Day 13

We left beautiful Interlocken (Switzerland) today on the 6:30 a.m. train out. The sky was dark and the moon was changing places with the sun so the sky looked blue, the alps looked blue with light blue snow, and the water was reflecting all of this beauty. It was calm and peaceful. We were tired but it was a good way to get out of their early enough to make it here, Salzburg (Austia) at a decent hour without changing a bunch of trains. We only have to changes and both were right away. We arrived in Salzburg at 2:30 and were all checked into our hostel by 3:15. God provided big time for us as online they were all booked for tomorrow night but upon arriving and requesting a second night they had just 2 beds available (at least that is what I think they said).

The train ride for me was very peaceful. I was able to finish the last Rock Harbor podcast I had started on Wealth and Hell - it was so good it brought me to tears. I followed it with the next one from March 21. It was a nice time to just spend reflecting on God's Word and what he is doing in my life here. I've been on the search for a direction from God over these four months and it's not unfolding quite as I expected, but does God ever do as we expect Him to, no and we're probably wrong to think that way (or should I say, I am wrong to expect anything). So I've been reflecting and talking to Him and they things He is bringing up in me is so interesting. No direction yet but He's definitely unpacking my head and it's a lot. Not sure if that will make sense to all but in sum please be praying that God continues to draw near and speak to me through this trip.

Back to travels...so we got to the hostel, got in our rooms (it's a four person room - so nice after the 8 and 15-bed dorms we've had lately). We have one roomate but haven't met him/her yet. This hostel reminds me of the first hostel I ever stayed at when I was 13 (I think we were in Oxford). The hotel is very clean and very American - so nice to hear English!!! We took showers, had a snack and then hit the town a bit. I was in charge of the map this time as I spent an hour relaxing at the hostel reading the self-guided walking tour (Josh was on the computer). We just went down to the gardens from "Sound of Music" and then to find Mozart's house because we'll be going there tomorrow. We found the supermarket and got a few snacks for the next few days and dessert for tonight.

Once back at the hostel I started laundry. Let me tell you clean laundry is the second best feeling when traveling and needed a little bit of "home". Sounds funny but I needed clean laundry to help get me going again (the blow-dryer helped last week). I only have one load left, whites, and I might save it because it's not totally necessary (plus Shane will be here in 2 weeks with more clothes!).

Dinner was interesting. We ate here at the hostel in the bar. Josh got has something that was battered and fried and it came with fries (I can't remember the name); I had a vegetarian pizza. Let me tell you what that means in Austria. A vegi pizza has corn, black olives, broccoli and baby carrots with a little sprinkle of cheese. It was ok for what I thought when I first saw it but after four slices I changed to just eating the crusts because it stopped tasting good (or maybe I just wasn't starving anymore). So America is still #1 in pizza so far. this one was cheap though at 5.5 euros. Not bad considering we had the same size last night for 19 SF.

We changed our travel plans a little bit but are both looking forward to it. We are going to stay in Salzburg two nights then go to Rothenburg (a medieval walled City in Germany). After that we go to Josh's friend Sarah's house for two nights (including Easter) and then we'll go to the Rhine river in Germany. We're not going to Berlin anymore but are going to fly to London early (on April 8). It was a lot of re-working on the plans but I think this will be fun.

We are both looking forward to tomorrow and our little walking tour. The garden we saw today is so beautiful we're going to maybe read for a bit there too. The day should be full of fun sights, sound of music and souvenir shopping and Mozart history.
We are also very excited about the all-you-can-eat breakfast for 3 euros at the hostel - they won't know what hit them with Josh :).

Love to all,
Nat

Photos uploaded

I have discovered that uploading through the blog takes such a long time it's easier just to put them on Facebook. I'm going to try to attach one picture to this entry - it's the one of me in Venice eating Gelato. How old do I look - Josh said 13. What do you think?
Ps this is the purse I bought in Florence in the Market :)

Day in the Alps (or technically just below the Alps)

We woke at our leisure today and took showers (always a good start to the day). I almost had a crisis when my blow-dryer plug didn't fit (it's a European plug but it wasn't working). I had to connect all my adapters to get the euro plug in one end and also be at the other end but finally success!

We went to get breakfast at the store - our favorite place for breakfast, lunch and dinner! After getting our food (yogurt with granola for me, milk for josh and we shared some waffles and bananas) we walked the "mall" the store was in. As we went upstairs we found that there is a much bigger store so we ate and then went in for some shopping. Our greatest success was finding peanut butter! Now we have lunch on the train tomorrow and I ate some today for lunch as well. We also got some Swiss Choc to try and a few other things.

