Day 16: Church and Lounging

It was a bright and early morning today. We had to leave the house at 9:15am, and for those of you who don't think that is too early, we just moved our clocks ahead one hour last night so Kezia and I have had two spring aheads this month.

Church was nice, quite the drive, but still really nice. The sermon was in French, although the Pastor was kind enough to read some things in English although the accent was slightly hard to understand. We also sang hymms in French and I had to try really hard not to laugh. Kez and I have agreed that William (my uncle) speaks French but with a very English accent; he just says the French words without the pronounciation - it's quite cool. Anyways, I had him singing with an English accent beside me, a man behind me singing extremely low, then the lady beside him was singing high-pitch opera all the while Kezia and I were trying to keep in tune with the organ. Quite the sight to see. A lot of singing, then a lot of talking and they would start praying and you of course wouldn't know until half way through. It was over soon enough where we all packed back into the car to head home.

Oh, I forgot to mention that on the way we toured past those "Bûcher"s which are still in the process of being built. You can see it here on the right: the little base of it is that log thing on the left, and the little house is a watch house because a few years ago, people would burn them early to ruin the hard work and celebration. So now they are guarded so as to not be detroyed before the official night of burning or what not. They basically are just criss-crossed log towers filled with tree branches that will be lit on fire the first Saturday before St. John's day or something like that. Then on the 30th of June it's the town's birthday party and there is more excitement and the like. We also passed some firefighters practicing down by the river which was cool to see, and then we headed home. Since today is a Sunday everything is closed and all there is to do is lounge around. I have been thinking about taking a mid-day shower, but Marilyn ALWAYS finds something to do or somewhere to take us, and I know that if I take one, I won't have enough time to get ready.

Another good thing though about Sunday (if I have listed a good thing already) is that for lunch we get a huge feast! I am very excited, but I have also mentioned to William that tomorrow, if possible, Kez and I would love to have soup since it's been quite some time since I have had any.

That's all for now, hope to talk to some of you later but it seems that this even greater time change is making it impossible to phone you guys. I guess you'll just have to enjoy the silence. =b

Gros Bisous

Day 15: Shopping, Delphine and Parades

Hello All,
The plan today is that we are taking the train and going back to Mulhouse (which is where we were yesterday, pronounced "Mool_oose" or something. I got in trouble for pronouncing it "Mul-house") and Delphine is taking us. Thus she has told me that she can get me boots, a pea coat, pants and a tshirt for about 150 euro. I think she is crazy because that deal is unthinkable in Canada, but I am excited to see what she can do. She is basically our own personal translator but very cute and funny. I'm starting to have the urge to leave Kez behind, but I wouldn't do that since it could damage our friendship.

Delphine has to go later because her class at school is building this giant fort that looks like a skinny cabin. In June they burn it and create large bonfires which I think is a symbol of the finished school year. These things are called "bûcher"s. And they brûler which means to burn. A bûche is a log, so that only makes sense... ahaha.

We were going to go the Parade but it was too late so we ended up going for dinner instead. It looked like this family restaurant more-so, and it seemed to be very italian. I got this steak and a HUGE plate of french fries. It was sooo amazing. Basically they had it in creme of mushroom sauce, which I hate, but it was actually amazing. The plate the whole thing was served on was probably about twice the size of a regular dinner plate - just huge. I was SO full when I finished, but I didn't let the meal defeat me (James, you would be so proud of me). Then, Marilyn asked if I wanted dessert and then added that "you always have room for dessert" due to a comment I had made on a previous night where I said I was full after eating, but jumped at the offer of dessert. She had asked " but I thought you said you were too full to eat more dinner?" where I replied, "You ALWAYS have room for dessert." So at Marilyn's comment when we were out for dinner, I gladly accepted her offer and had a large bowl of icecream. Basically my bowels were not impressed, but I was with myself and that is all that matters.

That's definitely all that happened that night, including a massive sugar-high and a spree of quoting flight of the conchords. Later my gators, et
Gros Bisous

Day 14: Delphine and Adventures

Bonjour à Tous Mes Amis qui n'ont pas une vie!

Today Marilyn took Kezia and I into Mulhouse where we walked around by ourselves until 1pm. I bought some children's books in French and then decided to keep almost all of them because I am just that cool. Anyways, we did find ourselves in this sketchy part of town so turned around and headed back to the train station where we met up with Marilyn.


