Barcelona with the Ladies!!

ugly face competition. i hate to lose, so i just don't haha. This is Kali's friend Cole. We all went to this bar that was really low key and chill so we entertained ourselves with faces.
Double fisting drinks on the beach. The mojitos were kicking and the day was fabulous. Oh and that is my grease rag. I wear it on the beach daily so i don't look as disgusting with my greasy hair aflighing around. lol Kali picked one up the next day
Peace signs for the peace tats on our feet!
la boqueria has lots of good food and spices. every day i would get a fresh squeeze juice. So far my favorites were the past two. Kiwi Coconut and the Blackberry Banana combos. I really want a juicer now!!!
my new tattoo of ron's name on my neck... how does everyone like it??

Tomorrow at 7 we leave this beautiful city for Seville. I can't wait a new city, and new sites, but no beach. We have literally been to the beach everyday!

Greece Pics

Last night in Greece and the last night of the group trip. from there on out we are on our own! just the way I like it. I'm to independent for tours and too impatient with stupid people that pee every ten min or need food every 5.
Me and Jo at the toga party drinking wine. thats all I could muster the night before we tore up the dance floor at a club on the island.
This is a pic from the private beach our hotel had in Poros. The night we went out to a club was amazing!!! I came home from dancing for hours to talk to Ron until around 7 am my time. I showed him the beautiful Greek sunrise. After we got off the phone I went to swim on this beach until breakfast started at 8. By the time I finished eating I thought I was going to die of exhaustion and went to pass out for 3 hours before it all started again. And Dave, I was drinking oozo, apparently it doesn't mix with other drinks well?? haha I found out

The view from my bedroom window. The sun rises to the left a little. An absolutely fabulous spectacle.

Cause I'm having too much fun to sit down and write..This is Italy

Amazing zucchini spaghetti. The noodles were so fresh and delicious. Salima and I found this little hole of a restaurant and went in to eat. We felt a little out of place since every person in there was a man, but we stayed anyways, the attention wasn't that bad ;) Dad I almost ordered prosciutto and melon but after the pasta I was stuffed
Coin in the Trevi Fountain so that I can return some day. This was the morning after a very long pub crawl truthfully I was lucky to be standing with a smile on my face. Picture from the Pub Crawl below.
Just a fun street performer.
in Venice wearing Ron's gift haha
So all of us girls have been practicing our winks in Europe... this is just one of the thousands that we have done ;) there is actually a video of us doing them maybe I'll post that later if I can get it from Jo

Some Germany and Austria Pictures

This is a statue in the garden where the sound of music was filmed. when the family was singing Do Re Mi. This is in Salzburg. This little city is so cute and romantic.
Cathedral in Munich
Another picture from the garden

Yay Germany!!!

Switzerland Pics

Switzerland!

Switzerland! We spent two nights in the hotel but most of the time was spent there after the second night since we came in late. After waking up to a late start we tried to spend time shopping, since we had heard there were great shops to be had in Luzern. The morning was pretty rainy cold and dreary, and we soon found out that the day was a public holiday and none of the shops were open. Well, all but one, the most touristy shop ever. It is a three story massive pile of Swiss junk, that I invariably purchased (it’s almost an addiction you see, the buying of junk, at least most of it was small gifts.)

So after spending some moola there I went to an ATM machine to get francs out for the tour director to go to this Swiss folklore party. Turns out ATMs do get hungry and eat cards, lucky me it ate mine that day. So on this dreary wet day I lose my credit card and since it is a holiday no one can retrieve the card. BOOOOO! So most of you know that I can be rather cranky when things aren’t going my way, so needless to say Savannah was in need of a serious nap. No matter, the Swiss do redeem themselves in the same day.

The Folklore party was one of the most fun and energetic events of the trip thus far. The food was great, just a roasted chicken in gravy with a hashed potato thing, carrots, and brussel sprouts on the side, but it tasted heavenly. The girls and me also finished off a few bottles of wine before the games started. Our games consisted of cracking a whip. I’m talking about a huge whip. At this point in the night everyone has been drinking and I’m not sure how great of an idea this was. A lot of our friends tried and ended up hitting themselves very hard with it. The next game was inside, and to preface I won the girls competition. The game is done by standing against a wall squatting down (putting your legs as far out as you can) pushing yourself up, off the wall, with only your neck and head muscles. Once standing you have to draw a line on the floor, as far out as possible by only using one hand to hold you up and your feet can’t move, but you have to stand back up the same way you got down, with one hand. My prize was a shot of something nasty. There were a few more games but I figure I’ll just bring them back to the states so everyone can experience the new drinking games J

I’m in Austria now and promise to blog later about it. Massage today at the spa in the hotel!

