Incredible Istanbul

Okay so I must tell you about Istanbul because it absolutely blew my mind and was an unexpected gem.

I was so excited to go to Istanbul because I took a history course in Turkish Islam at University. I was so curious to see it first hand.

Istanbul was such a fascinating city. I experienced this city with my husband Jayda, my good friend Joe, and his girlfriend Chloe. We had such a fantastic time.

To be honest, I was a little apprehensive at first, as Turkey is a mostly Islamic nation, and well, I am a Westerner.

The only real reason why I had a little doubt was that I heard so many BAD things from my American friends/family before I left. When I got to Istanbul, I instantly realized the ignorance. My friends/family heard Istanbul, they then thought Middle East, then after that they instantly were blinded by hate. Too many Americans still think that anyone or any thing in the Middle East is bad. My experience in Istanbul simply strengthened my belief in the importance of travel and how it is the easiest way to educate and get rid of unnecessary hatred and ignorance.  I really hope my experience of Istanbul will inspire people to travel as well as have a will to become more educated before making racial ignorant comments.

As soon as Jayda and I got onto the subway into the city I noticed immediately the respect the Turkish people had for each other.

Men would move instantly to let woman and children sit down. As soon as I walked in, an elderly man gave up his seat for me. I told him no, (as best I could) but he wouldn’t accept. So I got a seat. Even though I was  younger than him. After living in England for so long, I definitely am used to public transport, but what I was not used to was common courtesy.  In England, no one even gets up for a pregnant woman. I instantly thought that the English could learn a lesson from the Turkish

Another tiny worry for me was how to dress as it was an Islamic country, but if you are not a Muslim, they don’t expect you to cover your hair or body. They are very understanding of other cultures and religions as well. Never once did I feel ashamed for showing my hair or skin. Which was a major relief. Even though I knew it wouldn't be like that, it was always reassuring. I do not know if the rest of Turkey would have been like that because Istanbul is broken into Asian and European influences, but from my experience I was genuinely impressed with how accepting of other cultures Istanbul was.

When we first got of the subway, the first thing we saw was the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofia (one of the man made wonders of the world) with all 6 minaret’s and everything. After walking with our back packs on in the 90 degree weather we found our hotel (it was amazing to feel sunshine again!). The hotel man at the front desk greeted us with a big smile, was completely helpful, and even took us to our room personally.

View from our Hotel

The room was small, but very clean. Everything was a little crooked and I still don’t know if that was the design or just the quirkiness of the old building we stayed in. The first thing we did was head to our roof top terrace and relax on the terrace with a cup of tea (many different tea’s are in Istanbul. My favourite was flower, apple, and love tea). The terrace was amazing and on one side there was the Mediterranean Ocean, on the other a perfect view of the Blue Mosque.

That was when I heard my first afternoon prayers.

As it was an Islamic country with mosques everywhere, when it was prayer time you could hear it anywhere and everywhere in the city. It was honestly the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. I couldn’t understand what they were saying as it was in Turkish or Arabic, but the prayers were in song and it was beautiful. That is how Jayda and I started our days and ended our evenings. On the roof top terrace in the morning sun, or watching the sunset over the magnificent mosques listening to the morning and evening prayers.

Turkish Coffee

Also, the food was gorgeous; Mezzes (tapas like food). Breakfast was an array of savoury pastries, olives, fresh cheese and marinated vegetables. Delicious and a little bit of heaven. As Turkey is on the Mediterranean, it was Mediterranean food of course. For dinners we had fresh Kebabs every night, from lamb, chicken, to eggplant and mushrooms. SO GOOD!

Also, Turkish coffee was very tasty. It is blended in such a way where they boil it in water and sugar. Then they put it in a tiny glass (grains and all). They serve it to you in a tiny tiny cup, you let the grains settle and drink it. It was super strong but super good. My souvenir for myself was Turkish Coffee and the tiny pot to boil it in. I can’t wait to try it at home. However, I have the feeling it won't quite be the same.

That was what our days were like, wake up, enjoy some sun and food, enjoy some coffee. Go into this café here, that café there. Appreciate the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the city, then at night eat at a restaurant with a roof top terrace to enjoy the view and food.