Kez and I walked back up the long hill to the house and waited here until Mariyln returned with Delphine who was coming by train. Her English is much better than our french but she speaks mostly french with us because I feel bad making her speak english. We walked around this small town and the one and basically only clothing store I had been dying to go in had nothing I wanted and thus I am extremely sad that I might not buy any clothes from Europe this time. =(

Delphine took Kez and I to this little cafe where if you go along the side and to the back there is a seating area. It's cute because it's a little bakery yet there is this whole little cafe side to it, it was really cute. From there we walked back and are currently awaiting supper while Delphine looks at the photos on my camera which happen to be awkward and embarassing. I find it harder to talk to Delphine in French because I am more nervous about talking to her in French, thus the words come out very strange and not at all how I want them to or how I would usually say them. Although according to Delphine, Kezia and I speak better French than the kids in their school speak English, but I also think that those students don't learn English so maybe we aren't as good as I think. ahaha


Pictures to come (although very few) and I will write more when the day is more so over. I think tonight we will watch "Good Will Hunting" or possibly "Ocean's Eleven." I am not entirely sure.

For now, Gros Bisous!

Night Time Write

Still the 27th and I have declared that I have gone to bed. The rest of the fam-jam is watching Swan Lake and I decided to quickly put up some pictures and have consumed myself in blogging and adding pictures.

I thought because there are multiple days in which I had no access to a computer of any sort and thus there are quite a few days where there is no explanation and no pictures, I would add a few and explain them in any random order I feel suits me because truly, you guys have no real say - ahaha...

Megan being quite the model while we had some free time in Dresden. Dresden is a small town on the outskirts of Germany where I DID speak German in a small cafe and ordered hot chocolate (go figure). Alex, Megan and I walked around and I made them model for me as I took many candid looking shots - which I love but they may not. Also, Dresden is where the "Zwinger Museum" is located. It's a famous art museum that has a lot of wall paintings that could easily appear to be the size of a basic wall in a house. Our guide was quite creepy and showed us only nude photos before exploring the topic of having two wives = one for show (the skinny one) and the other for the bedroom (the one with the lesser anorexic appeal). A cool thing about the museum is that the background colour of the walls in the building are coloured to show you what country they come from, ie: red is Italian, Gray is French, etc etc.



So in this next photo you can see me and Gregg and I'm not sure exactly what I am doing. I do know however that this is the same day and the same walking tour as the picture of me inticing the birds. I am almost positive this is in Poland, but I can't say for sure since all the places and all the countries started to blend half way in. We were actually walking to a church and it ended up being closed since it was the one church to be selected for the Easter ceremony, oh well. Instead we walked to a Jewish Synagogue and then proceeded to Schindler's Factory which is under constructed since it is being turned into a museum. Ahh, so that makes this photo in Krakow - you can see that I basically have to remember the whole day just to figure out where we are, lol.

Kezia being eaten by a spraypainted bug in Krakow, Poland.

Me eating sushi in Poland. A very weird feeling to be eating sushi made by Polish people in a Polish, yet very Korean looking restaurant. Definitely the grossest Miso soup I've ever had, it was authentic with real seaweed and gross-ness... never again. The rest of the food was good, although very small portioned. I am actually eating ginger in that picture, notice how it isn't pink? That's because in Canada we dye our ginger to look pink, crazy, hey?

Buahahaha, I grafitied the Berlin wall. That was probably one of my favourite days although the camera settings were not on properly and thus the photos aren't looking too good, oh well. But yes, extremely windy, but SO good. I'll give you a few more without explanations.






















Anything that you guys want pictures of, just let me know and I will put them up. I have over 500 so it is hard to pick out a few, and I am guessing you want to see pictures of us rather than the same old-same old scenery; but I could be wrong. More to come upon request.

Day 13: Places in France We Don't Know the Names Of:

Today was an adventure. We attempted to go to an old concentration camp but the road was too snowy so we turned around and went somewhere else. We ended up going to this old village that is surrounded by these huge walls in some giant star like shape that looks sort of like the star of David. Anyways, the walls are very high so that when people tresspassed they could use the Rhine river to flood and drown anyone in the moat (since they would keep the moat dry for that very reason). The bells from the church inside the village went off and it sounded sooo gorgeous, it was just so amazing.