We decided to get all of our "errands" done so we went to the post office and I shipped some of the extra luggage stuff, as well as some gifts, to Capernwray so that I don't have to cart them around for another 2 1/2 weeks. It was only 21 SF (about $20). Well worth it to give me more room! Then off to the train station to find out about our tickets to Salzburg tomorrow. We discovered early on in our travels that the Eurorail pass doesn't include reserved seats so we sometimes have to pay extra for that. Today it was just 5 SF each which wasn't too bad. We have to leave early, 6:30 a.m. and we have to change trains twice (once in Bern and once in Zurich) but after Zurich at 8:40 a.m. we go directly to Salzburg and get in early at 2 p.m.

We got our hostel for tomorrow too - they only have one night so pray God opens a space so we can stay in Salzburg 2 nights. We are excited to see this cute little touristy town - me for the Sound of Music and oldest restaurant (around 800 AD), Josh for Mozart's history (his house and residence).

So after getting everything arranged we jumped on the train towards Bern to see what cute little town we could find along the way (I'd seen one when we came in). We found it and ended up walking to a medieval looking building/church/house/hotel (we're not sure) which was right on the water - it was beautiful! We sat on the grounds for a little bit looking at the water and taking it all in before beginning our hike back up the hill to the train station. We got back to town and went in the room to rest. I haven't been feeling well today and so I took a nap while Josh was able to connect with friends from Capernwray. We discovered that while we're in Germany for Easter there will be 4 other people from Capernwray staying with Sarah too. Having a place for Easter is such a blessing.

We went out for pizza, still on our hunt to find the best in the world. It was ok tonight. Not enough cheese and they shred the ham so it doesn't feel filling. It was also the most expensive at 19 SF (about $19) so we split it. So far America has the best (by far) but I'm not giving up hope. Italy was good but it was thin crust and very rich. It was inexpensive at 7 euros each.

So now we're downstairs in the bar/restaurant (the hostel is above a restaurant/bar). They are playing/we are watching the Manchester United vs. Bayern football (american - soccer) game. We are splurging on tea and coffee (I miss my tea) trying to spend out last 10 SF since tomorrow we will be back to Euros for Austria.

Our spirits are good. Josh enjoyed talking to friends today and I got emails from the family after our skpye session yesterday - it's so encouraging. At dinner Josh and I discussed how difficult traveling can be especially the way we did it - traveling 7 different countries (right now we've been to 5). The second traveling session will be much more efficient and have less travel time which will be good. We are both looking forward to being in a house with a family.

Pray for patience, strength, good health and fun times.
Missing everyone but loving the adventure God has me on.
My love to all,
Nat

playing catch-up

Hey it's been a few days because I wasn't feeling well the second night in Florence and the third the computers were all taken. In Arles, France, we didn't have internet but now in Switzerland we do!
So to catch you up here we go...if I have to leave early I'll post what i have and finish later.

God's gift to me today was talking to my family through skype tonight - everyone was there and they called my grammy and so I got to hear her through the phone! God knew I needed that, thank you Father!

Ok the stories...
Our second night in Florence we went to Venice. BEA-utiful! It was amazing to walk out of the train and see it - i have a video and will share with you as soon as i can. We got lost but eventually found out way. We ran into girls from Capernwray so Josh was excited :) - girls, girls, girls!
Then we came back and I wasn't feeling well so I went to the dorm at the Hostel to find creepy guy staring at me so that was a no go. I went back down to my bodyguard, Josh, and we watched a "Curb" and went up. Luckily this older lady who was staying there was sleeping next to me and I stared down the creeper until he left until I feel asleep. (side note about the lady - the hippest grandma I've seen here! She rocked red pants with a fancy black top. She layered like you wouldn't believe and rocked the skinny leg jeans too. Hope when I've in my 70s I can rock the style like my grandma - you all know she rocks it! - but do it while traveling in hostels in Europe!

