Oh boy, here we go. We left France yesterday and spent the night in Zurich before heading into Thunderdome. Yep, in less then 12 hours we will be landing in New Delhi, INDIA. Yikes, hello 1.4 billion people (or whatever number it is). Hot, muggy weather.
I don't think spending two weeks in the beautiful, peaceful country side right before you go to India is a really smart idea. I have a feeling we are in for a HUGE shock. We keep trying to prepare ourselves, but I don't know if its worked. We are really excited about seeing India and wish we had more time, but we can always go back. As much as I am excited, I am bit nervous too. I am terrified of getting sick again - I really, really, donät want to go through that again hahah. And the thought of the creepy bugs kinda freak me out too, but I think that will all fade once we get there.
After India it's onto Thailand for my sister in laws wedding. Woohoo I can't wait.
Well I have to run - I am posting this on the PC at the airport with a crayz keyboard with all the letters in the wrong place. Plus Arnold is getting antsy about booking a hotel room. Never enough time.
Well next time you hear from us we will be in India. WIsh us luck
Love Mel and Arn
PS. Arnold has busted out the baby powder. hahahah
Thursday, June 30, 2011
St. Remy
Some how we lucked out and were able to stay a week at the M house in St. Remy. One day Arnold was checking the house schedule and someone must have cancelled their reso, so we got in there and booked it. A perfect ending to our trip in France. Plus it was fun going back to the area that we got engaged (well fun for me, but I don't think it was a big deal for Arnold) haha. It brought back a lot of good memories (I wanted us to go back to Remoulins and have him act everything out again, but that wasn't going to happen)
While we were there, our friends came to visit us for a couple of days. It was really nice visiting with friends - Arnold got to have a lot of 'nerd' talk (Nerd talk is his hockey pool talk). The first night our friends got into town we decided to go out for dinner. After strolling around the town looking for a place on the patio we picked a random restaurant because it was the only one that we could get a table at (outside). Anyway, we sit down and are looking over this menu when one of the servers realized that we spoke English (and were Canadian) and all of the sudden he starts swearing in English. It was hilarious - I think he really wanted to say those words out loud and were waiting for young, English people that wouldn't take offense to it haha. It was random and very funny. The next best thing that happened at that restaurant was when they decided to have two employees dress up as MJ (who they annouced had come back from the dead) and I think a girl as Britney Spears (but I can't be certain who she was because I was laughing too hard). The guy that was swearing at us in English explained to us in a very serious tone that 'it was't rehearsed and that they just wanted to do it - I think it might have been the anni of MJ's death, but I have no idea).
Two days later we went for ice cream at that same place and the guy came up to us swearing in English again. haha it was pretty funny and random.
We had amaying weather for our last two weeks we were in France -not to rub it in. But it was +35 every day. Great weather for being lazy and relaxing by the pool. I think we just wanted to have a bit of down time before Asia because from here on in, it will be non stop.
Love Melissa and Arnold
PS. I donät have time to spell check and the keyboard I am using is German, so sorrz about the mistakes. In a huge rush
While we were there, our friends came to visit us for a couple of days. It was really nice visiting with friends - Arnold got to have a lot of 'nerd' talk (Nerd talk is his hockey pool talk). The first night our friends got into town we decided to go out for dinner. After strolling around the town looking for a place on the patio we picked a random restaurant because it was the only one that we could get a table at (outside). Anyway, we sit down and are looking over this menu when one of the servers realized that we spoke English (and were Canadian) and all of the sudden he starts swearing in English. It was hilarious - I think he really wanted to say those words out loud and were waiting for young, English people that wouldn't take offense to it haha. It was random and very funny. The next best thing that happened at that restaurant was when they decided to have two employees dress up as MJ (who they annouced had come back from the dead) and I think a girl as Britney Spears (but I can't be certain who she was because I was laughing too hard). The guy that was swearing at us in English explained to us in a very serious tone that 'it was't rehearsed and that they just wanted to do it - I think it might have been the anni of MJ's death, but I have no idea).
Two days later we went for ice cream at that same place and the guy came up to us swearing in English again. haha it was pretty funny and random.
We had amaying weather for our last two weeks we were in France -not to rub it in. But it was +35 every day. Great weather for being lazy and relaxing by the pool. I think we just wanted to have a bit of down time before Asia because from here on in, it will be non stop.
Love Melissa and Arnold
PS. I donät have time to spell check and the keyboard I am using is German, so sorrz about the mistakes. In a huge rush
A way to really test your relationship...
People always say that when you either move in with someone or travel with them, that it's a good "test" for a relationship. But I think a really good "test" is driving in France with no GPS. LOL. When Arnold and I were booking our car rental he asked me if we should get GPS and once I found out how much it would cost - I told him no way (I am being really cheap). We both sort of looked at each other not sure if that was really a good idea, but we decided to test it out. Worst case - we could always get GPS if we really needed it. I told Arnold that I would be on map duties and that it would be fine. Famous last words ;)
So here we go. We made a pact to not get mad at each other and no yelling haha. I'm not going to lie, when we first left Toulouse, we were tense, Arnold was sweating and I was feeling ill. I am not typically very good with maps, but I can eventually find my way. Two minutes into our drive we made a wrong turn (well the map we had didn't call for this deviation), but luckily I got us back on track. We ended up going too far (not lost though) heading to Carcassonne, but that was because the turns off I had on my map weren't showing up. We also got a bit off course when we headed to visit these ruins in the Pyrenees. BUT you should have seen the maps I was working with. I'm surprised it didn't happen more often.
After I got the hang of things, we were rolling. I could get us anywhere - once you figure out the road signs and how they work you are golden. I have turned into a great map reader - we always play the "if we were on TAR" game. We ask each other who would do what and I think we have definitely decided that Arnold would drive (I drive too slow for him) and I would read the map. And whenever we are in certain situations we will talk as though we are on the Amazing Race and if that would have just cost us the race. Me getting us off course might have caused us the race. Anyway, I am definitely the map reader in the relationship and feel pretty good about getting us to places we need to go. I think Arnold was pretty impressed with my map skills - he didn't think I had it in me.
And no, we didn't fight once - so I guess we passed the "test". :) woot woot.
Love Melissa and Arnold
So here we go. We made a pact to not get mad at each other and no yelling haha. I'm not going to lie, when we first left Toulouse, we were tense, Arnold was sweating and I was feeling ill. I am not typically very good with maps, but I can eventually find my way. Two minutes into our drive we made a wrong turn (well the map we had didn't call for this deviation), but luckily I got us back on track. We ended up going too far (not lost though) heading to Carcassonne, but that was because the turns off I had on my map weren't showing up. We also got a bit off course when we headed to visit these ruins in the Pyrenees. BUT you should have seen the maps I was working with. I'm surprised it didn't happen more often.
After I got the hang of things, we were rolling. I could get us anywhere - once you figure out the road signs and how they work you are golden. I have turned into a great map reader - we always play the "if we were on TAR" game. We ask each other who would do what and I think we have definitely decided that Arnold would drive (I drive too slow for him) and I would read the map. And whenever we are in certain situations we will talk as though we are on the Amazing Race and if that would have just cost us the race. Me getting us off course might have caused us the race. Anyway, I am definitely the map reader in the relationship and feel pretty good about getting us to places we need to go. I think Arnold was pretty impressed with my map skills - he didn't think I had it in me.
And no, we didn't fight once - so I guess we passed the "test". :) woot woot.
Love Melissa and Arnold
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Toulouse and Carcassonne
After spending a bit of time in the French Riviera, it was back to our original plan. We were heading to Toulouse/Carcassonne area. Arnold's friend told him about this area and told us that we MUST go see it and that it was his favorite area of France. Since we were open to suggestions we decided to check it out (plus his friend was talking about this area non-stop). Neither of us had ever heard about this area, but it sound great.
We were really blown away. Very, very beautiful area of France - we actually didn't expect to love this area as much as we did. Once we arrived in Toulouse we rented a car and drove to Carcassonne and spent a few days in that region touring around. First, I didn't realize that we would be sooo close to Spain again and second, it was very, very quiet. I don't think they get as many tourist to this areas as other parts of France so it was very different from the areas we had been in.
We spent our days driving to the different cities in the area and visiting some wineries :) - win, win for Me. We understand now why Arnold's friend was so pumped about this area - it's not every day that you get to drive in the Pyrenees Mountains visiting old ruins.
Love Melissa and Arnold
Sorry tried to upload pics, but it's not working and I have run out of time. Maybe later tonight?
We were really blown away. Very, very beautiful area of France - we actually didn't expect to love this area as much as we did. Once we arrived in Toulouse we rented a car and drove to Carcassonne and spent a few days in that region touring around. First, I didn't realize that we would be sooo close to Spain again and second, it was very, very quiet. I don't think they get as many tourist to this areas as other parts of France so it was very different from the areas we had been in.