We then went to some town where we walked around and went through a "Little Venice" and then some. Marilyn bought Kezia and I (unknown to us at the time) these GORGEOUS necklaces. They are wonderful and we are just so unbelievably greatful for her genorousity.

We then took a long and confusing drive home because I'm assuming they were fed up with the Tom Tom or whatver they call it. I also noticed that where we are is completely surrounded by wineries = Kezia and I end up having wine every single night although we completely do not fancy it whatsoever. We drink it to be polite and to uphold this traditional dinning etiquettte although I am quite sure this will not translate back in Canada.

I plan to put some pictures up but there are so many emails and things I have yet to do while sharing one computer with Kezia and I hate to hog.

Other than that, tomorrow we meet Delphine and we plan to go into town and buy a whole bunch of things.. or at least I do (go figure).

Much love to those at home and thanks for all the prayers and love,
Gros Bisous!

Day 12: Alsace-Lorraine, France!

Bonjour Mes Amis!
For all of you who do not speak French, tough luck. ahaha

Actually, here Kez and I are allowed to speak very little English. Marilyn wants us to only speak in French - it's quite hard for me but not for Kez.

So! As of right now, I am in France and typing is very difficult because this is a French keyboard. The "." are on the other side of the keyboard, like... by the number keypad. So you can understand, the "a" and the "q" are switched, the "," has switched with the "m", the "z" switched with "w" and the "!" is no longer shift + "1". Crazzzzy.

Anyways, Kez and I are having a really good time here. It was the first good sleep in a very long time. My aunt's house is extremely amazing! Soooooo nice. We get to share this GIANT room and the bed is amazingly comfortable! I basically love it here and if it wasn't for all of you back home, I'm pretty sure I would stay here forever. ahaha

It's SOOO good to hear that you guys are reading the blog. It makes me happy to know that it's going to some good use. I should let Kez on, so much love and I will talk to you guys later! I'll try and upload some pictures as soon as possible!

This to the left is Crosby. He is an inside cat at night and outside cat during the day. He is amazingly adorable and he makes me miss Miso. He's quite the character in the sense he only likes to be pet on the head and hates it when you pick him up. He also has quite the set of lungs and vocal range, lol.

ps. Mom you must love the fact that I now type like you - staring at the keyboard and not at the screen. Doing the finger typing... yeah, all those lessons in all the right type have gone to waste.. blah.

Gros Bisous! (oh, and I've heard you guys are now starting to copy me with that. lol)

Day 5: Krakow, Poland

03.19.08/03.20.08

Hello My Loves!
Today was up bright and early - well, not-so bright, but yes-so early.
We were all on the bus at 5am for a very long and tiring 7hour trip to
Poland. It's very cold here and we're all freezing (thank GOODNESS I
bought new gloves to keep my hands warm).

After quite a few pathetic stops were poor attempts to find food, we arrived at Auschwitz, and had a very cold, very depressing experience. We got caught in what could almost be declared a snow storm, and we were outside for a huge portion of it. I won't go into detail, but there was this one room we went into, and once you turned the corner, the WHOLE wall behind the glass was filled with hair found there. It was just horrible. I defintely couldn't hold myself together. A lot of things are SO much more real when you see the actual things. You see the pictures and you go "oh wow, that sucks" then you see the ACTUAL piles and piles of shoes, glasses, clothes, bags, and you go "I can't handle this, this happened and it's not fabricated, it's real."


On a lighter note, the meeting I had to leave for was about not getting separated. Funny how the group leadlers ditched Gregg and I to wander around Czech Republic's town for 5 hours. Good thing we met up with Kezia and Alex, and then enjoyed some nice hot chocolate. I think I've had about ... hmm.. 10 cups of hot chocolate... at least. It's my escape. Not a very good one, but it'll do. I've also found that Fanta was SO much better in gr.9. I guess my tastes for things is changing.

---
It's 6:40am. I can't sleep. I've been sick since the beginning of the trip, so I went to bed RIGHT after dinner = 8pm. Or maybe it was 9pm. I can't remember. I just went out like a light. So got up at 5:30am to shower, and now I'm on the hotel's computer since Maverick requires the hairdryer on and the girls are sleeping. Other than the keyboard sucking, this internet is free and there's no line. Which is good for me.


Today I think we have shopping in Krakow - and then from there on, I'm not really sure. I never know our itinerary. I should go do my hair or such. Don't hesitate to email me. I feel so lonely with no one wanting to talk to me =b.

