still cool to be in her house/palace. We had a lovely time in the gift shop and I got the cutest little guard ornamnet for my christmas tree. Adorable. From here Susie, Terri, Kylee, Josie, and Becky headed off to Abbey Road. We def took beatles photos and signed our names on the pillars outside the Abbey Road recordning Studio. It wa a lot of fun. We then headed over to a Beatles Store to buy lovely Beatles Souveniers. So much fun! Next we headed over to harrods to get chocolates and enjoy the beautiful ambience. I love it there...it is so much fun! Terri and I headed over to the V and A museum to get a few things in the gift shop. Ky and Susie had to leave. We bought yet again more things and then I headed hoem to rest my tired feet and work on my blogs! I worked for what seems like forever and then Kylee and Ashley and michelle and I went out to dinner. Michelle was so sweet to pay for my meal! Lovely. We all went hoem to get more things done like packing and blogging and Loaundry. I was going to go dancing with Ky and Brady a.k.a. Brainy but I neede the time to work on my homework. I worked all night and then got ready for the plane ride home. By the time I had my two checked bags packed and my carry on I was carrying 100 pounds on my person up and down stairs in the train and undergorund stations...I hate myself for over packing. I am chronic over packer...not to mention I had things in Michelles suitcase as well! Thanks michelle and kylee for the bag/help! After a plane ride from London to Atlanta and then Atlanta to Salt lake We had been traveling almost 20 hours and I wass so tired. The best part was waiting for husband to come get me...he brought me flowers, a jewelry box, cleaned the car, and got a haircut...he loves me I just knew it! It was the perfect end to a perfect vaca! So happy to be home!