Pictures so far

Me Jo and Rocco the Italian Driver she is in love with
Me looking creepy with schnitzel :)
Random river in Germany that we found while taking a break from driving. I'm so outdoorsy
In front of the Rhine Falls
My cows. They were so freaking clean, not a speck of dirt on them. They must be treated like pets
Some castle in Germany.
Me and Salima on the boat cruise down the Rhine
Example of a cute house in the Netherlands. Notice the sweet water way in front of the house. they are to the side too.
All of us with a guard. I have a cute picture of me kissing him but I thought it would make Ron jealous ;)

Germany

Ok so hopefully this will be my impressive return to travel journalism, ;) most likely not though. Today and yesterday were both spent in Germany, the birthplace of my father. If you don’t want to read the whole bog here is a quick summary, we ate great food that was fatty for the most part, saw a green lush countryside, and drank, the end. If you care about some of the finer details keep reading.
Yesterday we left the Netherlands, an incredibly beautiful water canalled country with sweet people, to enter Germany, dun dun dun (not sure why that was necessary but it was). Most of our days are spent driving to and from places so if it sounds like we didn’t do much it’s because we spend hours driving everyday. But this day one of our stops included a Rhine River cruise. The cruise highlighted the hills on either side of the river, small quaint towns snuggled up in the hills with at the center of each a church that looked to be out of a story book, and of course looming over it all a castle or two on the horizon. I have always loved the look of ruined buildings. The way they seem to hold secrets from the past that are hidden away forever has always been so romantic. And the look of these castles gave me just that feeling of intrigue and mystery.
Last night we stayed out in the country at a sweet little hotel that our group completely took over. The night was spent eating and drinking a lot. For dinner it was, bratwurst with sauerkraut for dinner and big beers or wine to accompany. After dinner a few shots to help digestion of course. So while most of the beginning of the night was spent consuming the rest was spent dancing and laughing. My friend Kristina and I have been singing/dancing to this song from Fresh Prince of Bellaire. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa_90RMtpqs
. Last night was no exception. There was a group of Dutch guys at the hotel that night to, enjoying the atmosphere. They absolutely loved our dance and joined in next they showed us one of their funny dances… needless to say everyone had a great time making a fool of themselves and cutting up with the new friends who didn’t speak English all that well.
Funny fact: since I’m in Germany I have given myself the fashion freedom to wear shoes with my socks showing. I keep telling all my friends that it is a hit. I think they are starting to like them but mainly for the comedic factor.
Today, although not completely over, we went to a cuckoo clock shop in the black forest and watched a demonstration there. Yes mom I would have loved to buy you a clock but the small ones were 400 euro and that is just a little to far out of my price range. The clocks were all well done of course and looked complicated. The tour director said that the farmers in the black forest carve the pieces by hand, specializing in a certain part (deer head, little person, etc.) because for half of the year the land is too snowed out to do any farming. For years this trade has improved their lives. Next we went to the Rhone Falls, huge falls, but not as large as Niagara Falls. Mom, it totally reminded me of romantic old movies where the couple goes to Niagara Falls for a honeymoon or something. Its funny that no matter what religion we are or where we come from great acts of God (or whatever you may believe) in nature impress us all and draw us to them for admiration.
Right now we are driving to Switzerland! We will be here for 2 nights then back to Germany for a bit then off to Austria. I’m sooooo excited for Austria cause we plan to do hang gliding, white water rafting, horseback riding, and massages!!

Paris and Amsterdam

Paris is the most beautiful city architecturally speaking. I love the way it feels walking down the street and the culture and history. Still Parisians are not the nicest of people but this time I knew I couldn't change their mind.

We stayed for a few days and nights and did all the traditional Paris things. Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph, Louvre, Shopping, Sacre Coure, and eating macaroons. Some things came back to me about where were cool places to go and I tried to share all that with the girls. I think all in all everyone had a great time.

The first night we went to a cafe with the group for dinner. Sub par food. Nothing worth noting at all. Then we preceded to a boat cruise where every person in the group bought their own bottle of wine to drink, most finished the bottle.

The next morning we went to Fragonard the French perfumery, followed by a bus tour that showed most all of the important monuments. after that we went off on our own. A friend from school who was a foreign exchange student from France, helped us to get around since the metro was closed in a lot of the stops. We went out for a drink with him soon after. He took us to this cute bar called Princess Malabar, everything was pink :) fun. I had my first Absinth drink there. It is actually a pretty strong drink. haha

Well I know this is a really pretty sucky post. I've been so busy and the internet is pretty spotchy. ok ok truthfully every second I can I try to talk to Ron and skimp out on blogging.

Just know that I love and miss all of you :) Ron just gets more of the time...

OOOOH and I've been in amsterdam for the past 2 nights. This place isn't as crazy as they say, just gross. The countryside though is one of the most beautiful places I have seen. Every house seems to have a little canal separating it from the next one. Lots of pretty farm animals and green grass. I'll try to post pictures later :)

London (from what I remember)

Tuesday
This was our main day to explore London. We had a guided tour that took us through Hyde Park and up to Buckingham Palace where the queen was going to leave to open Parliament for the coming session. There were crowds of people there waiting to see her and since I’m super tall with long arms and boney elbows I was able to get the best pictures of the procession.


