I Will Walk 500 Miles...and I Will Walk 500 More...

So, everyone walks in Paris. Walking is just a part of life. When people come to visit Paris, they "wear comfortable shoes" because of all the walking that one does! Well, surprise, surprise, people walk everywhere all the time! And, these hot French marchaient around in their little heals and cute clothes!

Well, I walk so much. I probably walk at least 2 miles a day. But, as some of you know...I am horrible with estimating distances and such matters as these...so, it could actually range between .5 miles and 10 miles chaque jour.

I have enjoyed many "walking tours" in Paris...and by "walking tour" I really mean me walking around finding new spots and reading the signs around that explain what the spot is!

Well, on my latest "walking tour" I discoved a fun, modern garden that reminded me of a really chic art display! Oh wait! It was a really chic art display!

These gardens are called the Jardins de Palais Royal! They're wear all of the hottest French kings and queens hung out! And, now the gardens have these awesome columns!

Oh the treasures you can find hidden in Paris!

I still have so many things left to see in this amazing city! I can't believe all of the spots I haven't experienced!

Tomorrow...I'm off on a "walking tour" of Montmartre...I'm going to see Picasso's house, Van Gogh's house, the Chat Noir, Au Lapin Agile nightclub, and all the wonderful artist quarters!

Le Champagne in La Champagne

This weekend I took a little excursion to La Champagne to learn about le champagne!
It was very interesting!*

Here are some fun facts I learned:

1.) Champagne (the drink) can ONLY be called Champagne if it is made in Champagne, France (the region). So, if you are ever drinking champagne, you know exactly where it came from! All other sparkling wines are called...well...sparking wines.

2.) Champagne is made with one process deep in caves! These caves are 30m under ground and are huge! The entire region of La Champagne is caves! (The picture above is of a section of a LONG row of champagne bottles at the Mercier Champagne Caverns)

3.) There are three varieties of grapes for a champagne: chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier.

4.) A Vintage Champagne doesn't mean old... and it doesn't always mean good! It means that all of the grapes are from the same year. There is no blend. A non-vintage wine is a blend of grapes from different years! P.S. A Vintage 2003 Champagne is terrible! The weather was just way to dry that year for a good harvest!

5.) A Vintage 2004 Champagne is going to be amazing in about 1o years! 2004 was a great year for grapes in the Champagne region.

6.) A Vintage 2005 (this year's harvest) isn't too bad either!

7.) Champagne is not always made from a chardonnay grape! (the white grape) Champagne can be rose! : ) It just depends on the type of grape.

8.) So...about the glass...A perfect champagne glass should be the shape of an egg with the top part of the "egg shape" cut off. (see picture above) This helps keep the aroma in the glass. (The straight, flute champagne glass are terrible for champagne!)

9.) When opening a bottle of champagne, you should turn the wire muzzle 6 times.

10.) Champagne should be stored in a cool place with about 70% humidity and a temperature between 8* and 10* Celcius. The chalk limestone found in caves in La Champagne keep this perfect balance.

11.) When tasting a champagne look (or I guess I should say smell!) out for these common champagne aromas: vanilla, honey, anise, chocolate, coffee beans, clove, wildflowers, and lilies.



*I don't really like champagne! Haha!

My Heaven on Earth

You know when you're somewhere, doing something, and you just feel like your soul is smiling? It's that kind of smile that just explodes from your insides. Some people find this pure joy in a sport, some find it in music, others find this uncontrolable joy in friends or family!

Well, for me...this indescribable, joyful feeling explodes from me when I dance. I just can't explain it, but I just feel so incredibly wonderful when I'm dancing. I always joke around and say that in my previous life I was a Mexican dancer. : )

I've been taking African and African-Brazilian Dance classes at the Centre de Danse du Marais in Paris. (The picture above is of one of the classrooms.) The studio is in a really cute courtyard, and all of the classrooms look out into it. It's absolutely amazing!

Tonight, I had my African class, and I am just still on such a high!!!

Ok...here's a little taste of what the class is like!

-There are African men (anywhere from 1-3) who sit at the front of the class and play sweet African instruments! They play drums, xylophones, and various other crazy African percussion instruments.

-Then, there's usually one main musicien who whistles or sings these crazy African songs.

-They all just smile and sing and jusy play the most amazing music!

-Then, the teachers! Oh the teachers are just crazy!!!