The longest train ride comes next...11 hours from Florence to Arles, France.
We left in the morning around 8 a.m. and had to change trains 6 times. I messed up on the tickets by originally asking to get to Nice when we needed to get to Arles (also in Provence, France). So I had to use my timetable book to get us there but it took about 3 hours. Our last train was delayed 25 minutes and we didn't understand the French to find out why we were delayed. We made it to Arles finally just as the sun was setting. After the longest day of life we check in, walk up stairs and open the door to our room to find ONE bed - yep, one bed. So I go downstairs to try my luck in French to get us two beds - but of course, they didn't have it. So, we made it work with me under the sheets hugging one side, and josh on top of the covers with a blanket hugging the wall - it worked out but we are getting separate rooms while we're on the Rhine to make up for it - no more sharing unless we are desperate (which we were). The cool part about the hotel was the terrace (we could look out on the mafia run "restaurant" below in the square - we're not sure what was happening but we think something was going down). We got dinner at the store and Josh humored me for my mini breakdown of the long train ride, depressing book and our room situation.
Saturday morning we walked the market for hours. I bough earrings - little stud owls that are really cute. Also a gift for my nephew (my cousin Hayley had baby Logan - and he's the cutest baby boy I've ever seen!). We got some olive oil and sundried tomato spread that is so good (and we got a gift for the family hosting us for Easter).
We walked the town and saw all the sites. Josh took a nap while I read on the balcony. Best part of the day - I bought a blow dryer. I thought I could do it but after 10 days of ugly I needed it!

Sunday I did my hair and feel like a whole different person! We tried to go to Marseille twice but we didn't know they had a time-change (no one told us). So we walked the town again, met a couple from Oregon traveling with the Rick Steve's book too, and ate at a local bakery (quiche for me and Sausage in a pastry for josh).
Today we traveled early (8 a.m.) from Arles to Switerland. The train was long but I had time to pray, read and reflect while looking at the beautiful countryside. We made it to our hotel, Happy Inn & Lodge, and got in our dorm room. I was able to skype the family and John - so good! God uses His children to encourage each other and talking to John was that for me!

I'm able to steel this much time on the internet because our roommate is a Harry Potter fan and he and Josh are speaking the language of HP - I'm totally lost :).

Switzerland countryside is clean and fresh looking, France is historic, Italy is charming and Munich is distinct. I can't wait to see what Austria has for us!

I'll try to think of more travel stories but here is just the info on where we are and what we've seen.

We miss everyone and am so excited to see Mandy in less than 2 weeks, Shane in 2 weeks, Court in 3, and Sarah and Diana in a few months!!!

train day 5

(dont have time to proof as internet time is almost up but hope you enjoy)
So today was the long train ride from Munich to Florence - mu body is still moving fro the train - it was long and beautiful and we rode backwards (not by choice) the whole time. what a rid.
A couple things need to be said about train travel. First, they have terrible bathrooms. Josh and I are trying to drink lots of water and so last night I drank a ton, landing me in a late-night bathroom run (down the hall) and same this morning because when you sleep on a bladder full of water you cant wait! So, here I am on the train where nothing is in English and I go the bathroom. Imagine a plane bathroom but the toilet faces the sink not you, slightly awkward. Now hold your breath because the smell could cause a gag or at worst stick in your noise and stay with you for a few second, that is a few too long! So Im not beathing in a bathroom on a rickedy train with an open window, not helping the smell but making the seat freezing cold - and no you cant squat because it a rickedy train, remember - so you go and then turn to find the flush (understanding a hint of german would have helped). its a weird button that barely lights up but doesnt stick out of the wall and its up so high that i cant get my leg up (not because it wouldnt reach b7c believe me i would have made it happen but b/c its a tiny bathroom). so i get that and then look at the link. there are two buttons. one has a picture of water with a red circle and line through it (like the no smoking but no water - i guess) so i go wit the other one and turns out the other one is a fan that blows the air straight up my noise - awesome! Now i have a nose full of...well you get it and my hands are still not washed. Deciding to just go back to my seat and get some anti-bacterial gel (the best investment for this trip) though I am probably immune by now considering how often i use it. Thus ends the very interesting bathroom experince on the 8 hour train to Munich. I only went once and stopped drinking water after that until dinner.
Dinner was good. went to the local supermarket, literally next to our room, and bought pasta and sause, bread, water, nutella and cookies - done! I cooked on the "stove" (two hot plates) while Josh talked to a girl, Sarah; we met who is from Australia - she is very nice and has been all over. we are all sharing tips. she says skydive in the Alps but we are really trying to figue this out because it cost a lot. though we have been saving a lot...
"Saving Euros"
I have decided Josh should be a wealth advisor as he has kept this trip extremely inexpenseive. P90X cant beat his system either as I have already lost a ton of weight - the secret you wonder? Here it is...when you are at a hostel that has free breakfast eat as much as you can and then eat that much again. Josh belives i can eat more than a baguette the size of a sandwich roll, a bowl of cornflakes and some yogurt with oatmeal as well as water, tea and coffee. I can hardly walk out of there my stomach is so full not to mention i dont want it to expand making me more hungry. josh eats 2-3 rolls with salami, 2 bowls of cereal and coffee. (Ps it is only by the pictures Court showed me of food in China that i am able to eat some of the things i have had here - that was a God thing for sure). then, we walk everywhere because we want to save our 2 euros on the underground/subway (all part of wealth management 101). So we walk miles and miles all over the CIty and we dont stop for lunch because that cost $ too - we just eat a snack or a bar and then eat an early dinner (though not too big for me because its subway "turkey" and not the best or a store salad and smoothy (again thanks Court for getting me through). Needless to say my tightest pants going into this journey are now the only ones that just fit b/c i have lost so much weight - in my legs too it is crazy! I am gaining muscles from carrying my bags though so that is good news! Last trick in saving money, no souveniers b/c then I have the carry them in my bag and it is already too heavy to roll around and carry up stairs.
So here i am at the hostel in beautiful florence - tomorrow i will tell you more about it but it is breathtaking and exacly how you think italy would be. I am so excited to get up early and explore. Thank you sis for recommending this over Venice b/c it is great (well for the 5 hours we have been here that is).
My love to all,
Nat