(<- Me attempting to feed the pigeons on a completely separate day that I forgot to blog about. These birds are definitely not interested in the lack of bread that I have to offer =/).

Gros Bisous!
-Emily

Day 3: Dresden - Prague

Hello All!
Today we went to Dresden and then to Prague in Czech Republic. We are at a hotel called the “Hotel Duo.” It has a bowling alley and a swimming pool, both which you have to pay to use. Since this country has high inflation, one CAD dollar is 15.00 Korun, or 22 Korun to 1 Euro. It’s quite nice.

I’ve been dying without Maverick working, so today we walked to a supermark called “Kauflundt” pronounced “Cow-flunt.” There I got yelled at by many non-english speaking employees, and still couldn’t find a battery-powered fan. I settled with buying a highdryer with a “cool” setting, some tape that was the closest thing to duct tape and brought it back. Here we have the “cool” setting taped on, the high dryer wedged between two dressers near the floor so the semi-warm heat will be near cold by the time it reaches the laptop fan (placed over the hole between the dressers). So far it’s working… but I’ve got this nervous feeling that Maverick will just shut off – oh well.

At least this way I can use my laptop while we’re indoors, although I really don’t have internet access, so this will be posted probably when I’m in another area.

AND, FINALLY we can all upload our pictures onto the laptop (since we’ve tried uploading Gregg’s pictures about 4 times and had it die half way through.) Right now we’re at: 223 of 496. I’ll upload some and maybe try and find a place with better internet, if not, then that’s fine.

I’ll just give you a little details on our day so far: Day: 3; Berlin-Dresden-Prague.

We were all up at 6:00am to get ready to leave at 8:00am. I was extremely tired, and almost didn’t make it for when the bus was leaving (because I was trying to continue uploading pictures from Gregg’s camera before I set up this quick-fix solution. If you’re wondering, it didn’t work, and we were still late).

From there it was a 2hour bus ride to Dresden, and it was cold and snowing. We walked around the town, went into a beautiful cathedral (which people were taking pictures although they were NOT supposed to, which was REALLY frustrating) and then went to the Zwinger Museum. The Zwinger Museum holds a lot of art from over the decades, lots of tapestries and large paintings with biblical or greek backgrounds. We also went to a little café where Emily ordered her food in German:
It sounds like this (not spelt this way though):
Ich merckha kakow undt deec
= I would like hot chocoluate and this (croissant).

Although the ladies didn’t reply in German to me because I’m assuming they are snobs, I did enjoy myself.

They town was freezing – well, most of Europe has been exceptionally cold. We’ve so far had: snow, hail, rain, wind, sun and cloudy days. The wind is so great that I’m sure the new umbrella I bought for all the rain is now broken. =\ Quite unfortunate. From there we had another 3 hours until Prague. Most of us fell asleep against each other, and I got mad fun of because I switched positions quite a few times. In my defense, it is extremely hard to be comfortable on a bus – but let’s just forget it, =b.

SUCCESS! Finally Gregg’s photos have uploaded and we can call this mission a success. I’ve very excited and hey! If this stops working, Marilyn can have a new hairdryer – my gift to her. Ahaha.

We had a scare about someone losing a passport, but it got resolved. Jen or Dad, if you are reading this, don’t worry, mine is ALWAYS in my pants, so I’m sure to know if someone is getting it (and we all know how tight I wear my pants, it will take plyers to even come close to taking my passport). Ahaha.

Anyways, we arrived here around 6:30pm – had dinner at 7:00pm. I believe I had some coconut because I had a LARGE stomach ache and had a quick power nap. We then walked to the supermarket, I tried for about 20 minutes to phone home, but it just doesn’t work here. I guess internet will just have to do for you (family) because there is nothing I can do. Sorry sorry sorry.

Anyways, that’s it, more pictures to come! (I bought some nice clothes too, I’m quite fashionable, or at least I’d like to think =b)

Gros Bisous!
-Emily

Day 2: Berlin-Fest

Today we went EVERYWHERE! It was amazing! First we went in the tour bus and we drove around with a guide. I got to see the Berlin Wall AND write my name on it! I took some pieces of it too, it was wonderful. Then we got some freetime and saw the Brandenburg (sp) Gate, then we went to the Charlie Checkpoint Museum which was all about the escapes of the Berlin Wall. Got some more freetime, walked ALL over Berlin's big city, went to an obese shopping mall (and yes, went to H&M) and then basically had dinner and came back to the hotel at well, 10ish at night.