-Tonight, my teacher wore the craziest outfit! (See photo of African woman in a silver spandex shirt above) She sang the whole time all of these crazy African songs and chants!

-And, the dancing...oh the dancing is just amazing! You just throw your body around like none other and more your head, hips, knees, fingers, shoulders in ways that I didn't even think were possible!!!

I swear the entire time I'm in class, I am just grinning from ear to ear!* I just laugh and sing along and just sweat like crazy!

I really think heaven is going to be something like my African Dance Classes! I'm totally serious. I just love how I feel when I'm dancing! It's like I am so free and joyous! If this is what I think heaven on Earth is...I can't even imagine what the real Heaven is going to be like! I always think that if I enjoy something on Earth this much...how awesome is Heaven going to be!

But, one thing's for sure...I love African dance!



*Shout out to Annie!

How Parisian Are You?

How Parisian Are You?*
Take This Quiz to Find Out!

Answer the questions a, b, c, or d...then at the bottom, total up your points and see how Parisian you are!

(If you want to answer "none of the above" just pick the best answer out of the possible responses!...geminee-crickets! so picky!!)

When you have your total number, find out how Parisian you are!!

Leave me a message with your score!!

1.) What do the letters VO and VF refer to?
a. The direction you want to take on the Metro
b. Two different types of movies
c. Types of deodorant
d. The initials for the two large grocery stores

2.) What is your favorite condiment on french fries?
a. Ketchup
b. Ranch Dressing
c. Mustard
d. Mayonnaise

3.) How long does it take (on the Metro) to get anywhere in Paris?
a. 15 minutes
b. 25 minutes
c. 35 minutes
d. 45 minutes

4.) When do you use the phrase "Oh la la!" ??
a. When you see a gorgeous guy or girl! (*wink*wink*)
b. When you get a really bad grade on a test
c. When you are hailing a taxi
d. When you are saying hello to someone

5.) Which country is the most fun to make fun of?
a. Belgium
b. Germany
c. Canada
d. England

6.) Of the following, which would you never leave home without?
a. Pen/Pencil
b. Umbrella
c. Chapstick
d. Book

7.) How many berets do you own?
a. 0
b. 1
c. 3
d. Many colors for many different outfits, of course!

8.) Out of the following colors, which color do you own the most of?
a. Yellow
b. Orange
c. Green
d. Black

9.) Where is the best place to kiss your sweetheart?
a. At the Eiffel Tower
b. Walking along the Seine River at night
c. In the Metro
d. In a garden

10.) What religion are you?
a. Muslim
b. Catholic
c. Protestant
d. Jewish

11.) Where do you buy a baguette (the long bread)?
a. Patisserie
b. Traiteur
c. Boulangerie
d. Chacuterie

-------------------------------------------

Final Score:

Question 1:
a- 1 point
b- 4 points
c- 0 points
d-0 points

Question 2:
a- 0 points
b- 0 points
c-3 points
d-4 points

Question 3:
a-0 points
b-1 point
c-4 points
d-3 points

Question 4:
a-o points
b-3 points
c-0 points
d-0 points

Question 5:
a-4 points
b-3 points
c-1 point
d-1 point

Question 6:
a- 0 points
b- 3 points
c- 1 point
d- 4 points

Question 7:
a- 4 points
b- 1 point
c-0 points
d- -1 point

Question 8:
a-0 points
b-0 points
c-2 points
d-4 points

Question 9:
a-3 points
b-3 points
c-4 points
d-4 points

Question 10:
a-3 points
b-4 points
c-1 point
d-1 point

Questin 11:
a-1 point
b-0 points
c-4 points
d-0 points

----------------------------------

You Are....

"Posh Parisian"
Total Score is between 38-43 points
-You are very Parisian. You may even own a little white poodle. You definitely wear all black all the time, and you rarely talk to other people...because you find them boring, of course. You smell, but you really don't mind because you are a gorgeous Parisian. You have also forgotten to shave (ladies) for a very long time...but, that also doesn't matter because you wear clothes to cover your legs and armpits.

"Smellin' Like a Europ'n"
Total Score is between 30-37 points
-Well, you are either a European or you lied on this quiz! No, you are the person who has traveled to Europe many times, but is definitely an American. You think you are very cultured though and are pretty excited to have scored so high on this quiz! Maybe you majored/are majoring in some intellectual subject in college like Literature, Art History, or maybe even French. You like to eat Grey-Poupon Mustard because you liked the commercials...and you own at least one beret...even though you probably don't wear it...

