Summer Madness Continues

I don't have much time, but I wanted to let (the dozen) of you know that we're not going to be very accessible for the next two weeks - we'll be learning Italian in Florence! I got back from the States on Thursday. Ryan, Jeremiah and I went to Alpe d'Huez, France on Friday and Saturday (see picture above - Ryan and Jer completed a pretty grueling leg of the Tour de France). And we returned yesterday to pack and leave for the next few weeks. Little crazy.

Ryan doesn't think we'll have internet in the Florence apartment, so there may not be multiple posts while we're there, but I"ll try my best. I'll really try to post pictures of the temporary accommodation... it's a studio, really cheap, and I'm a little nervous. So those pictures should be interesting. We'll be in Italian class the first half of the day, then out galavanting. I hope to squeeze one more mini vacation to he south of Italy over the weekend, trying to take advantage of the fact that we're already in Florence (the Southern cities shouldn't be too far).

Have to run... we are literally catching a train in 30 minutes. AGGHHH!! Wish us luck.

Home and Away

Ryan and I are in different countries... I took my sister back to the States, and he stayed behind in Switzerland. There are three things on my must accomplish list: catch up with friends/family, eat my way through the city, and shop 'til I drop. I've been in since Sunday and I've managed to put a dent in all three.

I've had a snow ball, eaten Rocky II at Sake Cafe, bought Mock Chicken Salad at Whole Foods, and boxed brownies. These may seem ridiculous to some of you reading, thinking the list should be more sophisticated, especially considering I am in New Orleans. However, all of these things are craved at some time or another when I'm away. All that's left is Bill's crawfish pie and dobash cake from Poupart's.

Bizzy and I spent the day shopping on Magazine Street. REALLY big dent there.

Meanwhile, Ryan's at work, anxiously awaiting our friend Jer's visit on Saturday. I meet them in Milan next Thursday. Although they may not recognize me... I'll be 5 pounds heavier and much better dressed.

Happy Birthday Ryan - Switzerland Salutes You!

Today's a big day... it's the Swiss National Holiday (their version of the 4th of July) and Ryan's birthday! He turns 29, and we've been celebrating all weekend. Yesterday, we rented a boat and FINALLY got out on the lake. I've been wanting to do this for a while, and it totally lived up to my expectations. Ryan was the only one brave enough to get in the water (too cold for me and Bizzy). We drove around the mountains, packed a lunch, and sunbathed on the small deck. It was perfection.














Last night we went to our favorite restaurant, sat outside, and enjoyed the BEAUTIFUL weather (which is cool enough to need a sweater in the mornings and evenings, yet really warm during the day). Ryan ordered the house special, which was a huge stick of spicy, delicious meat.


Today we stopped by a bakery on our way home from church. According to the advertisements, if you don't eat this holiday bread on the 1st of August, you're not really celebrating. We have a lot to celebrate, so we got two.


We've opened presents, so all that's left is to make dinner, bake the cake, and go watch the fireworks being set up in the center. Not too shabby, having the whole city celebrate with you. I hope Ryan likes it, because it's really hard to do birthdays away from home. Those of you who emailed me birthday messages - THANK YOU - made his day.

I can't compete with his birthday post to me, so I won't even try. Let's just say, I'm REALLY glad he was born.