We spent our days driving to the different cities in the area and visiting some wineries :) - win, win for Me. We understand now why Arnold's friend was so pumped about this area - it's not every day that you get to drive in the Pyrenees Mountains visiting old ruins.
Love Melissa and Arnold
Sorry tried to upload pics, but it's not working and I have run out of time. Maybe later tonight?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Trains vs Planes
Okay, last post of the night because I really need to get to bed and I have almost finished my bottle of bubbly. Haha. Once again, not sure if I have mentioned this in the past or not, but sorry, if I have.
Planes vs trains. Seriously, Europeans have it made. I would NEVER take a plane if I had the option of taking a train. Do you know how easy it is to get around by train??? Ugh, it makes me hate the whole flying experience and I used to love it. Now I find it a huge hassle. With a train - you just show up 5 minutes before you leave, no screening, no thinking about 100ml liquids - you just find your seat and get on. Could life get any sweeter. Why can't Canada have a train system?? I beg. PLUS you don't have to worry about the weight of your bags (which is a huge concern for me currently - I can't even get into this right now. Long story short- our bags are crazy heavy right now and we are heading into hot, muggy weather eek). We really, really love taking trains - it has made life easy.
Europe has really great cheap airlines, but they are evil when it comes to bags and weight. Now I can see why they have figured out how to travel with just a carry on. They will charge you everything they can when it comes to bags and weight (I'm still not ready to tell you my story of our experience with RyanAir haha - for another day).
Anyway, my point is, I wish I could take a train everywhere - its fun, easy and stress free. If I lived in Europe, that is the only way I would get around :).
Love Melissa and Arnold.
I still have another 4-5 stories coming before we leave tomorrow, but I need some sleep. And I think my posts with pictures will end after tomorrow - I have a feeling internet won't be top notch. Thanks for reading. We miss everyone back home :) xoxo
Planes vs trains. Seriously, Europeans have it made. I would NEVER take a plane if I had the option of taking a train. Do you know how easy it is to get around by train??? Ugh, it makes me hate the whole flying experience and I used to love it. Now I find it a huge hassle. With a train - you just show up 5 minutes before you leave, no screening, no thinking about 100ml liquids - you just find your seat and get on. Could life get any sweeter. Why can't Canada have a train system?? I beg. PLUS you don't have to worry about the weight of your bags (which is a huge concern for me currently - I can't even get into this right now. Long story short- our bags are crazy heavy right now and we are heading into hot, muggy weather eek). We really, really love taking trains - it has made life easy.
Europe has really great cheap airlines, but they are evil when it comes to bags and weight. Now I can see why they have figured out how to travel with just a carry on. They will charge you everything they can when it comes to bags and weight (I'm still not ready to tell you my story of our experience with RyanAir haha - for another day).
Anyway, my point is, I wish I could take a train everywhere - its fun, easy and stress free. If I lived in Europe, that is the only way I would get around :).
Love Melissa and Arnold.
I still have another 4-5 stories coming before we leave tomorrow, but I need some sleep. And I think my posts with pictures will end after tomorrow - I have a feeling internet won't be top notch. Thanks for reading. We miss everyone back home :) xoxo
Prison Food...
So I'm not sure if I have mentioned this before (same goes for the next post - because I always mean to talk about them, but never do) but I thought you guys might enjoy this. Since we have been away, we mostly eat out (of course). And when we do have a kitchen we definitely take advantage of it.
While living in Capri, I came up with a meal that I liked to call "Prison" Food. It was my version of minestrone soup. When you only have two elements to cook on and no spices to cook with, you have to become inventive with how you cook. I wasn't about to spend a bunch of money on spices that I would use once or twice so all I had was salt and pepper. As it turns out, Arnold LOVES this meal (I actually really enjoyed it and it was my staple while in Italy). So whenever we are at a place with a kitchen he asks me if I am going to "make prison food" haha sounds really tasty eh.
But I have come up with some pretty good recipes that only call for very limited amount of supplies - sometimes better is more. (oh so cliche and cheesy I know LOL). And I'm not going to lie, I think these new masterpieces that I have created will make an appearance once we get back to Calgary. Haha. Next time you are at home cooking, think about what you would cook with only two elements (and only pots) and with only salt and pepper to make it taste good (okay and a bit of soup base). See how creative you can get haha. I dare you ;)
Love Melissa and Arnold
While living in Capri, I came up with a meal that I liked to call "Prison" Food. It was my version of minestrone soup. When you only have two elements to cook on and no spices to cook with, you have to become inventive with how you cook. I wasn't about to spend a bunch of money on spices that I would use once or twice so all I had was salt and pepper. As it turns out, Arnold LOVES this meal (I actually really enjoyed it and it was my staple while in Italy). So whenever we are at a place with a kitchen he asks me if I am going to "make prison food" haha sounds really tasty eh.
But I have come up with some pretty good recipes that only call for very limited amount of supplies - sometimes better is more. (oh so cliche and cheesy I know LOL). And I'm not going to lie, I think these new masterpieces that I have created will make an appearance once we get back to Calgary. Haha. Next time you are at home cooking, think about what you would cook with only two elements (and only pots) and with only salt and pepper to make it taste good (okay and a bit of soup base). See how creative you can get haha. I dare you ;)
Love Melissa and Arnold
A runner's mind frame...
Since we have been in Europe, I have been able to run. I like to take advantage of it because I know once we get to Asia, it won't be so easy for me. Anyway, in a couple of the cities we have been in there has been a fantastic pathway systems for runners. Not to rub it in, but right along the ocean for miles and miles. Stunning.
I have always been a fickle runner - I don't like running near people that have heavy feet, make noise, etc etc. It really annoys me. I either have to stop running (if I'm on a treadmill) or get away from them (if I'm on the path in Calgary). I don't know why I'm like that, but I find it really throws me off and it's ALL I can think about. I have been in a couple of races where I'm near people that are loud and it kills me. So when I run on a path, I need my space. And this is where I get a bit edgy. I have no problem with the runners that bolt past me - there are a lot of wicked athletes out there that I will never be as fast as, but I have a HUGE problem with the people that run behind me and don't pass me. Like either pass me or don't run close to me - is that really to much to ask?
So in a couple places we have been - people have been running behind me, but won't pass and this is when I start getting annoyed. First time was in San Seb, this person was behind me and wouldn't pass, so I kicked it up a notch for almost 2km, but he kept up with me - finally he turned off and I was relieved. But I didn't realize he was actually heading up the same road I was to get to our hotel. (he just knew a different turn off). Well of course the road leading to the hotel was a hill and I knew I needed to pass him to "prove a point" what this "point" was I don't know, but I needed to do it. He was totally doggin' it up this hill and I blew past him making me feel great hahah... See... I have problems.
Another time was in Nice - it was +24 (at 8am) and this old guy was right behind me, but wouldn't pass me. Being crazy ol' me, I started to run at a faster pace, and of course, he decided to keep up with me. It drove me nuts - I tried everything I could to lose him, but nothing was working. Finally I had to give up, I was running way to fast and decided that I shouldn't be "a crazy" person. So he passed me, but I just got mad at myself and had to "prove" some point (not known to me or that person) and blew past him in the end. Hahah. I think that a lot of runners probably go through this, but I think its stupid yet funny.
I'm sure the person running next to me isn't thinking the same thing, but I can't help wanting to "beat" them. Anyway, I thought you would get a laugh out of me being me. (I have done this in Calgary before too). Yes, you can call my crazy, I know. LOL but I like to think of it as "motivation".
Love Melissa
I have always been a fickle runner - I don't like running near people that have heavy feet, make noise, etc etc. It really annoys me. I either have to stop running (if I'm on a treadmill) or get away from them (if I'm on the path in Calgary). I don't know why I'm like that, but I find it really throws me off and it's ALL I can think about. I have been in a couple of races where I'm near people that are loud and it kills me. So when I run on a path, I need my space. And this is where I get a bit edgy. I have no problem with the runners that bolt past me - there are a lot of wicked athletes out there that I will never be as fast as, but I have a HUGE problem with the people that run behind me and don't pass me. Like either pass me or don't run close to me - is that really to much to ask?
So in a couple places we have been - people have been running behind me, but won't pass and this is when I start getting annoyed. First time was in San Seb, this person was behind me and wouldn't pass, so I kicked it up a notch for almost 2km, but he kept up with me - finally he turned off and I was relieved. But I didn't realize he was actually heading up the same road I was to get to our hotel. (he just knew a different turn off). Well of course the road leading to the hotel was a hill and I knew I needed to pass him to "prove a point" what this "point" was I don't know, but I needed to do it. He was totally doggin' it up this hill and I blew past him making me feel great hahah... See... I have problems.