Cornell is tired from the train and he is resting in the common room.
Pizza and gelto on our list for tomorrow (I can afford - both in pounds and money - to eat both!).
(Ps Josh is doing our dishes right now, I cooked so he is on dish-duty - he didnt know the agreement going in)

March 21, day 3 - Munich

The day started with a HOT shower - yeah:). we ate breakfast for free at the hostel - between this and snacks we make it to dinner.
We took the train to Fussen, Germany (2 hours). Josh finished his book on the way back and I'm 13 chapters into Matthew as we're both working through the Gospels for school. I also got a quick nap (I slept great last night but still tired from the days).
Fussen was very quaint! the buildings painted on details instead of actually having them. The photos make this hard to tell but the videos should come out. We went into the castle after finishing Rick Steve's self walking tour and it was totally worth it. Great views of a beautiful city.
Took the train back and walked awhile back to our hostel. The store was closed so we went to Subway where the guy helping us fortunately spoke English.
Now we're resting and going to watch another movie - the nights are when we recover from the day.
Found out the Disneyland castle is in/near Fussen and we missed it - darn!
Tomorrow is going to be a day in Munich as we haven't seen too much here yet.

Cornell the bear loved Fussen. He has his picture in a few different places there.

New goal...food critics. We're going to try Pizza in every country we visit and then decide who has the best.

day one and two

I made it to London, good flight and smooth connection with Josh. We got to our hotel and went to see a movie (tried for a play but it didn't work out). I have a phone but it doesn't work yet:)
Today we traveled to Munich and are now in our hostel. It was an all day of traveling so we're going to watch another movie tonight, probably Hangover since we can play it and no body will understand it (they don't speak a lot of English).
Tomorrow we going to take the train - I'm so excited!
Talk to you as soon as I can and hope to give more details when we get better internet connection.

All packed

The day started with me packing my school clothes in Shane's luggage (my brother is coming to Capernwray Bible College and bringing me some of my clothes!). Bodi, my dog, is all too aware of what's going on and so he's being extra cute and extra rotten! He was trying to delay the packing process by laying on part of my luggage - this was very cute though! Later, he began stealing items out of my room like business cards with addresses on them (Teri of the SJC Library was his first steel). But I pushed through and as of 5:30 this evening my bags are by the door. One carry-on size, a backpack and purse - for three weeks of traveling (then Shane will rescue me with all the rest of my clothes when he comes). Go Shane!
I have to get back to finishing up all the little things now - takes so much time!

I'll be in touch!

Feeling Overwhelmingly Blessed

Today was my last day at work and the official kickoff to the one week countdown. It's been an adventure; one I truly cherish. Thank you to everyone who has challenged, encouraged and helped to shape me into the person I have become over these past four years - what a journey! God worked it all out perfectly and He has filled my heart with joy and appreciation this week. :) Thank you

Say what...119 days!

That's right folks - 119 days in Europe. I've been thinking what would make this blog more fun and interesting to read. I know that as I'll be experiencing each new place I might be excited but I want something to make it fun and interesting to those back home.

To do this, I'll be bringing along Cornell. Cornell was raised in Aliso Viejo by a very loving mother (Courtney, hence the name Cornell). He spends most of his time just "hanging out" (he once was a Christmas ornament). He's not too tall, just about 2.5 inches but what he lacks in size he'll make up for in looks and experiences.

More to come soon...
Natalie