"Perplexed Rex"
Total Score is between 19-29 points
-It's for sure...You are either a really weird American...or a really weird European. You were often the outcast in your group of friends (if you were lucky enough to have any friends) You sometimes wore pajamas with little frogs on them to school because you thought they were cool. You like to eat Ranch Dressing on everything...even pancakes! And, sometimes, you just walk around aimlessly because you really don't remember where you were going in the first place...But, it's for sure that you are one confused little puppy!

"Americana-Wannabe"
Total Score is between 11-20 points
-You're pretty American, but have stepped out of your box once or twice to see the sun. Your favorite food is that big piece of meat that they sell at the State Fair. You once entered your pig, Myrtle, as your 4H project. Anyways, you probably like to travel to other cities for a different dining cuisine atmosphere...for example, trying the Perkins of the next suburb over. Well, either way, you are definitely an American with a little spice to ya!

"Ma & Pa Kettle's Kid"
Total Score is between 2-10 points
-Have you ever even ventured out of your state?! You live in America, wear red, white and blue clothes... and consider the Fourth of July your favorite holiday...because of the free candy at the parades, of course! Your favorite leisure activity is playing bridge although you rarely win... You enjoy a good bluegrass twang band and your favorite movie is The Land Before Time X: The Great Longneck Migration.



*Quiz created, written, and published by Miss Megan Ann Rapp, age 21. (Megan scored a 28)

Ma Mere et Mon Pere

So, my mom and dad graced me with their precence this past week! We had a marvelous time in Paris (with a little side trip to Rome). It was so lovely to see a little piece of home here! And, it was so much fun for me to share with them the crazy life I've been living here in Paris!

I pretty much showed them every single touristy thing in Paris!

We saw:

-The Eiffel Tower at night
-The Louvre
-Jardin de Tuilleries
-Place de la Concorde
-Arc de Triomphe at night
-Champs Elysees
-Saint Michel
-Notre Dame de Paris
-Jardin de Luxembourg
-Metro!
-Bus!
-The Sorbonne
-The Pantheon (where Voltaire, Rousseau, and other crazy men are buried!)
-Opera Garnier (we saw a ballet there!)
-Ate at a cafe
-Enjoyed the boulangerie
-Ate a crepe
-Sacre Coeur
-Montmartre
-Moulin Rouge
-Gallerie Layfayette

...And, the list goes on!

I love my parents so much,
and it was just so nice to have them in Paris for a week!

One night, we came home, and Pajaro (the dad) was hosting, as usual, a little party with his friends! My parents got to hear him play his music and meet all of his crazy Brazilian, Argentinian, South American friends! I think it really surprised my mom and dad to see such a feast and a party! But, it's really just another night at the Canzani's!

I can't even stress enough what a treat it was having them here for a week! I got to show them around and they got to hear me speak French! It was just so fun!

When In Rome...

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Well, when I was in Rome, I did as all of the other tourists did!

My mom, my dad, and I just got back from a lovely three days in Rome, Italy. I can't believe all of the history and age that city had!

I suppose I should do a top 5...just to narrow it down!

1.) The Vatican. We waited in, what the locals told us, was a "short line" to get into the Vatican. Well, we waited about 1.5 hours...urg.... that's definitely a long line for me! The Vatican was so beautiful! Inside is the Vatican Museum, St Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Pope's Palace, and many other wonders. We saw so many amazing pieces of art at the Vatican Museum. The Vatican Museum is the largest museum in the world, and if you were to spend only 45 seconds in front of each piece of art it would take you 10 years of your life to get through the museum! Oh my! We also saw the Swiss Guards walking around! They're the men who guard the Pope. It was so neat seeing everything! (Well, on a kinda sad note...here at the Vatican is where my camera battery died. I have only had to charge my battery once this entire semester...and in the Vatican, my camera decided that I needed to charge her twice. *cry*tear*sniffle*)

2.) All of the colors on the buildings. I absolutely fell in love with the color of Rome. Terracottas, roses, oranges, yellows, salmons, tans, creams....it was just so amazing. The entire city just felt warm. If I could pick a smell of Rome, I would say that it smelled like a pale orange sunrise. I loved the apartments and all of the buildings that winded their way through Rome's crazy streets. Some of the paint was chipping off, and I'm sure the roofs leaked like crazy...but, there was just something so calming about the colors!