Blue Mosque

In Turkey, no one drinks, but everyone smokes. So our evenings were filled with tea and Shisha (flavoured hookah). We would just relax and sit on big couches (it reminded me a bit of Aladdin) and smoked shisha and watched the locals.

One night (after a few drinks as we managed to find a bar or 2) we ended up at our local café. It was outdoors with tons of cushions and very Aladdin again! It was like 12:30 at night and we weren’t ready to head in, so we went there for some Hookah and tea. It was very relaxing, then Joe’s girlfriend, Chloe, asked our waiter if there was any music. It was too late to play any, but this group of Turkish men were across the way and over heard us.

Apparently one of them was a famous Turkish Guitar player (or they claimed) but he did have a legit looking case. He took his Guitar out and another guy took out his drum and they came to our table and played for us for like an hour! How nice was that? They sang as well (not that I understood them), but it was so much fun and so cool and soooo beautiful!

They were so happy that we loved their music and singing. We were also enjoying ourselves so much that we stayed there until 230 am! Just hanging out, smoking hookah, and enjoying the music. Our waiter didn’t charge us for a lot of tea’s either so we left him a big tip. We left to go back to our hotel feeling very welcomed into Istanbul and the culture. It was a first hand view of seeing what life in Istanbul was like.

Although, (the one thing I did notice is that no woman were out and about that night unless accompanied by their husband) just a bunch of men drinking tea and singing together. So innocent, but so interesting as well. It was nice knowing people could have fun and enjoy themselves with out alcohol.

In front of the Hagia Sophia

Sultan Palace

The next day we took a cruise down the Bosporus river which separated the European side of Istanbul and the Asian side of Istanbul. It was such a beautiful day and we saw the Sultans Palaces along the river from the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire, the Wall built by the Crusaders when they invaded, and an amazing view of the city.

We also visited the Spice Market, which was amazing and smelt delicious! Spices were every where, fresh tea, coffee’s, spices, and Turkish Candy. I bought coffee and some of the Flower/ Love tea I loved so much. Joe and his girlfriend bought Lemon Salt and a bunch of spices. It was truly one of the coolest things we did. Especially since we made friends with the Turkish man we bought stuff off of so he let us taste and smell and touch everything we bought. Plus gave us a massive discount.  It was fabulous!

We spent 4 full days there, and it went by so fast. The people were so friendly and welcoming, the food was delicious, and the city was stunning. I would recommend it to anyone.

It was the perfect mixture of the Old Ottoman Empire and the new modern fast paced culture of the world. Old dirt streets and buildings, but the interior of the buildings were spotless and modern. Istanbul is split between the the Asia side and the European side and the culture reflects this brilliantly.

Still, after everything I did there, my favourite thing will still be enjoying some coffee or tea on the terrace; listening to the evening and morning prayers while admiring the mosques. Honestly, I can say that Istanbul is Incredible!!

Where the Past meets the Present, Berlin.

24 February 2011 - 27 February 2011

Berlin in February was  absolutely Freezing!!!  It was about 2 degrees outside, but we trooped through it, or rather I trooped through it. My husband seems to be a walking, talking heater; not me! I don't know if it is because I grew up in California or what, but I just am so bad at handling the cold. However, I learned my lesson in Italy. I almost missed out on the best thing I did because I was "too cold". I will never make that mistake again!

I was so excited to get to Berlin as I studied history and government in university and had studied World War II and the Cold War. I knew Berlin would be a site to see, and it was.

Berlin is a city filled with culture. New and old buildings are just around every corner. East Berlin and West Berlin were very distinct, but yet blended perfectly.

It was absolutely horrific to visualize Berlin split into 2 cities, or rather two occupations. You could see where there was the divide as there were pieces of the Berlin Wall up around the city. You would be walking, and look down, and even if the wall was not there, it was clearly marked in memory.  I walked over the marked wall so easily, it was hard to believe that just 30 years earlier, Berlin was not as open or free.

