Donde esta el bano?

I told my husband the other day that I really want to learn Spanish.  Not right now...but once I finish my thesis, that will be the next thing on the table.  I am also craving a little vacation as you could see from my last few posts and this might help curb my need to leave.  These videos give a small little escape, and you get to learn some of the language!  Enjoy! 





I found these videos via lalalovelythings.blogspot.com and was smitten!  I learned a few new words, too! 

Breakfast in Florence

Looking for an authentic, cheap breakfast in Florence?  Read through this post from EuroCheapo on some of the best places to find coffee and pastries.  Mmmmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Florence:  Where to find a cheap (and sugary) breakfast.  

"My favorite thing is to go where I've never been" -Diane Arbus

Over the last two weeks I have been snowed in and bored as can be.  This can only mean one thing: vacation planning.  I have been lusting over a few of these places in the last few weeks and did a little research just to see if they were even possible.  I would love to go somewhere totally different, but the lure of Europe always draws me in.  Anyone have any advice on these places? 

Japan

This is the crazy one.  It is so far away and so completely different!  Also, I have heard that it is super expensive.  Honestly, I don't know if we could afford a trip to Japan.  But, man, what an adventure!  Just to see some of the gardens and the crazy cities would be amazing and a trip of  a lifetime. 

So beautiful!  Right?  I will say, that flights are not as expensive as I thought.  A little more than $1200.  This is about the same as a flight to Europe in July.  Interesting, huh?


Argentina/Brazil
I have been talking about Buenos Aires for a while, but I love the idea of going somewhere totally different.  My only concern is the weather.  It is going to be winter in our summer, and I would love to visit a place when it is the best.  I think it gets fairly cold?

Oh Brazil.  The beaches, the weather, the beautiful people. What is not to love?  Also, Rio is hosting the Olympics, so it would be amazing to see the city during a big renovation.  But once again, the weather is a concern. 

Australia
Do you watch Oprah?  Then you saw her Australian adventure. 

And didn't it make you want to visit Australia?  Travis has a crush on Australia and has wanted to go there for a long time.  But once again, the weather is  problem.  We want to go on a trip this summer, and it will be winter in Australia in July.  I wonder if the weather is really that cold?  Also, flight prices are pretty expensive.  And it is a super long flight. 

Brussels
This is the European country that I would like to visit.  It looks so beautiful! 

Also, they have chocolate!

And beer!

It is a really close call.  Now, keep in mind that this is all a dream.  Money is an issue and could determine whether or not we take a big trip or not.  If only I had won the lottery a few weeks ago...

Excess Baggage: The Case for Packing Light

After reading the following article from the New York Times, My Personal Baggage by Amanda Fortini, I have come to realize that I too have a little excess baggage.  I mean, who doesn't keep two pens, old receipts, two wallets, four lipsticks, and a phone in their purse?  Why not have used gladware, a nativity scene, and clothes meant for giveaway in October in the backseat of their car?

My desk at work is similar.  I have piles of student work, three books, two coasters, and sticky notes galore.   I am not a person who leaves my desk clean and empty, ready to start a new day.  My desk is clean three times a year.  The first day of school, the first day of second semester, and the last day of school.  Things pile so quickly!

Also, when I pack, I tend to take too much.  I will say though, a trip or two to Europe and one bag can help cure excess.  I love the quote from Diane Von Furstenburg mentioned in the article, “If you can pack a suitcase well, it means you have balanced your life”.  When packing, make a list like my husband.  Or start to pack mentally like my mom.  It helps to start from the top of your head to your toes.  And remember, unless you are traveling to a third world country, you can get just about anything you might need in an emergency at a pharmacy.

Take a few notes from this article, and maybe you too can start to simplify your life.  Enjoy! 

Stuck in a Travel Rut?

Stuck in a travel rut?  Not sure where to go next?  Check out this blog post from Arthur Frommer on how to avoid a travel rut.  Great ideas! 

Scrimp or Splurge?

Thanks Arthur Frommer for this great post on what to spend your money on when you travel.  Take note of where he says to scrimp, especially hotels.  All you do is sleep there, right? 

Music Expresses That Which Cannot Be Said...

Music cleanses the understanding; inspires it, and lifts it into a realm which it would not reach if it were left to itself.  ~Henry Ward Beecher

 Music has the ability to remind us of moments that are long forgotten.  It has the power to change a mood.  Music has and will be a powerful reminder of my memories.  One of my favorite music memories is when I traveled to Europe for the first time by myself.  I was studying for the summer at Oxford in England and was bravely alone, away from my friends and family.  Music was my escape and my friend.  It kept me occupied on long train rides and study sessions in my room.  

I gained a lot on that trip, but the most important thing I gained was independence.  I think there is where my love of travel bloomed.  I realized that I was capable of doing things by myself.  I have distinct memories from certain songs and lyrics that will stay with me for the rest of my life.  One of my favorite songs is "All At Sea" by Jamie Cullum.  Listen to it.  Love it.  Take a deep breath and enjoy.  

What music do you have in your life that brings you back? 

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.  ~Victor Hugo

Music was my refuge.  I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.  ~Maya Angelou, Gather Together in My Name