3.) All of the nuns! Oh my goodness! In my lifetime, I have probably seen 30 nuns total. And, I think that is being kinda generous. I always think of nuns as a little treat or surprise when seen walking on the street. Well...in Rome, NUNS WERE EVERYWHERE!! I probably saw close to, and quite possibly more than, 50 nuns! Shopping, driving, walking around, eating in the restaurants!! There's even a bunch of stores where nuns, priests, and other Catholic people can buy their clothes! A whole store just for habits and priest clothes! (As you can see with my terrible vocabulary, I am not Catholic) I just loved it! The picture above is of a nun at a bread store...just your average, normal, everyday nun!

4.) The Colosseum! Oh my! It was so incredible. The Colosseum holds some 50,000 people and is said to be able to exit every single one of those people in 10 minutes. The Colosseum has a very complex system of stairs which do this. It was so interesting learning about all of the history and behind the scenes things that went down at the Colosseum. It was basically just a big show...kinda like professional wrestling today. There's even a Stage Manager who controls everything!

5.) Rome at Night. Now, I know that I live in Paris, the City of Lights...but, Rome definitely competed in that Name Game! I might even call Rome the Ancient City of Lights! It was so incredible at night! My mom, dad and I took a open bus tour at night and saw everything! Wow! The colors and the sounds and the lights were just so beautiful! People say that Rome is one of the loudest cities in the world...and even at night, the Romans continue this noise! During the day and during the night, the city is just bustling with noise!

Rome was just lovely! You should go!

SPQR

Riots in the Surburbs

I thought I would take a second to just explain/clarify/assure people of the situation in Paris right now.

CNN and other news sources are (from what people in the States say) talking about the riots happening in Paris.

Well, one thing to understand about cities in Europe vs. cities in the USA is that in the US, the Inner City is the worst part of the city. Inner City Chicago is dangerous; whereas, the suburbs are rather safe. Well, in Europe, it's exactly the opposite. In the center of Paris, the city is the safest. The suburbs of Paris are where all of the ghettos are and are incredibly dangerous. Gangs, crime, and the riots are occuring in the suburbs.

When the news reports on the riots in "Paris" they don't usually say the actual suburb name because the international community doesn't know Parisian suburbs...of course. It's like if something huge happened in Clive, Iowa, the news might just say "Des Moines, Iowa" because it's easier for people to know where that is.

Well, the riots are taking place in the northern and north-western suburbs of Paris. And, I live in central central central Paris! : ) (I actually kinda live Southeastern Central Paris if you want to be very specific)

But, I am safe were I am. I have not seen any riots. I do not plan on venturing out into the burbs of Paris anytime soon. And, I am very well!

So, don't worry!

Now...if you want a brief synopsis of what's going on in Paris keep reading. If not, then don't keep reading! : )

Basically:

There has been civil unrest in certain French cities and Paris suburbs including a few instances inside city walls following the deaths of two adolescents who were fleeing from the police and sought refuge in a power station. After escalating the protective fence, the two were tragically electrocuted in a part of the facility.

This coupled with a particularly violent rhetoric from the Minister of the Interior directed towards the criminal elements of certain communites, that some of the community members have understood as being directed at their communites as a whole, has provoked a rash of incidents. Numerous cars have been burnt as well as symbols of public authority such as schools and police stations.

In the Paris region, the events have happened at night in certain distant suburban neighbourhoods that most Parisians would never venture into. As I explained earilier, in contrast with cities in the United States and in other parts of the world, the inner city zones in France are safe and the phenomenon of the downtown "ghetto" does not exist. Basically the marginalized sections of the population are concentrated in social housing complexes in the outer suburbs.

Concerning the current events, the police have detained more than 1000 people, the vast majority of whom are adolescent, since the start of the events are obtained convictions for 20 adults. Local community representatives have become involved with calls for an end to the violence. Families are starting to curfew their children to avoid them getting involved and community representatives are starting to restore, peacefully, law and order at night in their neighbourhoods.

(Summary from Alexandra Mitchell)

So, there you have it. Hope this makes people feel a little bit better and clearer about what is going on.