Berlin Wall Look Out Point

One of the best things to do in Berlin is to take advantage of all the free museums and monuments. The city did not shy away from its history, its goal was clearly to educate people on its colourful past. The open air Berlin Wall Museum was one of my favourites. We were able to see footage of when the wall was put up and a bit of visual history. We also go to climb to the top of the museum and look over an old Berlin Wall Lookout Point. Even with all I know about Berlin during the Cold War,  I just couldn't imagine all the people who risked their lives, just trying to get to another part of the city.      

Holocaust Memorial

 Another touching point was the Holocaust Memorial. It was this amazing memorial set up in memory of those lost during the holocaust. It was beautifully done. It was a sort of iron maze. It was representative of the lives lost, but I found it ironic that the memorial was a maze and actually so fun to walk through. I know that sounds horrible, but I couldn’t help playing a bit of hide and go seek with my husband in the maze.

I found this to be quite ironic, but I imagine that was the point. When we first arrived at the memorial, knowing the tall blocks represented graves of those lives lost. It was horrendous, but then walking through it, we began to have a bit of fun and relax. It was scary how quickly we forgot! It just goes to show that with time, things begin to heal and things can be forgotten, but is that a good thing or a bad thing?

I knew that the symbolism of this outdoor museum was to remember the importance of not forgetting the past. After you walk through to the other side and turn around and see what you have walked through, you instantly feel guilty for having fun. You remember what has happened and why that memorial was there. The artist of the memorial got this message across beautifully. When something tragic happens, it is horrible, but life does go on. However, it is important not to forget the things that have happened. To not be ignorant, one must learn from the mistakes of the past. Embrace this knowledge, no not ignore it.

The Maze of the Memorial did just that. It teaches people how easily it is to turn a blind eye and forget, but how significant it is to remember the horrors and the lives lost from previous mistakes.

Another, way Berlin mixed the new with the old and the past with the present was the outdoor Berlin Wall art gallery. The amazing street art that covered it dealt with cold war politics, as well as new politics affecting the world today. I find it fascinating that after WWII and the Holocaust, the Berlin Wall's outdoor street gallery addresses horrible things are still happening in the world today; is truly satirical. It seems that the human race never seem to learn from their mistakes.

Berlin Wall Street Art

The art was gorgeous, and very touching. I loved that these artistic statements were on one the most well-known pieces of architecture that demoralized human nature and took away human rights. These new problems coincided so perfectly with the old. It truly amazed me how Berlin was a city that embraces its history, the good and the bad. This city, this country, is such an archetype for how a country should move on and move forward and how to deal with mistakes from the past.

They do not hide away and not teach their citizens about the bad like most countries. For example, the USA did not have a war in Vietnam, but only a "conflict". History is written by the winners, and unfortunately the American Government happens to think they are always the winners. The US schools do not teach what really happened in Vietnam or take responsibility for single handily abandoning the South East Asian countries after this war and leaving Cambodia to the Khmer Rouge. No, it never happened. Why can't America embrace its mistakes like Germany? Germans educate to make sure that their citizens are well rounded free thinkers. It truly is amazing and was one of the best things to see. I loved that a city embraced its past.

To say the least, I enjoyed my caffeine "high" very much, as it gave me the energy and warmth to carry on my exploration of Berlin. I was sad to leave the cosiness and warmth of the café (and the people watching), but it was time to head back to our hotel and get ready for our flight home.

Berlin is a city filled with history around every corner. It is a great little city break, especially for the history buff. There are a ton of things to do and a ton of things to see. Going in winter was fabulous because there were no crowds and it didn't feel TOO touristy, but I was freezing my arse off!

Palace Charlottenburg

Reichstag

Winter in Italy, True Intimacy

26 December 2010 - 8 January 2011

Italy has always been a country I absolutely had to visit. I love everything about Italian food, from olive oil to wine and everything in between. Food and history, again, was the inspiration behind this trip. I back packed with my husband from Rome, to Pisa, to Florence, to Venice, to Milan. Going to Italy this time of year was cold, but had hardly any tourists. For me, that was well worth it. Experiencing Italy without any herds of people made the experience that much better. One valuable lesson I am learning with the more I travel is to go on the "off season". It costs less, has less tourists, and you get to see the "real" city/country. The only thing you need in Italy is your passport, back pack, and Lonely Planet: Italy. What an amazing book with fabulous ideas. The Lonely Planet series, to me and my husband (who is in the travel industry) is the most useful and interesting travel guide.

