Something Stands Out...

One of these items does not match the others.  Can you spot it?

Yes, this picture is legit and was taken in our rented apartment in Paris.  No, we did not bring it with us.

The Canal Prince of Amsterdam

Following the all-too-short adventure in London, I flew off to Amsterdam for the final leg of the trip.  This time, I had company!  I stayed at the same hotel as a co-worker and there were three more visitors from the Boulder HQ that were in town at the same time.  We spent Sunday strolling the town, shopping at boutiques, making our way through the canal streets and enjoying the sunny weather and gorgeous views.

This was my second time to Amsterdam which allowed me to skip the popular tourist attractions (van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, ...) and act like a local instead.  It was a wonderful way to wrap up the EuroTour.

The Canal Prince greeted me upon arrival at my hotel. 

The hotel was ... interesting.

Canals.

We found the Cheese Museum!

Windmills in the Netherlands.

Beautiful, sunny day on the canals.

The Jewish Museum was the one museum I did tour on this trip.

View from the office.  Seems like a big city!

Gorg.

After a wonderful weekend, I worked at the World Trade Center office for four days before making my way back to the 'ol U.S.ofA.  The ride home was much more calm than the ride there.  I even changed seats at the last minute so that I could have the entire row to myself.  I spread out, watched at least 3 movies, ate my snacks and enjoyed the calmness of the flight after an adventure-filled two weeks.

All things considered, it was a wonderful trip and I feel so fortunate that I was given the opportunity to travel and visit with my International co-workers.

Small Town, UK

Back to EuroTrip 2012/3...

Following our blissful week in the City of Love, the Mr. and I parted ways as he headed back to the States and I moved on to the United Kingdom.  This was my first time in the UK and I was looking forward to the familiar sound of English, meals that didn't consist of cheese and bread and a slower pace of travel.

I arrived in London shortly before noon and made my way to the most amazing taxi to begin the 45-minute journey to a small town called Amersham.  Yes, the taxi looked like this:

Amazeballs.

Arriving in Amersham on January 1st wasn't the best idea.  It is a small, quaint, picturesque town lined with boutiques and small restaurants... that are all closed on New Years Day!  I explored the town via the walking path that circles around the old cemetery and was promptly bored in my hotel room by, oh, 3pm.  The hotel was a building that was over 500 years ago and had amazing character!  So much character, in fact, that the heat in my room never started working so I had to move to a new room on night 2!

Main Street in front of my hotel. 

Main Street.

Self-portrait in the cemetery.

It was creepy cool.  Let's just say the graves weren't in great shape.

The town walking path -- heading up.

The town walking path -- looking down into the sun (sorry, poor quality but it was gorg). 

500+ year old church.

My hotel.

Instagram-improved photo.

My cup of tea at the office ;)

Love. 

I spent three nights in Amersham working at the office and resting up from the long week in Paris.  The Indian food was delish and the co-workers were welcoming.  I'm so glad that I was able to see the English countryside but I was ready to move on after those few days!

Coming next... London!

Palace of Versailles

We set our alarm - which is a big deal when we're on vacation - to wake up early and grab the train from the Latin Quarter to Versailles.  The Mr. had done this before and was more than willing to trace his steps and show me the beauty of the royal chateau.  Not knowing what to expect, I was more concerned with finding a cup of hot cocoa once we arrived which promptly led to our first and only trip to a McCafe.  #fail

Simply put, Versailles is breathtaking.  We had to stand in an absurdly long line but, once inside, it was bliss.  The interior is unreal and the gardens are made to be frolicked in.  Which we did.  For hours.  Whilst enjoying yet another nutella crepe.  The Mr. was happy to reminisce about his last trip to Versailles which was during the summer months and made the gardens just a bit more enjoyable.  Without further ado, my fave pics:

 The sight upon arrival.

On the outside, looking in.

Finally permitted inside the gates! 

Marble.  'Nuff said. 

Just a regular 'ol bedroom inside the Palace.

The Hall of Mirrors.

More Hall of Mirrors.

I would enjoy this in my own... palace.

Marie Antoinette's bedroom.

Just a glimpse of the ah-mazing gardens.

Frolicking amongst the trees!

Chillin' on the steps.

The best of our self-portraits.