Once Upon A Time...

Once upon a time...

I just visited a gorgeous abbey on top of this rock, called Mont Saint Michel (see picture below). It was incredible! I felt like I was living in a different time period! There are 6 monks that live at the abbey today, and 98 villagers live in the few surrounding houses on the little island. We toured it and enjoyed the gorgeous view from top!



On Saturday night, we stayed in this super cute hotel next to Mont St Michel. We thought it would be a good idea to walk out to the abbey and explore! Well, there were no street lights for miles! Ahhh! It was sooo dark! And, we ended up walking in the sheep pasture! (Which we didn't actually find out was a sheep pasture until the next day in the light). Once we got the abbey, we found a door that was opened and snuck in! Eiks! I felt like such a vagabond! Ohhh...that was definitely a $4 word.


Well, we darted around the security guard and started out climb to the top of the fortress. It was sooo beautiful at night! They have these huge spot lights at the very top, which shine onto the side of the abbey. My friend, Francesco, climbed up to where the lights came out and tried to make the "Batman" hand signal! Haha! Well, we definitely made the entire abbey light up differently...but, neither Batman nor Robin showed their face....sad day.



On Saturday, I went to the lovely port town of St. Malo (see picture at very very very top). Oh my word! How beautiful was that! I just love being on the water. So dang darn gorgeous. We climed all around these huge crags and took marvelous photos of the sunset!



On Sunday, we went to a little Normand farm and tried some homemade cider, apple tarts, and jam. I thought it was just lovely! (See picture above!)

And, guess what?! I saw corn fields! I definitely took their picture!!! Oh, good ole Iowa!

Well, my Mom and Dad are coming to Paris tomorrow! So exciting!

Never Again

On Tuesday, November 1, 2005, I went to a place that I hope never to return to.

Dachau, Germany was the premier concentration camp of its time. It was Hitler's prized camp. Dachau was actually a "re-education camp", teahcing "discipline" and "work-morale" to its inhabitants. This Nazi propaganda was bought by people of Germany as well as international countries.

Dachau was opened on March 22, 1933, holding 6,000 prisoners. This was the maximum number of prisoners that the camp was capable of housing.



But, on April 29, 1945 (12 years later...Dachau was the only Concentration Camp to remain open all 12 years)...the US army liberated over 63,000 prisoners. 63,000 prisoners in a location capable of holding a maximum of 6,000.

Now, the horendous affairs that took place in Dachau are too disgusting to even mention. Every Nazi Concentraion Camp was known for something...well, Dachau was the camp that was known for a little of everything.


At the entrance of the KZ (German for Concentration Camp), there was an iron gate with the words "Arbeit Macht Frei"...Work Brings Freedom. This was put there by the Nazis to mock the prisoners.

The KZ had rows and rows of barracks where people would sleep and bathe. There was a Crematorium on the grounds, a working center, a roll-call area, and many guard stands and headquarters.



The most feared Barrack was Barrack 3 (see picture below). This was were the sickening Medical Experiments were performed. Today, Barrack 3 has been destroyed, but there is a cement block on the row where that barrack stood. I would recommend that you research this on your own if you are interested...honestly, I can't really find the words to type to say what happened.

Dachau also had a bathing house where "showers" were to "clense" the population inside the camp. There is a picture above (with the greenish doors) where some of the "showers" took place.





Never Again: This is the theme of the memorial site now at Dachau. The words "Never Again" are displayed to tell those visiting this memorial to watch that this never happens again. And, after leaving the KZ, people are convinced that this should never happen again. There is not one well-minded human being who could possibly say that this treatment was justified.

Never Again.

Well, I hate to be the bearer of disgusting news. But, the part of the whole experience that made me the most sick was the fact that genocides are still happening today. The holocaust is one of the most known genocides in history...but, there are genocides still happening RIGHT NOW.

Right now, in Sudan, Africa, a genocide is happening...which death totals up to the 300,000s. In our enlightened, technological society today...how can a genocide like the holocaust still be going on today? I do not understand. And, frankly, I will probably never understand.

Never Again?

Sprechen Sie Englisch?*

Well, alright then...

The Itinerary was:

Paris to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Language: French and German

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg to Strasbourg, France
Language: French and German

Strasbourg, France to Munchen (Munich), Germany
Language: German

Munchen, Germany to Dachau, Germany
Language: German

Dachau, Germany back to Munchen, Germany
Language: German

Munchen, Germany to Paris!
Language: French!!

