Day 198: On the Road Again

I woke up this morning around 2:30, unable to sleep.  I tried to go back to sleep, but my mind does what it normally does and just keeps going.  So I got up and did my packing and worked on some more pictures.

We left around 5:30ish for Nashville.  Unfortunately we did not time it quite right to stop at Indy for some West Coast Tacos, but we made up for it by stopping at Huber Winery for a tasting and lunch.  I’ve been there several times now, but this was my dad’s first time.  I think he can see what it is that I like so much about it.  He was even kind enough to sign up for the wine club for me.  So anyone that wants to go with me can get free tastings!

We also had lunch at Huber after feeling pretty good.  Dad ordered a BBQ chicken flatbread and I ordered a cheese fondue.  Putting together the two was amazing.  It was a great time.

After lunch we got back on the road and continued onto Nashville.  We stopped just north of Nashville for another wine tasting.  This place was a little different.  The décor was kind of gaudy and it was a tiny little place.  The first thing I noticed once we walked in was the woman.  She was an older woman with a big bouffant hair style.  She had that great southern accent and attitude.  We probably tasted about 8 or 9 wines.  Each time we would try a wine she would take out her little cheese tray and search for the right cheese to pair with the wine we were tasting.  Needless to say, we bought some cheese and wine.

Shortly after arriving in Nashville, we took a recommendation for dinner to go to Brick’s Café.  The selection was amazing and I had fun with the waitress trying to help me narrow down my choices.  We enjoyed a fried goat cheese salad with chicken and a chicken portobellini mixed with a lot of precious, honey, sweetie pies, and any other endearments you could imagine.

We stopped at a couple grocery stores so I could get some things to bring my health up to speed.  Then it was time to make our way downtown.  We walked up and down broadway while stopping in at bars and shops.  I love how downtown Nashville always has live music in almost every bar.  We stopped at Legends first to listen to some Johnny Cash, George Straight, and Boot Scootin Boogie.  Later we stopped at BB Kings to hear a great band, sip on some fun drinks, and munch on some fried pickles.  You could say that it was a great first day.

Day 190: Hiking Through the Hills

Best Moments:
1. Having friends to share the journey with
2. Getting up early to go for a hike
3. Being kissed on the lips by an old Italian man walking by and wondering what just happened
4. Realizing that the hike was more than I anticipated, but so happy that I went
5. Getting done with the most challenging part of the hike in the beginning, and then going downhill afterwards
6. Listening to other travelers on the trail
7. Photographing the colorful villages
8. Enjoying pesto in the best place for it
9. Seeing a pug and getting to pet him even though the owner didn't speak English, I think there was an understanding
10. Taking the train and boat to see the villages
11. Gazing into the unreal, blue Mediterranean
12. Meeting on the beach with friends to have wine, focaccia, and an amazing pesto lasagna
13. Making the most of the evening by going to a concert in the old town
13. Watching people in their windows as they looked down on the concert

Flickr Set of Images

Day 189: Healing Meditteranean

Best Moments:
1. Escaping the city to see a typical Tuscan Town
2. Enjoying Tuscan wine
3. Getting some fresh air
4. Eating freshly caught seafood from the Mediterranean
5. Drinking a lot of wine at dinner and having a good time
6. Sharing inside jokes with friends
7. Going for what started to be a late night wade in the Mediterranean to a late night swim in the Mediterranean
8. Truly feeling like I was part of something
9. Skipping rocks in the Mediterranean
10. Realizing that I need to live closer to the ocean

Flickr Set of Images

Day 183: Unforgettable Venice

Best Moments
1. Pizza together in small Tirolean Village and only 1 Euro wine
2. Dinner together with unlimited wine and wonderful clam pasta
3. Italy vs. Spain game and watching the faces in the crowd
4. Drinking aperol and spritz
5. Jennifer taking us to the local hangout for guides in San Marco and meeting Max