Next the tour took us to the Tower of London… oooo sooooo scary. Not really. We didn’t go through it though, instead we went to lunch because we were starving! But I know what you are thinking at this point, “I don’t care about your tour tell me about going out.” If you aren’t you should be cause that is the most fun part of the day! First off, interesting fact: Pepper Spray is illegal in the UK. HMMMM who knew? Not me and not Ron because he bought me some for safety and at the first club we went to they took it from me telling me I could get arrested for carrying it. But the cover for the club was 3 quid so it was cheap enough to off set my loss. The club itself was on the 5th floor of this building so we hike it up there and it is almost empty, for now. I ask the bartender for a four horsemen, of course, and he informs me he has no idea what I’m talking about, and they didn’t have goldschlager. So, I ask for the most alcoholic shot…. The man tries to give me pure everclear. WHAT?! No. SO I mix it with a small coke Ha HA HA. Great first drink though, I was dancing immediately and never stopped. The place got jam-packed and plenty of people wanted to dance with our awesome group. If I were to stereotype citizens from the countries where people were from that we met I would describe each as the following: Irish- Annoying in general, Canadians- Very pushy and horrible dancers, France- Only nice if you suck up, Columbian- Great dancers and not handsy, English- Perfect gentlemen. But lets be real those are far from accurate, although Dave might disagree, thinking Englishmen are all gentlemen ☺. The club closed at 3 and we were going to go to one that closed at 7am next but it wasn’t within walking distance and we changed our mind and went home. Salima and I stayed up until 6 laughing and creating a ruckus in our room, reception called to rein my laugh into a meager giggle. I don’t have pictures from that night but Kristina Wilson does and they might make it to facebook if appropriate.

Best dessert EVER

I know that two posts in one day is excessive and I won't keep this pace up, BUT I had to disclaim my new love for a desert named Treacle Sponge Pudding!!! I don't think I have had it before but it is amazing! The cake (sponge) has the texture of cornbread with all the pores through it, which is soaked in honey ( I think) then custard is poured around it. The whole thing is served hot and delicious :D yuuuuummmmmmm.

I just had to tell you all about my new love. Don't worry I'll try to learn to replicate it and introduce you all to it as soon as possible.

Made it Safe and Sound Sorta

Hello Hello from jolly ol' England!!

I'm here in the Norfolk Tower Hotel close to Hyde park and off of the Pattington line of the tube. Not without any trouble though. Come to find out that my bag weighs about 55lbs and dragging it up stairs and around cobble stone streets isn't' the easiest thing to do and with only one helpful gentleman my back was aching by the time we dropped the bags off at the hotel.

We weren't able to check-in to our hotel so most of the afternoon was spent walking around Hyde and laying in the grass. Today is the first day I have spent in London when it is beautiful and sunny. It is so warm the ghosts that live here came out to enjoy the sun and get some color that is much needed on their skin. haha.

Anywho, I'm rambling so I'll cut this short. I have internet in the hotel for free so if anyone wants to skype me, feel free!

Tonight is a pub crawl and our orientation so I should have some interesting things to say about allll that.

Sav

The Big Day

OK here it is... time to leave the comforts of my Houston home to try and make it in the wilds of Europe, more like the bars of Europe but one in the same really. Leaving today at 4pm getting to London tomorrow morning. I'm so excited and a little nervous about all that is to come.

Goals for this trip:

1. Don't throw out my back again.
2. Make sure that Jo doesn't get in too much trouble
3. Keep myself out of the worst trouble.
4. Don't spend all my money.
5. Take the most amazing snapshots of life, food, and fun that anyone has ever seen

I just thought these up quickly, as I go through the continent I might add more. I think at least these are all attainable :)

Keep me in your prayers so that I make it back safe and sound and with a great load of stories.

Sav

New Euro Trip

I know, I know. The whole family has a blog now. Amanda and Alex have baby blogs and what not. But let me remind you all I did this last time I was in Europe and it was super easy for everyone to keep up with what is going on. So this might not be as exciting as fun baby news or adorable pics of Eli and Jude but I hope you all find it interesting, somewhat.

AHHHH!!!! I'm graduating! And then going to Europe again!!! For 5 weeks!!! Crazy I know. This time the trip will be with 6 or so of my close friends from college that I love dearly. With all of us going into serious careers and giving up the rest of our lives to companies it is only fitting that we go out with a huge bang. We are touring all over for 3 weeks then a few of us and Kali (my bff) are going to Spain for 2 weeks. The first leg of the trip is through the Association of Former Students here in Aggieland. http://www.aggienetwork.com/Travel/Brochures/Aggies_EEU_2010.pdf That is a detailed description of what we will be doing and where we will be going. As you can see it is pretty much everywhere! I am so incredibly blessed to be able to do this so often. Not in my wildest imagination would I think I would travel to Europe three years in a row, mainly because this year I wanted to go to Egypt or South America ( I have skiddish friends.)

So like last time this will be where I will post pics and updates on where I am along with any info on the hotels/hostels etc that might be of interest to the parents. PLEASE comment if you even think "that's cool" it will really help me to keep posting :)

ENJOY