Another time was in Nice - it was +24 (at 8am) and this old guy was right behind me, but wouldn't pass me. Being crazy ol' me, I started to run at a faster pace, and of course, he decided to keep up with me. It drove me nuts - I tried everything I could to lose him, but nothing was working. Finally I had to give up, I was running way to fast and decided that I shouldn't be "a crazy" person. So he passed me, but I just got mad at myself and had to "prove" some point (not known to me or that person) and blew past him in the end. Hahah. I think that a lot of runners probably go through this, but I think its stupid yet funny.
I'm sure the person running next to me isn't thinking the same thing, but I can't help wanting to "beat" them. Anyway, I thought you would get a laugh out of me being me. (I have done this in Calgary before too). Yes, you can call my crazy, I know. LOL but I like to think of it as "motivation".
Love Melissa
Monaco and Cannes
We decided to use Nice as our home base and just do day trips to the surrounding area vs. moving to a new hotel every night - plus everything is so close that it only made sense.
First day trip we did was to Monaco - I didn't really know much about Monaco before heading there and I had only found out recently from Arnold that it was very expensive and rich (I had suggested staying in Monaco and he laughed and said "I think its pretty expensive there"). Well he was definitely right - Bentley's are the bellybutton car there - in Calgary Honda's are bellybutton cars, but not in Monaco. We saw a Yacht that had a helipad on the back of it - like really? The streets are really paved in Gold haha - okay, not really, but it felt that way. Everything was so nice and clean (even the public washroom). I think my favorite memory from Monaco though was when we stumbled upon a little girls birthday party. (So this is how they roll in Monaco). We were down at the beach looking for a spot to claim and along the beach they have all of these restaurants and fancy chair/cabana things. Well as we get closer to a fancy restaurant, all I can see is pink and then these two people dressed up as a princess and a prince parading around with a bunch a 3 year olds behind them listening to music. You could tell from the theme that is was definitely a little girl's birthday (the pink colors everywhere might have given it away) and it was definitely very elaborate. The best part was though (this is my fav). just when I thought it was the moms all walking around the kids and keeping things in control, I realized it was actually the nannies haha - the moms were all at a table on the other side of the restaurant drinking wine and socializing. It was hilarious. I got a good kick out of it.
Anyway, Monaco was really, really beautiful and very cool - awesome to see the "Casino" and they just had the Grand Prix there so we could tell where they had raced - crazy that they race on the actual streets in Monaco - that would definitely be something to see.
The next day we were off to Cannes. - after spending a day there, I sort of wished we could have been there during the Film Fest, but it would have been crazy expensive and crazy busy. But it is a great city and it was neat to see the place where all the magic happens - they even had the red carpet out on the stairs still (or maybe they have that year round? haha). I'm not going to lie, I thought it would be more impressive, but it was a bit of a let down. The beaches there though were the best - actual sand haha. Nice and Monaco were rock beaches so it was nice to have a sand beach again, but you forget how annoying sand can be - it gets every where.
The French Riviera was fantastic and I am really glad we got to go because it definitely wasn't in the books and we hadn't planned on going. We will just have to come back to Europe for some waffles and chocolate.
Love Melissa and Arnold
![]()
![]()
First day trip we did was to Monaco - I didn't really know much about Monaco before heading there and I had only found out recently from Arnold that it was very expensive and rich (I had suggested staying in Monaco and he laughed and said "I think its pretty expensive there"). Well he was definitely right - Bentley's are the bellybutton car there - in Calgary Honda's are bellybutton cars, but not in Monaco. We saw a Yacht that had a helipad on the back of it - like really? The streets are really paved in Gold haha - okay, not really, but it felt that way. Everything was so nice and clean (even the public washroom). I think my favorite memory from Monaco though was when we stumbled upon a little girls birthday party. (So this is how they roll in Monaco). We were down at the beach looking for a spot to claim and along the beach they have all of these restaurants and fancy chair/cabana things. Well as we get closer to a fancy restaurant, all I can see is pink and then these two people dressed up as a princess and a prince parading around with a bunch a 3 year olds behind them listening to music. You could tell from the theme that is was definitely a little girl's birthday (the pink colors everywhere might have given it away) and it was definitely very elaborate. The best part was though (this is my fav). just when I thought it was the moms all walking around the kids and keeping things in control, I realized it was actually the nannies haha - the moms were all at a table on the other side of the restaurant drinking wine and socializing. It was hilarious. I got a good kick out of it.
Anyway, Monaco was really, really beautiful and very cool - awesome to see the "Casino" and they just had the Grand Prix there so we could tell where they had raced - crazy that they race on the actual streets in Monaco - that would definitely be something to see.
The next day we were off to Cannes. - after spending a day there, I sort of wished we could have been there during the Film Fest, but it would have been crazy expensive and crazy busy. But it is a great city and it was neat to see the place where all the magic happens - they even had the red carpet out on the stairs still (or maybe they have that year round? haha). I'm not going to lie, I thought it would be more impressive, but it was a bit of a let down. The beaches there though were the best - actual sand haha. Nice and Monaco were rock beaches so it was nice to have a sand beach again, but you forget how annoying sand can be - it gets every where.
The French Riviera was fantastic and I am really glad we got to go because it definitely wasn't in the books and we hadn't planned on going. We will just have to come back to Europe for some waffles and chocolate.
Love Melissa and Arnold
Nice is Nice...
but getting there wasn't so nice. The original plan was to head to Belgium for 4 days before we headed to the South of France - Arnold had promised me waffles and chocolate (well that's what how he got me hooked on the idea of heading there). But that all changed when we ran into issues with our visa's for India. Long story short - we had to hand over our passport to the India Embassy for a long period of time (or so they kept threatening us with) and stay in France. We were both pretty bummed out about having to axe the side trip to Belgium, but there could be worse places to be "stuck" in. And this is how we ended up going to Nice.
Because we were booking our train ticket to Nice in such short notice we had to take a bit of a milk run to get there - changing trains 4 or 5 times. Which I will tell you is a HUGE pain in the a**. I have never known trains to be late - from what I saw they were always on time, but somehow we managed to be on two different trains that were both late causing us to miss our next train - but after all that we arrived in Nice only 30minutes (okay maybe closer to an hour) later then planned. So not a big deal, just a pain to change trains all the time when you have as much gear as we do.
My disappointment over waffles and chocolate soon faded as I saw the beaches and the blue skies!! Aaah, Nice - you live up to your name and then some. Spending 4 days in the French Riviera was just what we needed and we were pretty happy to be "stuck" in France after getting down there.
Love Melissa and Arnold
![]()
![]()
Because we were booking our train ticket to Nice in such short notice we had to take a bit of a milk run to get there - changing trains 4 or 5 times. Which I will tell you is a HUGE pain in the a**. I have never known trains to be late - from what I saw they were always on time, but somehow we managed to be on two different trains that were both late causing us to miss our next train - but after all that we arrived in Nice only 30minutes (okay maybe closer to an hour) later then planned. So not a big deal, just a pain to change trains all the time when you have as much gear as we do.
My disappointment over waffles and chocolate soon faded as I saw the beaches and the blue skies!! Aaah, Nice - you live up to your name and then some. Spending 4 days in the French Riviera was just what we needed and we were pretty happy to be "stuck" in France after getting down there.
Love Melissa and Arnold
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Italy vs Spain vs France
So after spending time in all of these countries, I have to say, Italy is my favorite. Shocking!! Especially for me because I never wanted to go there in the first place. But I have to say, it really won my heart over. I think its more so the people then anything. I truly miss Italians - they are crazy, but amazing all at the same time!!! When we got to Spain - they seemed so mellow and then we get to France and well haha. I had always heard the French were rude and typically people never had anything good to say about them and well, now I know why. They really are rude and sometimes you just want to smack them. I think my girlfriend summed it up best for me in an email not too long ago (now I'm going to censor it, haha but you will get the point) Italians are jerks, but at least they are amusing, whereas the French are just jerks and arrogant. Pretty much bang on.
And don't get me wrong - not all French people are rude, but just a handful that we dealt with in Paris. And don't even bother speaking French in Paris because they just answer back in English and don't have the time to deal with our crappy accent haha. Not that it bothers us - we just think its funny. But in all honesty, we have had a wonderful time in each country and have seen some amazing stuff, but for some reason Italy is the big winner in my books. I probably say that because I spent the most time there and lived there for a period of time, but I had a fantastic time there.
France is winning back my heart (especially after the week we just had - proof that the French are wonderful, you just have to leave Paris to see it), but I think Italy will always come out on top.
Seems like I am always behind on our little blog, but I'm catching up - we have a travel day tomorrow, so I hope to post a couple more things tonight to catch up. We have been in the South of France for the past week - getting rested before we start our last leg of the trip, which could prove to be more hectic then Africa?!?! haha ... guess time will tell.
Hope all is well with everyone - we miss you guys and thank you for reading. Send us emails - we love hearing from you guys!!