Flickr Set of Images

Day 179: New Connections on the Rhine

Best Moments
1. Herr Jung's sobering experiences
2. Thomas's enthusiasm and overly kind gestures with the ice wine
3. Piano music at the poster shop
4. Guide flicking off kids at Reinfels castle
5. Rhine river cruise with wine
6. Night strolls of Bacharach with friends
7. "Life is good" with white wine (dry, semi, and classic)
8. Making a wish in a fountain that Herr Jung said is proved to work 

Link to Flickr Images 

Day 155: Summer Sundays

 What a wonderful day. I took my time this morning before leaving for Geneva.  I stopped to do some shopping and then at the French Market.  Yes, a French Market in Northern Illinois.  I finally broke down and bought a Provencal tablecloth.  I bought a couple in Provence, but the nice ones were too expensive.  Instead I bought it here.  There is a french woman at this market that I have talked to a few times and this is the place I was supposed to get my tablecloth.  We talked for awhile and she helped me pick out the perfect one.  When I asked to take a picture, she laid out all of her best tablecloths.  I get the impression that she is very proud of what she does and what she sells.  I think that quality deserves my business.

After the French Market I went to Galena Cellars for a wine tasting.  I know that it may be a little odd to do a wine tasting on my own, but if I want to taste wine and I am alone, I don't think I should miss out.  I was originally planning a solo trip this year, but financially it would be better if I didn't.  I think instead that I should work towards doing what I want when I am out on my own.  The goal of the solo trip was to learn about myself and grow.  I think I've said this here before, but I think true growing occurs when you are facing something independently.  Being free of influence is a reflective thing.  But anyway, I think I will just try to continue doing this on a smaller scale.


Later in the evening I was fortunate enough to meet up with Ashley for dinner and drinks.  We sat outside and enjoyed the nice evening.  It is so nice to have someone so close that is such great company to hang out with.  I think it is going to be an awesome summer.


I ended my night with a few sips of wine sitting outside with my pup.  I am a happy girl right now.

As I lay in bed tonight, I have my window open and I hear people speaking in Italian.  A woman is laughing and I wonder if I'm really in Illinois.

Day 148: Wine Tour and Early Summer Fun

 For Crystal's birthday I bought her a living social deal for a wine tour at Valentino Vineyards.  You see, it is kind of a selfish gift because I get to enjoy it too.  


We had never been to Long Grove, IL before, so we decided to check out the downtown area before going to the winery.  It is a quaint, historic downtown area with fun little shops.  The stores are definitely higher end, but it was still enjoyable to browse the selections.  


After killing a little time, we went to the winery.  We had a presentation on the grapes and wine making process.  It was great to learn more about wine making, but it was sooooo hot out.  Honestly, we were ready to taste some wines.  We got to taste five different bottles.  His wines are fairly high priced and in my opinion, nothing I would buy.  I enjoyed the tasting, but his wines were not breath-taking.


After this we decided that our apetite for wine was not completely fulfilled, so we went to Fox Valley Winery for some more tastings, a couple glasses of wine, and some cheese and crackers.  At the end, we were not ready to return, so we ventured to downtown Naperville.


Although it was hot, it was still a nice night to sit outside while enjoying a rita and music. 

Day 90: Trip for One to Paris

I woke up quite nauseous and unaware of how my journey on the train to Paris would go.  I did not sleep well because I had not tested my alarm (I know, stupid) and I was concerned that it wouldn't work.  Of course, it worked just fine and I was up at 6:00.  

I don't know if I was feeling unwell because of my lack of sleep, my nerves, or something I ate the previous day, but I was focusing really hard on not getting sick.  I fixed a beautiful breakfast, but I could not eat it.


Before leaving for the train I went to the bathroom one last time so I wouldn't have to go on the train.  As I sat there, I saw something large and black moving out of the corner of my eye.  As I looked over I stood up abruptly and screamed.  Luckily I was in the bathroom not connected to the apartment, so no one heard me.  This beetle-like thing was the length of my thumb and a little wider.  Freaking out, I grabbed the nearest object that would have killing power and heard the crunch that ended the life of the bug.  I should have picked up the object and the bug under it, but I could not bring myself to do it, so I left it.  Sorry to my aunts if they lifted that cup and found it.


