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
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