Rome:

I was actually very shocked by Rome. Rome is an iconic city. It was the capital of the Roman Empire which once ruled the entire known world. The Colosseum is here, as well as the Trevi Fountain. Rome is filled with old architecture and history is just around every corner. However, there was graffiti everywhere! I was shocked how the Italians didn't seem to mind all the graffiti.

I pictured Rome to be clean and well taken care of. Rome was an interestingly beautiful city, but I was very shocked by the graffiti next to the Colosseum and on the walls leading up to the Trevi Fountain. Didn't anyone realize the historical significance of these things?? To simply deface it, to me as a history major, was quite shocking to say the least.

After my initial shock, I started enjoying myself, being lost in Rome. We had an adorable tiny little hotel. Very rustic. Our breakfast there was amazing. Cold cut salamis, cheeses, and fresh espressos and cappuccinos made fresh to order. It was a great way to start our day. When in Rome, eat like a king! Jayda and I were determined to get some good Rustic Roman Pizza.

Pizza in Rome is unlike any other in Italy. It is on a hard, crusty, bread crust. It is served in a napkin and is perfect "to go" food. It is cut in half, folded together and it looks like a big square sandwich after it has been folded over; ready to eat. Jayda and I did a lot of research before we left, the hunt for the best Roman Pizza place ever.

We knew we found the Best Pizza place when we found a hole in the wall with a massive line out the door filled with Italians.  This was found after much wandering around looking at a map almost blindly. It was well worth the long unknown journey! Also, waiting in that long line was worth it. The pizza in Rome was truly fantastic. Definitely different that the Napoli pizza or the New York Pizza, but an amazing, crusty, delightful experience. (another Lonely Planet recommendation!)    

Roma Castel San Angelo

Another must in Rome is going to the Vatican City. However, it is best seen from Rome Castel Sant Angelo. It is 8 euros to get in, but it is an amazing little castle and museum. You can see the brick wall that used to protect old Roma. Then, when you get to the top it is a perfect view of the Vatican, as well as the rest of Rome.

Rome has so much to offer, so much history, so much food, but you cannot miss going to Rome Castel San Angelo; the best view in Town.

Vatican City

Jayda and I were sad to leave Rome. We spent 3 days there, but we were keen to get to Florence.

Jayda with the Leaning Tower of Pisa

On our way to Florence, we stopped off the train to see Pisa.





The city Pisa, in general, has nothing to offer than the leaning tower of Pisa.

The Leaning Tower was stunning. It is such an iconic piece of architecture, but it was so fun taking funny photos with it.

The tower is not just leaning, but sinking! Most buildings in Pisa actually are leaning like that due to the soil the city lays on. We stayed in Pisa for an hour or two, had a wander, then jumped back on the train to get to Florence.

Florence:

Where do I even begin? The most beautiful city in the world? I was stunned by its beauty and intimacy. Florence is a large city, but feels like home. Cobblestone streets. Old buildings. Cafe's everywhere. In Florence, it was even more of a foodie city than Rome. Rome was for the sights, Florence was for the food, gelato and espresso.

Florentine Market

Jayda and I went every morning to the same cafe and would watch the Italians take there shots of espresso, then go on to work. They literally drank espresso like they were shots of tequila! I was in shock. I couldn't bring myself to do that. I was too much in love with the espresso, that didn't even need sugar! I had to sip it slowly, and embrace all its flavour. I knew I must have looked very much like a crazy  tourist, taking such a long time to drink such a small drink. The espresso was something that deserved a lot of attention and demanded to be appreciated. I was a little bit in love.

I know I always go on about the best things I have ever had in each city. Paris, best Creme Brule I have ever had. Italy, more specifically, Florence, best pasta dish I ever had. Jayda and I went to a lovely little Restaurant off a side street in the main Piaza in Florence. We almost walked right by it, that's how unseen it was. It was called L'Osteria di Giovanni.