We're all SO tired, and we have to be up at 6:00am in the morning since we're leaving this hotel at 8:00am as opposed to 9:00am. That's a difference of 12:00am vs 1:00am for all you people.

I'll try and email you guys, but I have NO idea what the wireless is like at the new Hotel. I'm uploading pictures hopefully tonight (depends on how Maverick's battery lasts and how fast he overheats... not to mention, EVERYONE keeps stealing my laptop, letting it overheat and then I can't use it)

Gros Bisous!
ps. it feels like it's been a week - man we're so busy. ahahaha, Much love all!

Day 1: Berlin

Hello All!
I've finally gotten onto the internet (which is a wonder to me because every "free wireless signal" requires you to pay). The site I'm on is entirely in German, so you have to go through a process to allow you to use the internet for free - but it's hard to figure out what to press or what to fill in when it's all in German... awkward. Anyways, the hotel we're in is called "Bogota" and I'm not sure what that means. If you've ever seen the movie or been on the ride in Universal Studios, this hotel is much like the Tower of Terror. Old rickety elevator - haunted and creepy stairs. Apparently room "1923" is haunted because the room is placed far away from the rest of the other rooms, and the lights tend to keep flickering. Oh well, I have yet to explore this old run-down hotel, but it's nice. It's an old building, but they've done decent with it. I like the fact that I feel like I'm in an old folk's home... you just get that feeling because of the ugly brown/maroon carpet.

Since the rest of our group wouldn't meet us until dinnertime, the 6 of us went to the mall, well, 7. Me, Kezia, Megan, Mrs. Weibe, Kelsey, Talisa and this lady who is a chaperone for the group from Tennessee (that ended up ditching her). We took this sky train sort of thing, and ended up at the mall, which is half above ground, half underground. The weird thing is that it seems that the whole mall is a sky-train Oreo cookie. It goes: Top Floor = Skytrain, floor down = mall, next floor down = mall, next floor down = mall, bottom floor = skytrain again. It was really cool, although a lot of the clothes were extremely expensive and modern. We're in that phase where we want to get something that you wouldn't find in Canada, where people will say "Oh I LOVE that ____" and you can reply, "yeaa, I got it in Germany" ahaha, that cool factor really plays a part with us.

Dinner was n another place that smelt like old people and beer - and trust me, it's not a great combo. It was a buffet and I've had better food, but the pasta noodles were quite decent, although I question the origin of the meat sauce.

We're all dead tired although it's only 8:30pm here, and noon at home. I've continued to fall asleep in multiple areas (most being in the train or on planes, and then on the bus). I'm hoping that after tonight, I should be more awake.

Much love to all, don't hesitate to comment. I find it easier to blog than I do to email (because this is just update after update. Anyways, I'll continue to blog as often as possible!

Gros Bisous!

More Plane Rides:

So it’s plane ride #2 and it’s a long one. We’ve had quite the amount of turbulence, but at least this plane is better. We all have personal tv screens built into the backside of people’s headrests, so it’s quite nice. I watched August Rush (which was absolutely amazing, although I am not fond of Robin William’s Character), took a few power naps, and Kezia is now watching a British Film titled “Death at a Funeral” which apparently involves men who can’t go to the washroom on their own, acid leading to being naked, and a lot of British – well, humour. Kezia and I have been separated again from the other 4 people, they being at the very back of the plane, and us being up front just before first class. I’m in the middle between an older man and Kezia, and he doesn’t talk much so we just fend for ourselves. Obviously.

Maverick’s battery is dying quite quickly, but these planes have outlets and therefore I have been charging him the whole way – not that that will stop him from overheating. So the man in front of me just lowered his seat and half shmushed Maverick – not good. Oh well, I pulled him out just in time.

There’s not a lot of detail to give you guys because not a lot has happened. A lot of sleeping, a lot of people who look funny while they sleep, old ladies forgetting to lock the door (which in turn lets others know the lavatory is vacant(!)), and people getting mad that I have to walk past them to get from one aisle to the other. I’m not very bothered by it, but oh well.