Love Melissa and Arnold
And don't get me wrong - not all French people are rude, but just a handful that we dealt with in Paris. And don't even bother speaking French in Paris because they just answer back in English and don't have the time to deal with our crappy accent haha. Not that it bothers us - we just think its funny. But in all honesty, we have had a wonderful time in each country and have seen some amazing stuff, but for some reason Italy is the big winner in my books. I probably say that because I spent the most time there and lived there for a period of time, but I had a fantastic time there.
France is winning back my heart (especially after the week we just had - proof that the French are wonderful, you just have to leave Paris to see it), but I think Italy will always come out on top.
Seems like I am always behind on our little blog, but I'm catching up - we have a travel day tomorrow, so I hope to post a couple more things tonight to catch up. We have been in the South of France for the past week - getting rested before we start our last leg of the trip, which could prove to be more hectic then Africa?!?! haha ... guess time will tell.
Hope all is well with everyone - we miss you guys and thank you for reading. Send us emails - we love hearing from you guys!!
Love Melissa and Arnold
Last Couple of Items from Paris...
A couple European cities have implemented these biking programs in their city (we call it "bicing"), which allows a person to rent a public bike, use it and then drop it off when finished. You sign up for a pass number and then can use any of the public bikes around the city. Such a great idea and perfect for us while we were in Paris. We biked around Paris non-stop. It was a blast. I hadn't rode a bike in years - I would say the last time was probably in Grade 10 - I think I stopped once I got my license. So at first, I was so nervous, but its true what they say haha. You don't ever forget. After getting over my fear, I didn't want to get off the bikes. Plus everyone
bikes in Paris - even guys in full on suits. It's awesome. Arnold took to calling me Marry Poppins while I was biking because apparently, I sit up very straight on the bike haha.
Also, last time we were in Paris with our friends, we went to this ridiculous restaurant - ridiculous in terms of concept. So they only serve steak - that's it, that's all. And it's lined up around the block to get in to this place from open to close. If you want to get in for dinner without waiting in line for an hour, you have to go when it first opens. The tables are all pretty much touching - sort of cafeteria style - they cram as many people in as they can. When the server comes, the only thing she asks is what do you want to drink and how do you like
your steak done. haha that's it. It's amazing to me, that people will line up for hours for a restaurant that doesn't have menus and with no other options for dinner, but they do- it's always busy. I'm not a red meat person (well really a meat person in general - I don't like the taste) so I didn't think I would enjoy it, but honestly, it's amazing. Coming from Alberta where we have the best steak around, most people
would probably not care for the steak they serve, but so good (its really thin, I think that's why I like it). Plus this sauce that they put all over it is the best! So of course we had to go there again on this trip - and by a fluke chance we were walking by at lunch, hungry and there wasn't a line up so we walked right on it. Mmm, so good! All you can eat steak and fries for 25 Euro each haha - but I would tell people they HAVE to go because its that good.
Love Melissa and Arnold
PS. We might have been a bit drunk in these first two pictures haha - this was after the champagne in the park on our anniversary :)
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
bikes in Paris - even guys in full on suits. It's awesome. Arnold took to calling me Marry Poppins while I was biking because apparently, I sit up very straight on the bike haha.
Also, last time we were in Paris with our friends, we went to this ridiculous restaurant - ridiculous in terms of concept. So they only serve steak - that's it, that's all. And it's lined up around the block to get in to this place from open to close. If you want to get in for dinner without waiting in line for an hour, you have to go when it first opens. The tables are all pretty much touching - sort of cafeteria style - they cram as many people in as they can. When the server comes, the only thing she asks is what do you want to drink and how do you like
your steak done. haha that's it. It's amazing to me, that people will line up for hours for a restaurant that doesn't have menus and with no other options for dinner, but they do- it's always busy. I'm not a red meat person (well really a meat person in general - I don't like the taste) so I didn't think I would enjoy it, but honestly, it's amazing. Coming from Alberta where we have the best steak around, most people
would probably not care for the steak they serve, but so good (its really thin, I think that's why I like it). Plus this sauce that they put all over it is the best! So of course we had to go there again on this trip - and by a fluke chance we were walking by at lunch, hungry and there wasn't a line up so we walked right on it. Mmm, so good! All you can eat steak and fries for 25 Euro each haha - but I would tell people they HAVE to go because its that good.
Love Melissa and Arnold
PS. We might have been a bit drunk in these first two pictures haha - this was after the champagne in the park on our anniversary :)
The Search for Robert Langdon
has ended and we have moved on from Paris. After a bit of thought, I think Arnold and I have both agreed that Paris is a great weekend/4 day city. Like it is really beautiful, but towards the end of the two weeks we were feeling pretty beat down and wanted to get away. It was really good to watch Midnight in Paris, while we were still in Paris because it sort of made us love the city all over again, but before then we were seriously ready to make an exit and fast.
I'm not really sure why things went sour for us, but they did (I think it had to do with some of the people there). That movie made us see all the good things about Paris and forget about the bad. Paris is still my favorite city, but I can say that I am super super glad that we didn't end up living there like planned. I think I would have been pretty bitter by the end. The weather in Paris is terrible. Warm, but they hardly see the sun. We had a couple beautiful days there, but other then that it was either cloudy or rainy - I would have froze with my selection of clothes. And not that the rain is bad, because Paris is wonderful in the rain, but when you have summer clothes and not proper footwear it makes it a bit tough. If prepared for the weather - it wouldn't be a factor.
I think that now that we have left, it is back to an amazing city in our minds - it wasn't all bad. I think a couple people just jaded our experience a bit and gave us a bit of a bad taste, but we are over it now. One thing I was surprised about is how expensive it was. I think I wouldn't have noticed otherwise, but coming from Italy and Spain - it was a bit of a shock (plus I'm being cheap because we are on a long trip hahah). Anyway, we had a bit of a falling out, but we are back on track and I think next time we go it will be better and we know exactly where to go and what to see.
We have to make a quick day trip there next week to pick up our passports and of course we are excited to be in the city again - it's like a relationship - you need a break from time to time - can't spend 24/7 together haha.
Love Melissa and Arnold
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
I'm not really sure why things went sour for us, but they did (I think it had to do with some of the people there). That movie made us see all the good things about Paris and forget about the bad. Paris is still my favorite city, but I can say that I am super super glad that we didn't end up living there like planned. I think I would have been pretty bitter by the end. The weather in Paris is terrible. Warm, but they hardly see the sun. We had a couple beautiful days there, but other then that it was either cloudy or rainy - I would have froze with my selection of clothes. And not that the rain is bad, because Paris is wonderful in the rain, but when you have summer clothes and not proper footwear it makes it a bit tough. If prepared for the weather - it wouldn't be a factor.
I think that now that we have left, it is back to an amazing city in our minds - it wasn't all bad. I think a couple people just jaded our experience a bit and gave us a bit of a bad taste, but we are over it now. One thing I was surprised about is how expensive it was. I think I wouldn't have noticed otherwise, but coming from Italy and Spain - it was a bit of a shock (plus I'm being cheap because we are on a long trip hahah). Anyway, we had a bit of a falling out, but we are back on track and I think next time we go it will be better and we know exactly where to go and what to see.
We have to make a quick day trip there next week to pick up our passports and of course we are excited to be in the city again - it's like a relationship - you need a break from time to time - can't spend 24/7 together haha.
Love Melissa and Arnold
Our one year Anniversary
Who would have ever thought we would be spending it in Paris - I definitely didn't last year when we were getting married. So we definitely consider ourselves very lucky and its probably one we won't forget. We sort of celebrated over the two days (Sat and Sun).
On Saturday, Arnold had bought tickets for the Eiffel Tower - I really, really wanted to go up the Tower to the top and we hadn't had a chance to do that (we actually went there a couple nights before and did manage to get up to the second deck, but we got caught in the middle of a lightening storm - great place in a storm eh haha, but amazing view and pics). So finally, I was going to get to see Paris from the Tower. It was really, really cool, but damn, its one line after another - definitely recommend it, but I don't think I will do it again - we had some great photos and some hilarious stories (for another post). After spending two hours at the tower we did a little gift exchange and then had one of the best meals out. I love those really, really long dinners. They are my favorite - sitting in a restaurant for 3 hours just chatting and drinking. I really don't think it couldn't get better - plus it had been a very long time since we had done that and/or gone for a nice meal.
Arnold picked the restaurant because they had a specialized vegetarian menu (for me) and it definitely didn't disappoint.
Then on Sunday, the day of our actual anni, we went for French Crepes and then headed to the Eiffel Tower to drink some Champagne. Aaaah, drinking champagne under the Eiffel Tower - I don't think it could get any better. Then headed home a wee bit tipsy. Hard to believe that a year has already gone past - just seems like yesterday that we got married.
Love Melissa and Arnold
PS. Today marks the day we started dating 5 YEARS ago!! hard to believe that as well...