The Duomo

We, of course, delighted our selves in a starter, main, and wine. I had a Tuscan Minestrone. Which had beans in it as well and was blended. When it came out, I wasn't too sure because it looked sort of like mud. However, the Flavour, oh the FLAVOUR! It was unlike any minestrone I ever had, and better. I wish I knew exactly what was in it and could recreate it. I hope that I get the opportunity to go back to that same restaurant again. My main, was the best pasta dish I ever had. It was a mushroom and black truffle pasta in a cream sauce. To be honest, truffle isn't the best smelling thing in the world. So when it came, it looked delicious, but the smell was something I was a bit surprised by. However, when I took that first bite, it instantly all came together. The look, the smell, the taste. It was a slightly salty pasta dish, but evenly balanced out by the sweet cream sauce. It was very simple: pasta, mushroom, truffle, cream sauce. It was the best pasta I ever had.

For dessert, I just had another glass of wine. I didn't want dessert, I wanted to contemplate the delicious pasta I just had. For most people, passing up dessert is no big deal, for me, I ALWAYS want dessert. This dish was so delicious, nothing would compare after eating it. Anything after just would not live up to the standards of that pasta dish. I honestly can say that I never have eaten anything that was so delicious, I didn't need to eat any dessert after; until I went to Florence.

Florence is a perfect place to go with your significant someone. Just being in the city is wonderful and romantic. After dinner Jayda and I wandered the dimly lit streets of Florence, then along the river back to our hotel. It was beautiful and a great way to end the night.  

The most exhilarating thing we did was definitely climb the top of the Duomo. We weren't going to do it, as it was raining and I was exhausted from sight seeing all day, and it was freezing! All I wanted to do was go into another cafe and eat and drink wine or espresso. However, Jayda really wanted to go. So I gave in.

Climbing the spiral staircase to the Duomo.

How happy am I that Jayda made me do this?! The most exciting thing I did in Italy was climb this Duomo. Florence was by far my favorite city and the fact that the most thrilling thing we did was in Florence as well only added to my delight. The Duomo was soooo old an dangerous, without ANY one supervising people on their climb up. In America it was a law suit waiting to happen, but in Italy, where life means so much more than money, the laid back culture truly showed on this trek and I absolutely adored it.

It was a tiny tiny little spiral staircase without any hand rails and steep stairs. The only warning we saw was before we went up, there was a sign to say it was a hard climb and no one elderly or ill should do this climb. What an understatement! No one who has not been the gym in over 2 weeks would struggle! Jayda and I on two or three occasions stopped to catch out breath... and we thought we were in shape!

After about a 20 minute climb through the spiral stair well and hall ways, we came out onto a deck. Inside the Duomo (church). We were right under the ceiling with the beautiful mural. In every church I have ever been inside on my travels, I have wanted to get a first hand look at the mural, but was never able to get that high up.

Well, here was my opportunity. It was so stunning. A mural of life and death, heaven and hell, good and evil. It was a true battle. We spend a good 15 minutes or so just taking it all in. Also, trying to contemplate how people even painted it over 150 years ago. Looking down was a sure death fall of about 7 stories high (or more!). Jayda had a look at his watch, and it was almost sun set. So we continued our journey to the top to try to catch the sunset on the top of the Duomo.

The trecherous trek continued. It was so fun just climbing up and through the Duomo, imagining Catholic Priests wandering around lighting candles in their robes and trying to get around.                        

The last bit to the top was a little ladder. When I got up there, it was the most amazing view of the city. A 360 view of all of Tuscan Florence at sunset.

Instead of being able to enjoy this view, the first thing I had to deal with was my husband. He stood there smiling with his goofy grin. Then said, "I told you so"...and boy, he sure did!

I couldn't believe I wasn't going to climb the Duomo because I was cold. I honestly just couldn't believe it. It was the first time my husband was able to claim that he was "right" about something. It also was the first time I had to agree that he was right about something too; which I obviously am thankful for... I just can't let him know that!

That was our last and best day in Florence, I was so sad to go.


Venice:

Venice is truly a floating city. It was so exciting to finally be in Venice! I was sad to leave Florence, but I was so happy to be at this gorgeous city on the water. Also, we were there in winter. Which meant that we got to stroll through all the canals in the winter fog. It gave it an almost eery intimate feel to the city.