After this scariest moment of the trip, I loaded up and walked with my aunts down to the shuttle.  It was a windy morning, perhaps even mistral-like.  I secured a seat on the shuttle and waited for take-off.


As I waited at the train station I started to get hungry, which was a good sign.  I did not need my back up vomit bag.  The train ride was kind of long because I was now ready for the last leg of my adventure.


The arrival in Paris caused my adrenaline to kick in.  Note to self, don't bring two carry bags, it is too much work.  Note to note to self, don't rely on a "pretty" bag because it is probably not durable and the straps will break.  I had to make two connections, walk probably two miles, and follow the assistance of a helpful Parisian to get to my hotel.  Once there, I dropped off my baggage and with less weight on my shoulders, I was ready to explore.


I have to tell you before I go into the details of this day that this was one of the most amazing days in my travel history.  In case it does not come off in my explanation, I need you to know that.


I had created a rough plan of what I wanted to do before the arrival, but I thought it too ambitious, so I just tried to do what I could.  The first necessity was lunch.  On Rue Cler (the street I stayed on) there was a wonderful smell coming from a boulangerie and I picked up a poulet sandwich to eat as I walked.  This was one of my "to-do" items and I was so happy to come across it.  I ate half and stowed the other half for later.


I got on the metro and went to Hotel de Ville to see the Doisneau photography exhibition.  When I arrived I found the line way too long, so I tried to make my way to Carnavalet.  I wandered for awhile, and I finally reached the musee.  I walked around a bit in this museum of Paris history.  I thought the museum was okay, but it does not rank up there with the Louvre, L'Orangerie, or Rodin.  

I thought I'd try to make my way over to the islands, but seemed to lose my sense of direction, so after walking the streets of Paris a bit, I got on the handy metro and took it back to Hotel de Ville.  I found the line to be much shorter this time, so I waited.  After about a half an hour, I was let into the exhibit.  The focus of the photographs was Les Halles (the market).  He captured some amazing photographs of the vendors.  I really liked how this exhibit focused on the one theme of the market.  It inspired me to select a theme for my day of photographing adventure.  Although I took pictures of whatever I thought was interesting, I tried to capture more of the people.


After the exhibit I went to Isle de la Cite to see Notre Dame.  This is my favorite church in the world (so far).  It was so busy and I contemplated not going in.  I started to walk away, when I thought I better go in now.  I waited in line for a short while.  I noticed a sign going in with a picture of the relics from the Passion.  I was hoping I would see them, but I figured the sign was for Palm Sunday.  There was a mass beginning as I walked in, so I looked around and enjoyed being in the church.  As I approached the middle of the church by the rose window, I stopped to take some photographs.  A man came up and pushed us all to the side.  I thought he just wanted to get us out of the way so that others could walk past, but I did not realize that the others would be the head of the church, nuns, fathers, and THE relics.  I began snapping like crazy.  As the relics began to pass me, maybe two feet away, I began to feel a tingling sensation.  I found myself tearing up and I could not believe that I just happened to be there at that moment.  I always wish I felt more when it came to religion and I have to say this is the first time it felt like there was something else.


I continued to walk through the church and listen to some of the mass.  As I left the Notre Dame doors, I was in such a good place.  What a moment.  This moment called for something extraordinary: Berthillion Glace (ice cream).  I walked past the side of the church, finishing my sandwich.  My next stop was across the bridge to Isle Ste. Louis.  I passed the street musicians and walked up to a line full of people with the same thought as me.  I devoured my cone of cafe and chocolat.  I walked the streets where we stayed the last time in Paris and did a bit of shopping.  