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
On Saturday, Arnold had bought tickets for the Eiffel Tower - I really, really wanted to go up the Tower to the top and we hadn't had a chance to do that (we actually went there a couple nights before and did manage to get up to the second deck, but we got caught in the middle of a lightening storm - great place in a storm eh haha, but amazing view and pics). So finally, I was going to get to see Paris from the Tower. It was really, really cool, but damn, its one line after another - definitely recommend it, but I don't think I will do it again - we had some great photos and some hilarious stories (for another post). After spending two hours at the tower we did a little gift exchange and then had one of the best meals out. I love those really, really long dinners. They are my favorite - sitting in a restaurant for 3 hours just chatting and drinking. I really don't think it couldn't get better - plus it had been a very long time since we had done that and/or gone for a nice meal.
Arnold picked the restaurant because they had a specialized vegetarian menu (for me) and it definitely didn't disappoint.
Then on Sunday, the day of our actual anni, we went for French Crepes and then headed to the Eiffel Tower to drink some Champagne. Aaaah, drinking champagne under the Eiffel Tower - I don't think it could get any better. Then headed home a wee bit tipsy. Hard to believe that a year has already gone past - just seems like yesterday that we got married.
Love Melissa and Arnold
PS. Today marks the day we started dating 5 YEARS ago!! hard to believe that as well...
Three movies, two weeks
Arnold had been talking about going to the movies for ages - I think since Italy actually. Well, finally he had the chance. After spending some time on the net he was able to find a theatre in Paris that played English movies AND that was close to the flat. First movie on the list - Hang Over 2. Then we went to see that X-Men movie and lastly Midnight in Paris. I think we would have gone and seen one more, but ran out of time.
It's funny how you tend to miss English TV/movies while away for so long. Since leaving Spain we haven't had English TV - not that its a bad thing, but sometimes there is nothing better then watching TV before bed. (ooh I guess we did watch English TV - we watched all of Season 18 of TAR on youtube - I was sooo addicted to it - I think we finished it in a week - my bad). Anyway, Arnold got to see some movies and I got to have theatre popcorn - it still isn't as good as the stuff back home, but it will due - you could mix sweet and salty - yum.
Anyway, the point of the post is that we had been going to the movies a lot and we noticed a couple things. There are theatres everywhere in Paris - I think we saw 3 different theatres on the Champs in 5 blocks. Also, they start playing movies at 9am. At first I thought it was a bit weird, but then we figured out why. The movies are ALWAYS packed!!! It is crazy. We went at different days of the week and different times and it never failed to be insanely busy. Like don't the Parisians works?? We went to the X-Men movie on Monday at 4:50pm and you almost couldn't get a seat and it was a big, big theatre. We were totally shocked.
Apparently they REALLY like their movies there. And shocking that so many would go to see a movie with French subtitles - you would think they would want it to be in French so they don't have to read all of the time??
So just a couple random thoughts for you about the movies in Paris (Oh and we LOVED their chairs - so comfy and the person in front of you wasn't blocking your sight - it was great). It is nice to be a bit caught up on some of the movies currently playing
Love Melissa and Arnold
PS the two weeks that we were in Paris, they had TWO holidays. TWO in less then two weeks - we are lucky if we get one holiday a month in Canada - these guys are always on holiday here, its crazy!
It's funny how you tend to miss English TV/movies while away for so long. Since leaving Spain we haven't had English TV - not that its a bad thing, but sometimes there is nothing better then watching TV before bed. (ooh I guess we did watch English TV - we watched all of Season 18 of TAR on youtube - I was sooo addicted to it - I think we finished it in a week - my bad). Anyway, Arnold got to see some movies and I got to have theatre popcorn - it still isn't as good as the stuff back home, but it will due - you could mix sweet and salty - yum.
Anyway, the point of the post is that we had been going to the movies a lot and we noticed a couple things. There are theatres everywhere in Paris - I think we saw 3 different theatres on the Champs in 5 blocks. Also, they start playing movies at 9am. At first I thought it was a bit weird, but then we figured out why. The movies are ALWAYS packed!!! It is crazy. We went at different days of the week and different times and it never failed to be insanely busy. Like don't the Parisians works?? We went to the X-Men movie on Monday at 4:50pm and you almost couldn't get a seat and it was a big, big theatre. We were totally shocked.
Apparently they REALLY like their movies there. And shocking that so many would go to see a movie with French subtitles - you would think they would want it to be in French so they don't have to read all of the time??
So just a couple random thoughts for you about the movies in Paris (Oh and we LOVED their chairs - so comfy and the person in front of you wasn't blocking your sight - it was great). It is nice to be a bit caught up on some of the movies currently playing
Love Melissa and Arnold
PS the two weeks that we were in Paris, they had TWO holidays. TWO in less then two weeks - we are lucky if we get one holiday a month in Canada - these guys are always on holiday here, its crazy!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Intervention
I am in serious need of an intervention - and no, I'm not talking about my addiction to Prosecco, Cava or Brut. I'm talking about my serious addiction to white bread, baguettes in particular. I think I could easily eat at least one baguette a day. Almost all of my meals consists of some form of white bread haha - I hadn't had brown bread in months and I finally had the chance to in Spain (actually, it was the first time I had EVER seen brown bread anywhere on this trip). So trying to be good, I ordered a small whole wheat baguette and the thing honestly tasted horrible hahah ...
See what I mean - I need an intervention. I need to get away from Europe and fast LOL
Love Melissa
See what I mean - I need an intervention. I need to get away from Europe and fast LOL
Love Melissa
Starbucks
Last time we were in Paris, I think we came across Starbucks once and it was inside the Louvre. So in the time between then and now (which has only been a year and a half), it seems like Starbucks has taken over Paris. Or maybe we just didn't look hard enough last time we were here - but seriously, they are everywhere.
After two months in Africa and close to two months in Italy - I hadn't had a Starbucks in ages and then we get to Spain and could find them pretty easily in both Barcelona and Seville and now the same with Paris. I feel as though Paris sort of sold out and bought into the big chain places. Tsk tsk Paris, you used to be so cool haha. Of course I can't resist a Chai Latte from time to time and so on our second day in Paris, I caved and bought one. But man, they are expensive here (or maybe I am cheap), 4 Euro for a TALL chai. So I put myself on a starbucks diet and have only had two now since we arrived. Speaking of which, we went there on Saturday and bought two drinks and one lemon cake for 12 Euro - gah, like I said, expensive!!
McDonalds is also all over the place here too - haha Arnold loves that fact ... but why eat that when you can have a baguette ... makes no sense to me. LOL
Love Melissa and Arnold
After two months in Africa and close to two months in Italy - I hadn't had a Starbucks in ages and then we get to Spain and could find them pretty easily in both Barcelona and Seville and now the same with Paris. I feel as though Paris sort of sold out and bought into the big chain places. Tsk tsk Paris, you used to be so cool haha. Of course I can't resist a Chai Latte from time to time and so on our second day in Paris, I caved and bought one. But man, they are expensive here (or maybe I am cheap), 4 Euro for a TALL chai. So I put myself on a starbucks diet and have only had two now since we arrived. Speaking of which, we went there on Saturday and bought two drinks and one lemon cake for 12 Euro - gah, like I said, expensive!!
McDonalds is also all over the place here too - haha Arnold loves that fact ... but why eat that when you can have a baguette ... makes no sense to me. LOL
Love Melissa and Arnold
Paris....
Aaaahhh, the city of Love and my favorite city in the world (okay, I might have a change in heart? but i'm not sure). As you can imagine, I was VERY excited about getting to Paris (and France in general) for a couple of reasons, but mostly because I love that city. Since I didn't get to live here as originally planned we decided that two weeks was better then nothing. As much as I would have loved to live here, I'm glad we didn't - it's pretty expensive and the weather - not so good haha.
When I was living in Capri, I met a French women who lived in Paris and she told me that she didn't like it and that her and her husband were trying to move and go somewhere better - I was like "umm are you crazy, it's the best city ever" but she said it was the weather that is bad and was why they wanted to leave. Of course, I didn't know anything about the weather because I had only been here once before and when we came it was fall and supposed to be colder. But Paris, really does get terrible weather - after spending a week here, I was a) glad that I didn't spend the two months here as planned (I would have froze) and b) realized that she was right.
But weather aside, it is still Paris and it is still pretty amazing. Plus it is home of the Eiffel Tower. Every time I see it, it never fails to impress me. Arnold doesn't understand, but I LOVE the tower - I think it's such a spectacular sight. I probably go see it up close every other day LOL.
Iit's nice to have a lot of time here so we aren't rushed and can fit everything in. We watched a bit of the French Open Final with about 300 other people in front of a giant screen in front of City Hall. Instead of people drinking beers, they drank bottles of wine - love it. We also went and saw "Very Bad Trip 2" (aka the Hangover 2) at the theatre the other night. Things we wouldn't have gotten a chance to do on a short trip here. We mix the days with a bit of sightseeing and relaxing. All we have left to do now is go to the Louvre - Arnold wants to spend a couple of hours there so I think we will either go today or else Wednesday night.