The best thing about being in Venice was being in Venice; roaming the streets and canals. Venice had a lot to live up to after being in Florence. I didn't have as strong of a bond with Venice as I did with Florence, but it still was such a cool and interesting city.

Our hotel was across the main canal, so every morning and every night we got a panaroamic sky line view of the city. As we were going to be in Venice over New Years, we decided to splurge and stay at the Molino Stucky Hilton. A fabulous hotel for a fabulous city. It was a fun place to stay at because we had to take a ferry over to the main city every day as well. I love being on the water and everywhere you were in Venice made you feel like you were floating on the Sea. Venice is quite small, so we got all the sights done in one day. Which was nice because we got to just relax and take in its beauty the next few days we were there.

Venice is beautiful and unlike anywhere else I have ever been. There are no cars in Venice, as they are not allowed. The taxi's were boats on the water, ironically enough ,called water taxis. It was unlike anything I have seen. I was envious of the people who lived here, as they got to enjoy living on water. It seemed like if one lived in Venice, you couldn't help but feel you were on a permanent holiday.

Milan:
Oh Milan.... all I have to say is.... let' s just summarize my trip instead!

Rome was an excellent way to start Italy. History, History, History! Just blows you away. Florence and Venice definitely were the stars of the show. Florence stole my heart, so its hard to compare it to the other cities now. Florence is just simply fantastic. Venice is gorgeous intrigued me as it floated on top of the sea.

Milan, is not even worth talking about. What a waste of 2 days. I wish we didn't come here. Nothing worth seeing. Fashion capital of the world? This literally has to be a joke! Such an ugly city, nothing fashionable or gorgeous about it. Florence and Rome is where I saw amazing done up Italians with amazing shopping, in a gorgeous city. Milan, such a disappointing way to end an amazing trip.

My advise, skip Milan and spend more time in either Venice, Florence, or Rome when visiting Italy.

Italy was fabulous and fantastic in Winter. It didn't have the blooming sunflowers or hot sun, but as it was the "off season" I felt like I had it all to my own. I wouldn't have done it any other way.

Paris, the city of food and romance...

11 of September 2010 - 14 of September 2010

The first time I went to Paris, it was with my step mother. Two girls, lost in the city, and when I say lost, I mean lost! We had absolutely no idea where we were going. However, as long as we could see the Seine or the Eiffel Tower, we were happy campers.

My first trip to Paris will always be remembered as an amazing time for me. I hit all the sites: Moulin Rouge, Eiffel Tower, Champs  Elysees, Notre Dame, Arc du Triumph. Saw the Museums: D’Orsay, the Louvre. The Louvre was fabulous, but in my opinion, the D’Orsay was phenomenal. If you love art, the impressionist artist museum is a little bit of heaven.

Kim (my step mother) and I spent every morning waking up early, site seeing all day, then enjoying the delicious French food at night. However, I knew something was missing. Paris was amazing, and as soon as I took my first step on the Cobblestone Street outside my hotel, I knew Paris would be my favorite European city; so far, it still is. Now that I am married, I know what was missing. When you go to Paris, it is fabulous and lives up to every ideal that every little girl has of this iconic city. However, you must go back to Paris with a lover!

Doing Paris is a must in one’s life time. However, it must be done twice. You must go on your own or with a friend. Hit all the sites, do what you want to do. SEE EVERYTHING. That way, when you go back the second time with your significant other, you can relax and just enjoy the city as it is meant to be experienced.

When I went back with my husband, Jayda, it was like nothing I had ever experienced when I went with my step mom. There wasn’t this sense of urgency to fit everything in.

The first thing Jayda and I did was head to the Champ Elysees to see the Arc de Triumph. My favorite thing to do in any city, is of course, EAT. The best way to discover a culture, is to eat the food.

Being in Paris with a lover is just amazing. Paris is not just a romantic city for women, but men as well. I suddenly found my husband opening doors for me and holding my hand while we crossed the street. Paris brings chivalry back into relationships. This was a pleasant surprise.