There was one more sight to see in this area, so I crossed the bridge to leave the islands and walked up the seine.  I looked at the book stalls to see if anything caught my attention.  I found a CD for 5 euros with French love songs.  The owner of the stall tried to talk to me, but all I could really understand was that he played the drums.  He pat me on my shoulder as I walked away.  


I found the Shakespere and Company bookstore.  The last time I was here I bought "A Moveable Feast."  This time I bought Julia Child's cookbook.  It was approaching the time to check in, so I got on the metro and headed back to the hotel.  


I stayed in a nice little one bed room with a sink.  The toilet was next door and the shower was up two flights of stairs.  It was a safe hotel that worked perfectly for my needs.  I dropped off my bags, refilled my water, and headed back out to the streets.


I could see the Eiffel Tower from my street, so I started to walk in that direction.  I walked through beautiful residential neighborhoods.  Each time I sneaked a peak of the Eiffel Tower through the side streets, it looked more and more beautiful.  The first time I saw it, I was not too impressed, but as I see it from different perspectives, I enjoy it more and more.  I came up on it in a different angle this time and there was a lovely little garden and pond next to it.  I had never seen it from this side, so I snapped a bunch of pictures.  

At this point my stride was slowing, so I had to make a plan.  I was originally going to eat on Rue Cler, but the sun was still out, so I took the metro up to Montmartre.  I had wanted to do this, but I just couldn't see how I could fit it in with time.  Time was on my side, so I walked up by the Place de Tetre and planted myself at a cafe.  I ordered wine and escargot.  I watched the people walking by and artists trying their best to get some business.  I also did a bit of shopping at my favorite store up there: Anoki.  I didn't think I had anymore room in my luggage, but I knew I'd find a way.


I walked to Sacre Coeur and found a nice spot on the crowded stairs.  I listened to some music as the sun began to set.  I couldn't believe that I was so lucky to sit on these steps and take in all of the things that I love about Paris.  As I looked over I saw a guy that Valerie and I saw every night when we were in Paris four years ago.  It was kind of sad that he is still doing the same thing and trying to pick up ladies on the steps.  


It was getting dark, so I took the metro back to my hotel.  I found a very busy cafe and decided to have one more glass of wine.  I ordered champagne and a cheese plate.  I watched the Parisians enjoying their Friday night.  I wish I could bring this cafe home with me.

Day 57: Sunday Funday

I had a hard time focusing on work today, so I tried to redirect my work towards something more interesting.  For my creative thought class I had to pick an activity from our text, and one of them was to visit a labyrinth.  Before today, I did not know what this was, but now that I know, I want to know more.  I looked for local labyrinths to walk and found one in Oswego.  It is located at the Presbyterian Church.

I intended to venture alone, but as I began to leave, Kendra gave me the look.  So I took her on my journey.  She didn't exactly walk the Labyrinth with me, but she did walk around it.  It would have been really interesting if she naturally walked it, maybe a little creepy.  I am definitely intrigued by these little journeys and would like to visit more.

Later in the afternoon I went wine tasting with Carolyn and Kelli.  We enjoyed the tastes of several wines.  I was happy that I got to sip on a port-like wine.  We sat and talked for a couple hours, then moved on to dinner to fill our stomachs.  What a fantastic Sunday.

Day 21: Wine Night

Today called for a wine night.  With some challenging news about the end of our lease and the timing for making decisions, I was glad to go out tonight and sip some soothing wine.  I love wine nights with friends.  It provides that time to forget the issues of reality even if it is only temporary. 

Day 3: The Day Before

Today holds a sense of anxiety and anticipation.  Going back to work tomorrow means that I must return to reality, but it also means that I can begin to move forward with plans.  Something I like to do to help calm my nerves is go grocery shopping.  There are only two places that release that sense of ease: Caputo's and Whole Foods.  Today I visited Caputo's.  There is something about wandering through aisles of food that grabs my complete attention and forces out unwelcome thoughts.  According to a book I am reading, attention is what shapes our lives.  I am hoping to improve the focus of my attention to positive experiences; perhaps the wine aisle.