Transportation: Train. I love the train! It's so beautiful and the sights along the way are just breathtaking! Erin and I have only had one bad experience with the train....if you keep reading, you're bound to discover this...

And, the trip was phenomenal!! Oh my! So many amazing things seen, heard, tasted....basically all the major senses were taken care of on this trip!

Location Number One: Luxembourg City

The fall leaves were incredibly here. The city is situated around a huge valley with lots of bluffs and little rivers...which, actually resembles Luther College a lil! Shout out to Decorah! We saw lots of castles, fortresses, churches, markets...It was amazing!
The picture up top is of the Notre Dame in Luxembourg City. Erin and I were climbing trees in this park and we took the picture!


Location Number Two: Strasbourg, France

Erin and I now took the train back down into France, and visited a French/German city right on the border! The city was so dang cute! I felt like I was in a Disney movie...no joke! I swear I saw Snow White prancing through the streets with her little animal friends following her.


Location Number Three: Munchen, Germany (Munich, Germany)

Well, Munchen was pretty sweet too. Dear me! There are just way too many stories and things to say about my little escapes the last 4ish days! Erin and I took a tour one morning following Hitler's rise to power and dominance in Germany. It was so interesting...and incredibly creepy. We saw Hitler's beer hall where he had all of his meetings. Hitler named Munchen the City of the Nazi Party. So many crazy things went down in Munchen.

Did you know that Hitler was actually a starving, loner, artist from Austria who came to Munchen, Germany to paint touristy postcards? Weird, huh?

We saw bomb markings on buildings, we saw the places where the Nazis marched, we saw the house where Hitler stayed, and we even saw the art museum that Hitler designed and managed. Weirdness...

I'm not gonna lie...Germans totally scare me. I don't know if it's because of images in my head of scary Nazis from WWII, or if it's that in all James Bond movies, Germans/Russians/Koreans seem to always be the bad guys. Whatever the reason is, I was a tad bit scared of these Germans.

As in any city, there are police officers around...well...being in Germany, these were Germany Officers. So weird...They still were the traditional "Nazi" looking gear, and it was very interesting seeing them patrolling the streets.

We ate some interesting food in Munchen too! In French, how I'm saying the word "interesting" is "tres special"...It's kinda the polite way of saying...hmmm...I'm not really sure if I liked it. Erin and I decided that we ought to try our hands at the traditional Bavarian cuisine. So, at Augustiner Beer Hall (pretty much all the reseraunts are beer halls in Munchen) I tried a Sausage Salad...thinking it would be a wise idea to get some nice lettuce with my sausage. Well, truth be told...A sausage salad in Munchen is basically a big bowl of cold sausage patties. Ergg.... "tres special" ...

Erin and I climbed up to the top top top top top top top top top top top top top top top top tower of St. Peter's Cathedral to get a full view of the city. The stairwell (see picture above) was incredibly sketch! It was so narrow, incredibly creaky, and very dark! My picture is by a window, so you can see...but the rest of the stairwell was not so fortunate! And, this stairwell was for going up and for going down....Let's just say, Erin and I got very cosy with those larger Germans going the opposite direction... *cough*cough*

The view was spectacular though! (See picture below) You could see everything! The little walkway on the top of the tower was about 1 foot wide...once again, gettin snuggly with those Germans...

Being in Germany was way weird though for me. I don't know one word in German. The best I got is that "Danchashane" song from Ferris Beuhler's Day Off...and I don't even know how to say it really or spell it for that matter! It was such a weird feeling knowing absolutely nothing...I would listen to the train conductor and our waitors and just blankly stare...I know have a better understanding for foreigners in America who don't speak a lick of English. It was kinda scary, not gonna lie...But, I still believe that a good smile can get you so far! I found so many kind Germans who were quick to help us!

Location Number Four: Dachau, Germany

-Home of the Concentration Camp of Dachau. I'll just be honest...this location is going to get its own post tomorrow...

And...

The train ride home to Paris from Munchen was 8 hours! Eiks!!! And, Erin and I were in the smoking car. Ok, so, let's not talk about this...too many horrible memories! But, I'm sure you can imagine!

* Do you speak English? (In German) Translation: I am an idiotic American tourist...