All good things must come to an end

Amsterdam 

Paris

Belgium

Munich

Lucerne 

Cinque Terre

Lauterbrunnen

Venice 

Rome 

       

                                                                          Paris

     Going to Europe was such a wonderful trip.   We were all so lucky to spend over three weeks in there!  It was an amazing opportunity, and we made so many unforgettable memories.  We went to six countries, walked over 160 miles, climbed thousands and thousands of stairs, flew over 12,800 miles,  went over 2,000 miles on trains, saw priceless art and buildings, met interesting people, and had so many funny moments.  It truly was a trip of a lifetime!

One important thing I’ve learned is to enjoy life.  Enjoy all the moments, seek adventures, and appreciate the simple things.  Those are the things that bring the most joy.  You are in charge of making the most of your own life.   I hope everyone in their one way will find more ways to enjoy life to the fullest, and make the most of every moment.  Don’t let life get mundane and boring.      There are always things to do no matter where you are.  Live your life and having no regrets!  

After spend 23 days in Europe we had so many wonderful things happen.  It was hard to narrow it down to the top ten things, but here you go:

1. Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night in Paris
2. Riding a Segway to see the sites in Munich.
3. Walking around Venice and hearing an orchestra.
4. Seeing the beautiful, large, green mountains in Switzerland.  I will go back there!
5. Experiencing the culture of all the different countries. 
6. Visiting Roland Garros and getting a tour of the newsroom, locker room, and tennis courts. 
7. Eating incredible food in every country and not holding back at all.
8. After all the countless gelato, pastries, pasta, pizza, bread, and other unhealthy food my jeans still fit!
9. Getting souvenirs that will remind me of my trip. I will always treasure them. 
10. I loved spending time with Tricia, Steph, Whit, Amy, and Brit while traveling Europe.  Each girl is so fun and was such a great addition to the trip.  I loved seeing all of them get excited about everything.  It was a great crew!

Catholic Capitol of the World

            It was another amazing day in Europe.  We spent most of the day at The Vatican.  Technically it was seventh country we went to, but I won’t count it.  I loved seeing all the art, sculptures, Sistine Chapel and the view of Rome from the top of St. Peter’s Basilica.  Everyday on this trip is so ridiculous.  We’re really lucky girls!!

Highlight:

-Eating the world’s best gelato at The Old Bridge.  Several friends recommend it and it was worth the long line.  We were all in heaven.

-Seeing Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel in person.  I can't believe the talent he had to create such detailed frescos.  I'm so glad we got to see it.  

-At night we sat around talking, dancing, and messing around.  These girls are so fun and I love them all!

Lowlight:

-Getting shoved and pushed around by all the short, little tourist.  Honestly, I could totally take them all.  When they want a good picture they can get really inconsiderate.  

Distance walked:

9.21 miles 

Spanish Steps.  This was taken by a
German guy that couldn't speak English.
He was so confused when we asked him to
take the picture, but he got the idea.  

The view was worth all the narrow stars.  

Michelangelo did it again. It's such an  amazing sculpture.

Best gelato ever

Rome!

Rome Day 2

I threw a coin in and made a really good wish.  The rate of wishes coming true
in the Trevi Fountain are much higher than others :)

After 22 days of walking almost ten miles a day we decided to take the bus.  We sat on the top of the roofless bus to see all the sites of Rome.  The breeze was very welcomed in the 90 degree, humid weather.  I also loved the audio tour of all the sites.

Highlight:

Finding a drinking fountain to fill my water bottle in.  Italy is the first country we’ve been in that has them.  It was heaven sent in the heat. 

Lowlight:

The Trevi Fountain was so crowded both times we’ve gone there.  I just wanted to sit and enjoy it.  Everyone was shoving and pushing to get the perfect picture.  It’s still really pretty. 

Miles walked:

6.31 miles

I loved the light coming down.

Thank you Rick Steves for being an amazing
traveling companion.  

Even with three maps we still get lost.  It is a pretty
big city though.  I thought they were the ones that
invented the grid system.  

Bus Tour!

Rome, Rome, ROME

      We arrived in our last city, Rome. I've been so excited to come here and see the sites.  I loved  exploring the streets and thinking of all the history here.  We took a 3-hour guided tour of the Coliseum.  We went to the upper and lower level.  As I stood in the middle I closed my eyes and pictured it during Roman times.   I pictured it full of people, famous emperors, and gladiators.  I tried to take it all in.  I stood in the Coliseum!!!  When I go home I vow to read more history books.  I find it all so fascinating and I would love to learn more.  Any suggestions to good books are welcomed :)

Highlight:

-We were all so excited when we arrived because we’re staying in a really nice, new hotel.  We have our own flat with a kitchen, two rooms, and two bathrooms.  It’s nice living in luxury our last city.  We’ve earned it!
-Talking and laughing in our living room with all the girls.  They're all so much fun.

Lowlight:

-I have a pretty bad sore on my toe from my stunt the other day.  Every step was painful.  That’s not good when you’re walking so much.  Thank goodness Amy is a saint and switched me shoes.  I LOVE her.  She’s always so sweet, positive and thinking of others. 
-Not being able to go to church for the last couple of weeks.  We're so lucky to have a day that's separate and different than the rest.  I LOVE being Mormon.  

Distance walked:

8.71 miles 

World's slowest lift.  It took forever, but it
was better than the stairs.  It was even squeakey. 

Our special guided tour that took us to the top!

Lower level 

Taking picture to make the time go faster.  It
took over 40 minutes to get our food.  It was well
worth the wait though.  

I've eaten pizza everyday in Italy and it makes me happy!

Roman Forum