I have more things to say about Paris, but that is for another post - which I will work on tomorrow.
Love Melissa and Arnold
When I was living in Capri, I met a French women who lived in Paris and she told me that she didn't like it and that her and her husband were trying to move and go somewhere better - I was like "umm are you crazy, it's the best city ever" but she said it was the weather that is bad and was why they wanted to leave. Of course, I didn't know anything about the weather because I had only been here once before and when we came it was fall and supposed to be colder. But Paris, really does get terrible weather - after spending a week here, I was a) glad that I didn't spend the two months here as planned (I would have froze) and b) realized that she was right.
But weather aside, it is still Paris and it is still pretty amazing. Plus it is home of the Eiffel Tower. Every time I see it, it never fails to impress me. Arnold doesn't understand, but I LOVE the tower - I think it's such a spectacular sight. I probably go see it up close every other day LOL.
Iit's nice to have a lot of time here so we aren't rushed and can fit everything in. We watched a bit of the French Open Final with about 300 other people in front of a giant screen in front of City Hall. Instead of people drinking beers, they drank bottles of wine - love it. We also went and saw "Very Bad Trip 2" (aka the Hangover 2) at the theatre the other night. Things we wouldn't have gotten a chance to do on a short trip here. We mix the days with a bit of sightseeing and relaxing. All we have left to do now is go to the Louvre - Arnold wants to spend a couple of hours there so I think we will either go today or else Wednesday night.
I have more things to say about Paris, but that is for another post - which I will work on tomorrow.
Love Melissa and Arnold
95 steps...
is how many steps it takes us to get to our flat in Paris LOL. We decided to rent a flat in Paris for our two week stay vs staying at a hotel - it's cheaper and it allows us to cook our own meals, which is REALLY nice for a change - eating out every meal gets hard on a person (and their waist line).
So, we rented a great little flat in probably one of the best locations possible. When you open the main doors to the apartment complex, you are looking at the Louvre. Yes, we are like 10 feet away from the Louvre - it's pretty amazing. Also, when I say little, I mean really, really little hahah. It's not like we need a lot of space and it is Europe, but it is just really funny - our Kitchen (and no jokes here) is literally in a closet - so picture the closet you had growing up at home and well imagine throwing a kitchen into it. There is a small fridge, a washer, two stove elements and a sink - plus dishes etc all crammed into this closet - we can even close the doors after we are done using it so you can't see it anymore. Like I said, exactly like a closet - I think that is what it was before they reno'ed the place.
But it's really not a huge problem and the place has been great for us - maybe just one small problem. It's located on the 5th floor with no lift haha ... It's a lot of stairs to climb every day multiple times, but it keeps us in shape, right ;) Every time I climb the stairs, all I can think about is how people move in this city - like I would NEVER rent a flat that is that high up with no elevator, could you imagine. Ugh, the thought scares me. And the staircase is tight and a spiral - so how do they get couches up? Through the windows? I would probably get rid of everything I owned just so I would have to move boxes up those stairs LOL.
So that is a bit about our flat and where we decided to stay while in Paris
Love Melissa and Arnold
So, we rented a great little flat in probably one of the best locations possible. When you open the main doors to the apartment complex, you are looking at the Louvre. Yes, we are like 10 feet away from the Louvre - it's pretty amazing. Also, when I say little, I mean really, really little hahah. It's not like we need a lot of space and it is Europe, but it is just really funny - our Kitchen (and no jokes here) is literally in a closet - so picture the closet you had growing up at home and well imagine throwing a kitchen into it. There is a small fridge, a washer, two stove elements and a sink - plus dishes etc all crammed into this closet - we can even close the doors after we are done using it so you can't see it anymore. Like I said, exactly like a closet - I think that is what it was before they reno'ed the place.
But it's really not a huge problem and the place has been great for us - maybe just one small problem. It's located on the 5th floor with no lift haha ... It's a lot of stairs to climb every day multiple times, but it keeps us in shape, right ;) Every time I climb the stairs, all I can think about is how people move in this city - like I would NEVER rent a flat that is that high up with no elevator, could you imagine. Ugh, the thought scares me. And the staircase is tight and a spiral - so how do they get couches up? Through the windows? I would probably get rid of everything I owned just so I would have to move boxes up those stairs LOL.
So that is a bit about our flat and where we decided to stay while in Paris
Love Melissa and Arnold
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Update note ...
I have been slacking big time with the blog - my apologies... eek ... I'm bad, I know ... but I promise to get you guys all up to date on what we have been up to later this week. And it seems like we have pretty good internet so I will try and sort out some pictures, but that might be a huge task, so no promises.
But we have spent the past week and a bit in Paris and of course this city never disappoints. BUT I might have a change heart on Paris/France and the people here LOL.
Anyways, I posted a couple things below to finish up on our time in Spain, new posts about France to come soon.
Thanks for reading!!! We hope you guys have been enjoying our stories - we miss everyone back home :)
Much love
Melissa and Arnold
But we have spent the past week and a bit in Paris and of course this city never disappoints. BUT I might have a change heart on Paris/France and the people here LOL.
Anyways, I posted a couple things below to finish up on our time in Spain, new posts about France to come soon.
Thanks for reading!!! We hope you guys have been enjoying our stories - we miss everyone back home :)
Much love
Melissa and Arnold
From Seville to San Sebastian
After spending 5 days in the hot, hot heat of Seville, it was time to move on and head up to San Sebastian for the remainder of our time in Spain. Once again, another city that didn't disappoint. It is a very, very beautiful beach town. Our hotel was a bit away from the tourist area (again) and we loved it. About a 20 minute to old town and about a three minute walk to the beach.
We had planned on being in Barcelona for the big football match, but it was proving to be a bit difficult timing wise, so we settled with San Seb. And after we really thought about it - it was probably better to watch it somewhere other then Barcelona seeing how Arnold is a Man U fan. So on Saturday night, we headed into Old Town and got ourselves seats in front of a TV in a pub. Such a fantastic experience - LOVED it. I think if Arnold wasn't such a die hard fan, he might have started cheering for the home team. Before the game started they played their "fight" song and then again after every goal. The people in the bar would go NUTS. And everyone was actually really cool about Arnold being a Man U fan - they were fist bumping him and chatting with us. Plus we weren't the only ones cheering for them so it was kind of nice. Old Town was definitely bumping that night. After the game that night, people flooded the streets in search of new parties.
It was a pretty chill 5 days for us - we hung out at the pool one day, the beach another day and just toured some of the sights. One of the days it was raining so we actually had a very lazy "Sunday" and stayed at the hotel surfing the net, sleeping and watching TV haha. English TV is seriously sometimes the best thing ever - I know it sounds funny, but we miss TV every so often. They had one English channel which was Fox so we watched A LOT of Bones (haha its actually not too bad), Lie to Me and Family Guy - I think we watched 3 hours straight of Family Guy - haha sad, yes, I know, but so so funny at the same time and when you only have one English channel you aren't picky. (I will admit it, I actually watched an epi of Ghost Whisper while Arnold was still sleeping - like I said, you can't be picky when you are craving TV and that's all they have for English).
I think our time in San Seb was really good for us to re-charge and relax. Once again, almost wished we would have toured the towns near by, but we were happy just to relax and do a lot of nothing. Next time we go to Spain we will tour around a bit more :)
Love Melissa and Arnold
PS. yes, that is me rolling with Cava in hand - I love the drinking in public/streets rules. haha
We had planned on being in Barcelona for the big football match, but it was proving to be a bit difficult timing wise, so we settled with San Seb. And after we really thought about it - it was probably better to watch it somewhere other then Barcelona seeing how Arnold is a Man U fan. So on Saturday night, we headed into Old Town and got ourselves seats in front of a TV in a pub. Such a fantastic experience - LOVED it. I think if Arnold wasn't such a die hard fan, he might have started cheering for the home team. Before the game started they played their "fight" song and then again after every goal. The people in the bar would go NUTS. And everyone was actually really cool about Arnold being a Man U fan - they were fist bumping him and chatting with us. Plus we weren't the only ones cheering for them so it was kind of nice. Old Town was definitely bumping that night. After the game that night, people flooded the streets in search of new parties.
It was a pretty chill 5 days for us - we hung out at the pool one day, the beach another day and just toured some of the sights. One of the days it was raining so we actually had a very lazy "Sunday" and stayed at the hotel surfing the net, sleeping and watching TV haha. English TV is seriously sometimes the best thing ever - I know it sounds funny, but we miss TV every so often. They had one English channel which was Fox so we watched A LOT of Bones (haha its actually not too bad), Lie to Me and Family Guy - I think we watched 3 hours straight of Family Guy - haha sad, yes, I know, but so so funny at the same time and when you only have one English channel you aren't picky. (I will admit it, I actually watched an epi of Ghost Whisper while Arnold was still sleeping - like I said, you can't be picky when you are craving TV and that's all they have for English).