Toronto’s airport was quite nice, really big, very open. We went to some restaurant (a fast food one) called Jack’s Coyote. I got a poutine. It was funny because I totally forgot to bring Canadian money (thinking that I’d be in Europe, and not in Toronto for lunch). I had 8.02. My meal came to 8.20. The lady at the counter let me have it for that much, even though I had to run and grab 25 cents from Megan’s mom just to find out I didn’t need it. Small potatoes? Is that what they say? Kelsey and Talisa have taken a few powernaps already, it’s quite cute – well, I can’t really say that as if I haven’t done the same. I’ve heard that the flight attendants have commented on me sleeping half on Kezia’s lap. (In my defense, these seats, although nice, are still crammed).

Right now it’s 8:03pm BC Time, I’m not sure where it is, or where we are right now, but if I were to say we are in European time (since there’s really no time to give the places in between Maritimes and England (yes it’s 12:04am 3/7 Atlantic Ocean Time… ahah, I think not) it would then be 5:04am. We are scheduled to arrive at 9-something AM. I’m not really sure when, too lazy to check. We get there when we get there. Not to mention this flight is FULLY booked, they had to call us to check in by our place on the plane… it was quite crazy. Oh well, we managed. With all the issues that have been coming up:
Being separated from the other 4 and having to take a flight by ourselves, then having to sit separately, not having money for food, separated on this plane, etc etc, Kezia and I are doing quite well. We’ve got a very good sense of “Don’t panic! We’ll figure it out, and we’ve always got money…” In the great words of our teacher Mrs. Graham “Just buy a ticket.” Thank you, your words will lead us to do great things. What those things are, I’m not all too sure.

I definitely wish I had brought two novels instead of one, because right now I don’t feel like pushing myself to get through the lull in the pages of Staziland – there will come a time when I can muster up the courage to do it.

The TV show portion of our mini TV’s doesn’t work – only movies. I really wanted to watch the Office… oh well. On a side note, I REALLY wish Maverick wasn’t going on this trip broken. I uploaded pictures onto him and he died. It’s hardly enough for him to get pictures or go on msn. It’s the very small things. I’m waiting for him to die on me, hopefully not – but still waiting.

Details details details. I want to tell you guys about what’s going on so you have some sort of idea, but truly, there’s nothing to tell. I’ll include some pictures that I will commence taking right now so you can get a feel for this plane. Ps. It’s supposed to be night time, but it’s only 8:11pm at home, hard to really get a hold of this time change. The only thing I want though is to pass the ocean – once we’re over land – I’m good.

I’ll see if I get wireless in Frankfurt but there are no guarantees. Toronto had free wireless (although Bell didn’t and wanted me to pay… no thank you when I can get free wireless for… well, free.) SEATBELT SIGN! I have to put Maverick away… and put the seatbelt on. Seriously, this turbulence is murder. I have had (in my opinion) a few acute heart attacks. Oh well, we live, we get by – or so we hope.

Gros Bisous!

Toronto Pit-Stop

Hey Everyone!
Currently I’m writing this on Microsoft word on the Plane! I’ve been separated from the rest of the group, but that’s alright because Kezia is on the plane with me (although in a different section). It was originally supposed to be 6 of us leaving Vancouver at 8am, but the other 4 made it onto an earlier flight that didn’t have enough room for us – therefore Kezia and I came by ourselves, only to find we’re not near each other in seating arrangements.
//shrug

It’s really bright outside (you can tell I have the window seat), and it’s a gorgeous view. I’m right at the wing on the right side, not that does any good for the visuals, but alright. I’ll give you some details:
Really white, you can see the top of the clouds, which have points in the top pounds that wrinkle and looks like old saggy balloons ready to burst. It’s noisy in here, with flight attendants giving ice water and many people snoring. There is another group on the plane, from two different schools – both doing EF Tours (the same as me) but going to Western Europe as opposed to the East.

My laptop’s fan broke so he overheats extremely fast – therefore he might not be used very often in Europe, but we see.

It was a very tiring morning, because Emily got less than 2 hours of sleep, and we were worried that I would be late getting to the airport – but I actually got their first – take that! (With a side trip to Timmy’s – which I spilt on my pants, first stain of the trip, oh great).

This flight is 4 hours long, and then we go to Toronto for 3 hours before heading to Frankfurt. I’ll probably have access once I arrive in Berlin, but there are no guarantees.

