Sadly, we're back

I have to admit, coming home from Switzerland was depressing. We were so not ready to leave. We had such an amazing week!

We flew into Munich and toured the city for 2 days, visiting the Dachau concentration camp, English Garden, Deutsches Museum, and the fun downtown area. Also went to the famous beer hall, Hofbrauhaus...kind of made me wish I drank...it looked so fun :) Then we picked up a car and drove to the Nueschwanstein castle (the "Disneyland castle"). It was awesome (cloudy/rainy, but what an you do). Toured the Hohenschwangau and Linderholf castle as well. Saw the cutest white church and a fun town named Oberammergau. Stayed the night in Reutte, Austria, right across the border.

Then off we drove to Switzerland...we headed to the Berner Oberland, Interlaken, Swiss Alps area for an amazing 3 days. Hiked in the Alps, rode trams and trains, went to the top of the Schilthorn, ate CHEESE, potatoes, CHEESE, bread, CHEESE, and chocolates. We stayed in the adorable town of Muerren. Saw lots of cows (with their cow bells on!) while hiking. Absolutely HATED leaving. I want to move to Switzerland so bad!!! Took the train through Luzern and toured around for a few hours and then flew home through Zurich.

We packed a lot into 8 days, but it was awesome!!!!

From 09132008 - Germany Switzerland

E2 Shoes (aka Europe 2 Shoes)

Yep, I bought new shoes for our trip next week :) and not Keens, can you believe it? They're Merrells. We're headed to Germany and Switzerland, and I really needed more of a hiking shoe for Switzerland since we'll be spending 3 days hiking in the Alps. We can't wait to go! Stay tuned for pictures when we get back.

(E2 shoes = well, 2 years ago Ry and I went Italy. It was our first trip to Europe together...of course we bought new shoes :) which became known as our Italy shoes or Italy Keens. Now that we bought new shoes for this trip, it was kind of mouth full to say Germany/Switzerland Shoes, so we've decided to call them our E2 shoes. I know, I know, we're dorks!)

Infidel

This was a really interesting book...it is the true story of Harisi Ali. She was raised in a strict Muslim family and because she was female, had no voice, no opinion, no say in what happened in her life...which included beatings, female mutilation, and an arranged marriage. (Seriously, so glad I wasn't born Muslim!) She defied her family, her religion, and her culture, and escaped this way of life. To all my feminists out there...you actually may NOT want to read this. It will make you so mad (and hate men even more :) Seriously though, fascinating book!

Fun Weekend in Chicago

Recently Ry and I were in Chicago, where we met up with our good friend Brettman for the weekend. Ryan had an Ortho Conference, so since he was going, you know I had to go too! We stayed at the Intercontinental, right on Michigan Ave. Great location! We had a fun 3 days of seeing the sights. Our favorite part of the trip was a Food Tasting/Walking Tour by Chicago Food Planet (http://www.chicagofoodplanet.com/). If you're ever in Chicago, don't miss it!

Sears Tower

Brett and Ry

Oak Street Beach

Where I want to live (Gold Coast) if we ever move to Chicago!!!

My new obsession...the only place I'll ever buy spices again!

Seriously...start blogging

So, I took a little break from blogging, and not because I was obsessed with reading Breaking Dawn (okay, so I read it twice :) but because I started reading a blog called SersiouslySoBlessed. I am sure most of you have heard about it. It is so funny, but totally makes fun of the world of blogging and the Mormon culture (and let's be honest, the Mormon culture is totally worthy of some sarcasm). I went online to read it, thinking I would laugh with her at all the funny things she points out about "other" people, only to realize I totally was one of the people she was making fun of. CRAP! So I had to take a break from blogging (and for awhile considered even stopping all together). I have decided though, (after my good friend Quinn reminded me how much she loves to keep up with friends through their blog) that I’ll keep bloggin. So if you want to hear about Ryan and my vacations, books I’ve read or movies I’ve scene, stay tuned!