I think our time in San Seb was really good for us to re-charge and relax. Once again, almost wished we would have toured the towns near by, but we were happy just to relax and do a lot of nothing. Next time we go to Spain we will tour around a bit more :)
Love Melissa and Arnold
PS. yes, that is me rolling with Cava in hand - I love the drinking in public/streets rules. haha
Eating Out....
Sorry this is an old blog post as well - this was back in Seville
The first time on our trip, breakfast wasn't included in the hotel so we were on our own. Not knowing where to go, what to expect we just headed out and went into the first place we saw. It was awesome - such a great experience. The guy spoke very little English and as we came to know, Spanish breakfast consists of toast and coffee LOL (and ham). Well that was the only thing on their menu anyway. So every morning we would head to this little, little bar and have toast, freshly squeezed OJ, and espresso.
Quick funny story, so the coffee that they drink there was made with a shot of espresso and milk. Arnold hates milk - and likes Americano's. The first morning we tried to order that, but it didn't work out so well, so I told him he should just order espresso and they can't mess that up. So the second day I told the guy double espresso and he said yes, so all good. Well somehow are order come out to be a double espresso and a single espresso - double for Arnold and single for me. I didn't have the heart to tell him that wasn't right and
we didn't really care either - so we just left it as is. Then the next day we went in there and he just held up two loaves of bread and I nodded yes and told Arnold I wasn't sure what we were going to get today, but at least we were getting the delicious toast. Once again, two espresso's, one for me and one for Arnold haha.
Arnold would just take my espresso and dump it into his cup. Either way it was hilarious and perfect all at the same time.
We would just walk in and he would bring us our order. It would have been too confusing to try and change anything up so we just left it exactly as is, even if we didn't want something LOL. ooh and I should mention it was the same crew of people in their every morning - it was awesome. Also, people are boozing first thing in the morning - nothing like a glass of red wine to start the day, right? haha
Another one of our go to places to eat, was behind this church right near the hotel. Three restaurants all shared one patio - each restaurant had their own colored chairs, so you had to make sure you sat at the right color of chair for a certain menu (something we learnt the hard way LOL). I think that is why I said Seville reminded me of a third world country - the patio was sand/dirt, the tables were folding wooden trays and stray dogs would come up to you begging for food LOL. We would order three tapas for both of us, for around 10 Euro and that would fill us up. Sooo cheap and the food was really good compared to other places we ate at and for half of the cost.
Love Melissa and Arnold
The first time on our trip, breakfast wasn't included in the hotel so we were on our own. Not knowing where to go, what to expect we just headed out and went into the first place we saw. It was awesome - such a great experience. The guy spoke very little English and as we came to know, Spanish breakfast consists of toast and coffee LOL (and ham). Well that was the only thing on their menu anyway. So every morning we would head to this little, little bar and have toast, freshly squeezed OJ, and espresso.
Quick funny story, so the coffee that they drink there was made with a shot of espresso and milk. Arnold hates milk - and likes Americano's. The first morning we tried to order that, but it didn't work out so well, so I told him he should just order espresso and they can't mess that up. So the second day I told the guy double espresso and he said yes, so all good. Well somehow are order come out to be a double espresso and a single espresso - double for Arnold and single for me. I didn't have the heart to tell him that wasn't right and
we didn't really care either - so we just left it as is. Then the next day we went in there and he just held up two loaves of bread and I nodded yes and told Arnold I wasn't sure what we were going to get today, but at least we were getting the delicious toast. Once again, two espresso's, one for me and one for Arnold haha.
Arnold would just take my espresso and dump it into his cup. Either way it was hilarious and perfect all at the same time.
We would just walk in and he would bring us our order. It would have been too confusing to try and change anything up so we just left it exactly as is, even if we didn't want something LOL. ooh and I should mention it was the same crew of people in their every morning - it was awesome. Also, people are boozing first thing in the morning - nothing like a glass of red wine to start the day, right? haha
Another one of our go to places to eat, was behind this church right near the hotel. Three restaurants all shared one patio - each restaurant had their own colored chairs, so you had to make sure you sat at the right color of chair for a certain menu (something we learnt the hard way LOL). I think that is why I said Seville reminded me of a third world country - the patio was sand/dirt, the tables were folding wooden trays and stray dogs would come up to you begging for food LOL. We would order three tapas for both of us, for around 10 Euro and that would fill us up. Sooo cheap and the food was really good compared to other places we ate at and for half of the cost.
Love Melissa and Arnold
Random bits....
So I just wanted to talk about a couple random things that I have thought about while in Spain (sorry really old post that I haven't gotten around to posting)
The food really isn't that good here - like, don't get me wrong, it IS good, but not "OMG, that was the best thing I have ever tasted" good. It's fun because you get to eat a bit of everything since most places its all about the tapas, but otherwise, I don't think I'm going to miss it. They LOVE their ham here - it's weird. It is on every menu, everywhere.
I don't see a lot of handwashing here after people use the toilets haha ... enough said.
Everyone here seems so mellow compared to the Italians - speaking of Italians, I actually really miss Italians. Never thought I would say that, but the drama was soooo much fun to watch and they are soo loud. Plus I got used to the great food.
Drinking at any time of the day is the norm - which is actually really cool. I like the way they roll here (but I don't think I'll start having a glass of wine for breakfast haha)
Why is the line up for the ladies washroom always soooo LONG? I really don't understand it - the guys washroom is always free and they can just walk right in, but ladies - no way, at least 8 people long and it takes forever!!! Why do we take so long to go to the washroom? It's one thing that I don't understand. Every time I come back from the washroom, Arnold is like "what took so long" haha...
Love Melissa and Arnold
The food really isn't that good here - like, don't get me wrong, it IS good, but not "OMG, that was the best thing I have ever tasted" good. It's fun because you get to eat a bit of everything since most places its all about the tapas, but otherwise, I don't think I'm going to miss it. They LOVE their ham here - it's weird. It is on every menu, everywhere.
I don't see a lot of handwashing here after people use the toilets haha ... enough said.
Everyone here seems so mellow compared to the Italians - speaking of Italians, I actually really miss Italians. Never thought I would say that, but the drama was soooo much fun to watch and they are soo loud. Plus I got used to the great food.
Drinking at any time of the day is the norm - which is actually really cool. I like the way they roll here (but I don't think I'll start having a glass of wine for breakfast haha)
Why is the line up for the ladies washroom always soooo LONG? I really don't understand it - the guys washroom is always free and they can just walk right in, but ladies - no way, at least 8 people long and it takes forever!!! Why do we take so long to go to the washroom? It's one thing that I don't understand. Every time I come back from the washroom, Arnold is like "what took so long" haha...
Love Melissa and Arnold
Monday, June 6, 2011
Speaking Spanish
After finally getting comfortable with the Italian language, food, and lifestyle it was off to a new country and new language. I have only been to Mexico three times, but of course you figure out a bit of basic Spanish and for some reason I think its close to french - I thought the same thing about Italian too, but really Spanish, French and Italian are nothing alike in my mind.
Anyway, when I was in Italy, I bought an Italian hand book and learnt some basic phrases. Of course when we get to Spain, I want to speak Italian and of course it isn't going to work. Once again, we are in a country where the people don't speak a lot of English and I don't know the language at all - I couldn't even remember how to say "hello". LOL. All I have to say, is that I am looking forward to getting to a Country that I can understand a bit of the language.
But the point of my post is that Spanish people are hilarious - a lot different then Italians (very mellow in comparison but maybe thats because I spent two months in Italy and got used to the loud talking, dramatic conversations LOL). They don't care if you can't understand and/or speak the language - they just keep on talking to you in full on Spanish thinking you will understand - and the faster they talk the better. We just nod and pretend we know what they are saying - then as we walk away we laugh and ask someone else for help. If I know someone doesn't speak English, I try and talk in a simple conversation structure and slowly (maybe add in some hand gestures), but they just talk super fast and super complex. The best was though when this lady pretty much shamed us for not being able to speak Spanish - she was thoroughly disgusted by us haha. But come on, a) we can't be expected to know every language and b) we are Canadian - we learn French in school LOL. It was awesome.
Love Melissa and Arnold
Anyway, when I was in Italy, I bought an Italian hand book and learnt some basic phrases. Of course when we get to Spain, I want to speak Italian and of course it isn't going to work. Once again, we are in a country where the people don't speak a lot of English and I don't know the language at all - I couldn't even remember how to say "hello". LOL. All I have to say, is that I am looking forward to getting to a Country that I can understand a bit of the language.
But the point of my post is that Spanish people are hilarious - a lot different then Italians (very mellow in comparison but maybe thats because I spent two months in Italy and got used to the loud talking, dramatic conversations LOL). They don't care if you can't understand and/or speak the language - they just keep on talking to you in full on Spanish thinking you will understand - and the faster they talk the better. We just nod and pretend we know what they are saying - then as we walk away we laugh and ask someone else for help. If I know someone doesn't speak English, I try and talk in a simple conversation structure and slowly (maybe add in some hand gestures), but they just talk super fast and super complex. The best was though when this lady pretty much shamed us for not being able to speak Spanish - she was thoroughly disgusted by us haha. But come on, a) we can't be expected to know every language and b) we are Canadian - we learn French in school LOL. It was awesome.