Other than that, we’re having a good time, or at least I am. Having some issues with the plane and altitude, but there’s nothing I can do about that. Ooooh turbulence. I should get off the computer before my water spills on it = no good.

Gros Bisous!
- Emily

Almost Done! (Les petits choses)

Hi hi hi,
Soooo, we're almost ready for Europe, and by "we" I mean, Emily is!
So Emily has been shopping and making lists of what to bring, what
to buy, all the random things that I need before next Saturday.
I have to say that everytime I think of how close this trip is, I get
super nervous and scared. But sooo happy, - there's just so
much I need to do - and not enough time.

There's a ton of money rolling in, and Emily is just thrilled.
I'm ahead of my savings goal by $100.oo and hopefully that
won't change for the worse. I'm going to buy a new dress
tomorrow, some food and some odd other stuff.

There's a few more babysitting jobs,
and 2 more shifts at safeway, then...
Freedom! Woooot. This is quite intense.
I'm excited for the freedom,
yet not the lack of money when I get home - oh well.

Anyways, let the countdown continue!
9 days baby, 9 days.
Get ready to miss me? Ahaha,
just kidding, of course.

ps. Emily likes to talk in the third person -
helps Emily deal with the stress. =b

Gros Bisous!

Stressers: 15 Days to Go.

This is the point in time of the countdown where everyone is trying to get ahold of last minute preparations. I have made a list of what I'm packing in my suitcase, my carry on and what still needs to be bought. Not to mention there are things that need to be attended to, such as: flight confirmations, money exchanges, getting a moneybelt and making sure all plans are "Go."

In all reality, the thought that there are simply 15 days left scares whatever is in me out and makes my brain feel like jell-o. I feel as if things are coming too soon, maybe I think to pack things and then unpack just to make sure I have it all, rather than such hypothetical lists.

Thankfully by the grace of God, money is no longer an issue. The issues that lay at hand are the post-office and how long it will take things that I have ordered for the trip to come in. These things were ordered last minute yet are extremely important. One of these things being my jacket for the trip and the most important being my Visa so I will have emergency money funds... the days are passing and the anxiety is growing. Back to the money issue, the Visa took off a lot of stress of "will I have enough? What happens when Kezia and I are on our own - what happens if there is a situation where I need more than I have..." that is all gone. There is very little stress directed towards money issues, and lately the jobs have been pouring in and so has the money. I just wish it didn't require me pouring out so much energy - but oh well, I guess it builds character. Also with money, my debit card has been missing and the only good thing about that is that I cannot spend money. Unfortunately, it has my gas money on there and I continue to run my vehicle on empty until the fuel pump decides to give out and I will be at the mercy of family and friends to drive me around. (We're hoping that won't be the case).

Many of my friends and family have come down with sicknesses such as strept throat, bronchidus and common flu's and colds. Me, just recently coming down with a head cold that makes me constantly dizzy worries me about our trip. It seems to be a cycle and if you're healthy, you'll get it within a week and wait your turn until a few weeks later where you'll get it again. I'm just praying this won't be an issue on our trip because I'm not wanting to be sick there. More-so, I'm almost willing to isolate whoever is sick for the good of, well, myself and my experiences. I guess I'm kidding, but we'll see when we get there =b

Thanks for staying with me guys, this will be more interesting
I'm sure once I get to Europe and it will be less about
preparations and more about what is happening and what
we're seeing. I'm quite excited, and hopefully you guys are
too to follow me around (cyberly) as I travel across Europe.

Beaucoup d'amour et Gros Bisous!
-Emily

Payment Countdown:

Today I've been working my butt off, and the pay-off? : I'm exhausted. I cleaned from 10am-3pm, and then I've been babysitting from 4:30pm-now (which will most likely end at about 11:30pm/12am). It's been a long night that consists of being peed on by babies and fighting a cat to clean the sink. Honestly, not what I was expecting in a day. The good news? Money.
---
$60.oo for cleaning, which was excellent. That should pay off the remaining money for the flights, and then I just need to pay for the hotel for another night and I should be good. Then I can actually start saving for spending money. =D

With only 33 days left (according to the tour company's website), that's only 4 weeks and a bit to find money. I'm doubting how I'll find enough. I was thinking that the Holiday Pay was a fixed amount, but in reality it's 4% of what I made in 2007, and since I didn't work very much due to my back injury in June - I'm probably getting next to nothing. Hmm, I'm going to have to find a new way to get money - just hopefully in time.