The first night Jayda and I took a boat cruise on the Seine, it was nice to see all the sights along the river lit up at night, while drinking delicious French red wine. We had a delicious 5 course meal as well. Ending in, Jayda's favorite, French cheeses.

Jayda and I wandered home to our marvellous hotel (very old, but very perfect in such an old city) full of wine and food. It was so nice to be able to enjoy Paris and our evening, without the stress of having to wake up really early the next morning to see more “sites”.

The next day, Jayda and I decided to walk along the river and eat Paris’s street food. Street food in Paris is not like street food in any other city. Street food in Paris is absolutely divine. My favorite, Jambon et Fromage Crepe. An amazing crepe filled with a ton of cheese and perfectly salted ham. Jayda always goes for the classic, nutella crepe. Still delicious, but still not my jambon et fromage crepe!

We took that day easy, wandering around. Enjoying the city. Drinking café lattes every opportunity we had. we eventually made our way back to the hotel to get ready for our dinner. We just so happened to book, in advance, dinner on top of the Eiffel Tower.

I can honestly say, that to this day I have had 2 unforgettable meals of my life. One was in Florence, and the other, was this one in Paris.

We were sat by the window, facing out over the city. We started out with red wine, my favorite. We were then bombarded with 3 different plates of food. Small portions, but absolutely divine. My favorite, was the Crème Brule for dessert. It was a tiny little pot of vanilla crème, sugar encrusted heaven. Jayda, went for the cheeses again. However, I can never pass up crème brule.

I still don't know if that dining experience was more about the food or just the fact I was on top of the Eiffel Tower enjoying my dinner with my husband celebrating our 1 year wedding anniversary. Either way, it doesn't matter. One thing is for sure, I still dream in Creme Brule and Fromage et Jambon Crepes!

Being an American in Paris:

Everyone says how rude Parisians can be, however, I have typically found this not to be true. Until my second visit to Paris. I never found anyone to be rude, just getting irritated with Americans. The first time I went to Paris, trust me, I probably was that loud obnoxious American. This time, I have lived in England for a year, and was not used to hearing the American Accent or just being around Americans in general. The first thing I noticed in Paris was just how Americans thought they had to brag about everything. Their careers, where they have been so far on their European Holiday.

First off, you are speaking to a Parisian (or any European) who has probably been everywhere you have been to already, two times or more. Secondly, no one gets tips in Europe, so getting irritated for not having top notch service makes you look like an ignorant tourist. Lastly, discussing how much things have cost you does not matter. In Paris, the average Parisian gets 40 days paid holiday a year. So working their butt off to go on a 2 week vacation is not impressive.


EXAMPLE:
The first café Jayda and I happened to go to on our trip had people from all around the world dining in it. For good reason, prime view of the Arc De Triumph on the Champ Elysees We sat next to a group of Americans, discussing and doing everything mentioned above. Which, therefore, made me a target for rude service, being American. I ordered my favorite, Croc Monsier. A delicious fancy grilled cheese (essentially). However, it is WAY  more than that.

After I ordered the waiter simply asked, in quite a rude way, DO YOU WANT FRIES WITH THAT?? I was appalled, being in France, why on earth would I eat French fries? Then I looked to my left, and there were the Americans, getting upset about how little portion of French fries they had received. At that moment, I had an out of body experience. I realized the reality and stigma being of being an American abroad. At that point, I decided that it was necessary not to act like an American abroad and attempt to get rid of the reputation we get.



This is a funny scene from the movie 2 Days in Paris. I think that its a funny way in showing the "American Abroad" stereotype being confronted by another American. It is a good example of how there are many different types of American Stereotypes, ironically enough, in this scene it is one American being rude to the other. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

My advice for any American travelling abroad is to just RELAX! Travelling is not a competition of who spent the most or has seen the most places. It is the complete opposite. The experience is different for everyone and is unique to each individual; as different people enjoy different things.  Try to relax, have fun, and embrace the culture you are in. Whether its Paris to Peru.

That was my first and only bad experience with negative attitudes towards Americans abroad, but I try not to let it bother me too much. That's why I love travelling. Experiencing new things and learning something new; when it happens to be about yourself, it makes the experience even better.