Love Melissa and Arnold
Just a regular Monday Night
As mentioned earlier, our hotel is right in the middle of the local area - so you get a great feel for how the locals live their lives, and seriously, it's BA. There are these really small little bars everywhere. When I say small, I mean small. Some are about the size of our master bathroom at home. Anyway, what happens is the locals go inside, order their drinks and then stand outside on the street drinking and chatting. Like how cool is that. So we would be walking down the street and encounter large groups of people doing this every day. And on a Monday too - like packed! So many people were out just having a drink and relaxing - and its not like they are the young kids either - all well into their 50's.
Of course I told Arnold that we needed to experience it as well. So on our last night we headed to the bar that always seems to be bumping and went inside, order a wine and a beer and then stood outside hanging out with the locals and soaking it all in. It was awesome and cheap - it only cost us 2.60 Euro. We would have stayed longer, but unfortunately, we had to get home and pack. It was a pretty cool to be standing on the street drinking with about 50 other people like it was no big deal. Sometimes I wish Canada could be more like Europe.
Love Melissa and Arnold
Of course I told Arnold that we needed to experience it as well. So on our last night we headed to the bar that always seems to be bumping and went inside, order a wine and a beer and then stood outside hanging out with the locals and soaking it all in. It was awesome and cheap - it only cost us 2.60 Euro. We would have stayed longer, but unfortunately, we had to get home and pack. It was a pretty cool to be standing on the street drinking with about 50 other people like it was no big deal. Sometimes I wish Canada could be more like Europe.
Love Melissa and Arnold
Bullfights
The first day we arrived in Seville, we asked the hotel for information about seeing a bullfight - when, where, time, cost etc etc. As it turned out, they only have Bullfights on Sundays, and that was the day we arrived, lucky us, right? HA ... I think more so lucky Arnold and not so lucky me. I didn't know a lot about bullfights when I agreed to go and maybe that was a good thing because I would have told Arnold he was on his own otherwise. As it turns out, we got two tickets for the fights that night and made our way down to the arena, which I should mention was VERY cool.
I was pretty excited when we first got to the arena because it was a really great vibe. I sort of felt like I was about to witness a gladiator fight haha. We were all crammed (okay, well not crammed, but people were sitting really close to us) into this beautiful arena, it was lively and just different then anything I have been to. The trumpets start, the matadors come out and the show was ready to begin. They released the bull into the ring and the first thing that it does was to charge one of the "helpers" who then hid behind a wooden wall which then caused the bull to smash head first into the wall and pretty much knock himself out cold. (I'm not joking either - the bull was on the ground for a solid 20 seconds before it moved again) I almost got up right then and there and left. I couldn't believe what happened and was totally caught off guard. I sort of knew that eventually the bull would die, but I didn't know the whole process of the fight. I will spare you the details because it really isn't pleasant, but lets just say there are "three acts" in each fight. I also didn't realize how many bulls died each night - there were three matadors and they each kill two bulls - so 6 in total.
After the first fight I was ready to go, but I knew Arnold really wanted to stay a bit longer so I gritted my teeth and stayed (he did offer to leave if I wanted to). The second fight wasn't nearly as bad as the first one, but I guess it was because I knew exactly what was going to happen. But at that point I was actually starting
to feel a bit sick to my stomach.
The third fight started and it happened to be a female matador. Which I thought was very crazy!! Like what is she doing in the ring with this massive bull. I should have gone with my gut and left after the second fight, but for some stupid reason we stayed. Which was a really big mistake. By the end I was almost in tears and couldn't even watch the last part of the fight. Once we could finally stand - I bolted for the door. I was so upset by what we just saw that I had to get out of there. (I even forgot my sunglasses because I was distraught). I won't tell you what happened, but I will say that she couldn't kill the bull as she was supposed to and it was a terrible experience - even Arnold struggled with it. Needless to say, I will NEVER ever go
to another bull fight again - I don't know why I even agreed in the first place. So if you ever have a chance to see I bullfight, I would highly recommend not going.
Love Melissa and Arnold
I was pretty excited when we first got to the arena because it was a really great vibe. I sort of felt like I was about to witness a gladiator fight haha. We were all crammed (okay, well not crammed, but people were sitting really close to us) into this beautiful arena, it was lively and just different then anything I have been to. The trumpets start, the matadors come out and the show was ready to begin. They released the bull into the ring and the first thing that it does was to charge one of the "helpers" who then hid behind a wooden wall which then caused the bull to smash head first into the wall and pretty much knock himself out cold. (I'm not joking either - the bull was on the ground for a solid 20 seconds before it moved again) I almost got up right then and there and left. I couldn't believe what happened and was totally caught off guard. I sort of knew that eventually the bull would die, but I didn't know the whole process of the fight. I will spare you the details because it really isn't pleasant, but lets just say there are "three acts" in each fight. I also didn't realize how many bulls died each night - there were three matadors and they each kill two bulls - so 6 in total.
After the first fight I was ready to go, but I knew Arnold really wanted to stay a bit longer so I gritted my teeth and stayed (he did offer to leave if I wanted to). The second fight wasn't nearly as bad as the first one, but I guess it was because I knew exactly what was going to happen. But at that point I was actually starting
to feel a bit sick to my stomach.
The third fight started and it happened to be a female matador. Which I thought was very crazy!! Like what is she doing in the ring with this massive bull. I should have gone with my gut and left after the second fight, but for some stupid reason we stayed. Which was a really big mistake. By the end I was almost in tears and couldn't even watch the last part of the fight. Once we could finally stand - I bolted for the door. I was so upset by what we just saw that I had to get out of there. (I even forgot my sunglasses because I was distraught). I won't tell you what happened, but I will say that she couldn't kill the bull as she was supposed to and it was a terrible experience - even Arnold struggled with it. Needless to say, I will NEVER ever go
to another bull fight again - I don't know why I even agreed in the first place. So if you ever have a chance to see I bullfight, I would highly recommend not going.
Love Melissa and Arnold
Seville, Spain
Aaah, such an amazing city. I didn't really know what to expect after leaving Barcelona, because Barcelona was so different then what I had expected and thought the rest of Spain would be the same. But I am happy to report that it isn't - it is more like the Europe I was used to - Old buildings and confusing streets.
We stayed at a hotel that was about a 10 minute walk from the tourist area - so our hotel was in the heart of the local area. Not a lot of people spoke English and the food was better and cheaper. All of the streets were soo narrow - one car could drive down the road with about 3 inches on either side before they hit the curb - I couldn't drive there - haha, I would rub the curbs every two seconds. Anyway, the streets are also in all different directions and the names change from block to block - we would have never have been able to find anything without a map.
It was also +35 everyday that we were there so of course I loved it (and Arnold hated it - not the city, just the weather). We spent most of our time walking around, checking out the sights and sitting in coffee shops. It was almost like being back in a third world country (almost being the key word). I think I say that because there was a bit of grunge and dirt there - the streets in Barcelona (and Florence) felt so pristine and clean. Maybe, I just got that impression from the area we were staying in - it just seemed a bit more raw and unpolished, but not in a bad way at all, it actually made it more endearing. Either way, it was a fantastic place to visit and a great way to experience the Spanish culture. We intended to do some day trips to the surrounding areas, but just ended up spending the whole time in Seville. After touring around day after day, sometimes, its nice to just stay put and relax - so that's what we did.
Love Melissa and Arnold
We stayed at a hotel that was about a 10 minute walk from the tourist area - so our hotel was in the heart of the local area. Not a lot of people spoke English and the food was better and cheaper. All of the streets were soo narrow - one car could drive down the road with about 3 inches on either side before they hit the curb - I couldn't drive there - haha, I would rub the curbs every two seconds. Anyway, the streets are also in all different directions and the names change from block to block - we would have never have been able to find anything without a map.
It was also +35 everyday that we were there so of course I loved it (and Arnold hated it - not the city, just the weather). We spent most of our time walking around, checking out the sights and sitting in coffee shops. It was almost like being back in a third world country (almost being the key word). I think I say that because there was a bit of grunge and dirt there - the streets in Barcelona (and Florence) felt so pristine and clean. Maybe, I just got that impression from the area we were staying in - it just seemed a bit more raw and unpolished, but not in a bad way at all, it actually made it more endearing. Either way, it was a fantastic place to visit and a great way to experience the Spanish culture. We intended to do some day trips to the surrounding areas, but just ended up spending the whole time in Seville. After touring around day after day, sometimes, its nice to just stay put and relax - so that's what we did.
Love Melissa and Arnold
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)