Gros Bisous!

I'm pretty sure I'm a slave with 10-cent pay...

I know the last post said that I was done my flight payments - apparently that was Euros and thus, I need to pay another $60.oo or so - I'm not sure. I basically surrendered my wallet and I will never see that money again as long as I shall live. I also have to pay to stay another night in Budapest since our flight is the next day (I'm sure I've told you this before... hmm) and there are just so many extra fees, I can't handle it. I know I'm going to Europe with less than $50.oo Canadian. Hopefully enough for food? Probably not though. //sigh. Can you say, "Celebrity Crash Diet?" I sure can. -.-

As of now, I'm working quite a few jobs until I leave. Shall we name them?:
1. Safeway (or Slave-way, whichever you prefer)
2. Babysitting for family #1
3. Babysitting for family #2
4. Pet Sitting
5. Cleaning dad's friend's house once a week
6. Washing friend's Car
7. Possibly doing friend's laundry

Although I'm exhausted because sometimes it happens to be 3 jobs in one day, it's worth it? Or so I'm told. I just don't want to work, I want to see the money. I end up driving everywhere to get to these jobs that I end up having to spend the money on gas = not worth it. I'll figure it out I guess, I just wish things could finally be over and paid for, doesn't that sound reasonable?

Anyways, I'm off to bed, I need all the sleep I can get!
Wish me luck?
Gros Bisous!

Final Payments

There's 36 days left, just a little over a month and I'm getting quite excited. I've realized that I need to purchase a bathing suit and a few more clothes before I go. All in all, I'm quite excited, but still really nervous. There are so many connector flights and issues that it's easy to get lost - or lose our luggage, (I'm more worried about losing my nice clothes, but hey, aren't we all?)

Today I paid off my flights. Yes!
Unfortunately, we are leaving on March 25th to Basel - and our group leaves on March 24th.
Anyone realize what the problem is?
Kezia and I now have to buy a room to stay in over night,
and then a cab to the airport. I was happy that I was finally
finished paying for Europe and could start saving - apparently not. =\

Anyways, with 36 days left, I'm hoping for the follow:
- Money from friends for my birthday (and the things I need to buy, so I don't have to buy them)
- Money from family for my birthday = $90.oo approx
- Money from grandparents for my birthday = $50.oo approx (possibly, not likely)
- Money (extra?) from my parents for my birthday = $100.oo
- Holiday pay = $300.oo approx
- More work hours and babysitting gigs. = >$200.oo

I want to hopefully bring at least $500 Canadian. But we'll see.
Things are hectic, but I have more details for later.
Gros Bisous!

38 Days and Panicking

There are 38 days, can you believe it? 38 days! I've been working non-stop trying to save money. Let me update you on the saving/payment stats:
Money needed for remaining flights: $170-ish
Money saved for flights: $30

Money wanted in total for spending (at least; Canadian): $500
Money saved: $0

I have a few things to do as well:
1. Figure out currency amounts needed for each country
2. Find my passport and birth certificate
3. Get a backpack for laptop and carry-ons
4. Insure Maverick
5. Get a suitcase for trip
6. Buy new pants/tank tops/tee's etc for trip (plus boots)
7. Get a new power converter
8. Finish this list...

Honestly, there is so much going on. I think I'm more panicking because I can't
figure out what's going on - I can't figure out all that I need to do. Maybe I should
do it one at a time? Maybe... I procrastinate and then no sleep sets in and nothing
gets done. Let's all take time to pray for Emily, shall we?
Gros Bisous à tout!

40 Days... (!)

There are only 40 days left until we (my group and of course Kezia) leave for Europe. The plan is to go: Germany - Czech Republic - Poland - Prague, then Kezia and I will head to Basel, Switzerland and head to Thann, France. After that, we have to fly to London, England to fly back home to Vancouver.

Right now it's all about "What to bring," "what you need," "what to make sure you've done before you leave," etc. I'm so stoked, but more especially to go to France.

Recently I've been talking to a girl from France named Delphine. Her parents work with my uncle, and my aunt introduced us. She is quite unbelievable. It's amazing to meet someone who is just like you, but from another country and who speaks another language. It's amazing. Her and I have a lot to catch up on when I arrive in France, but either or - we're bound to have a ton of fun around France.

(Delphine et son copain! Ne sont-ils pas mignons? =D)