Merci, Paris. Hola, Spain.

Hailey and I were rather busy in Paris, the time flew by and we had to cram a lot of things into the short two night/three days we had there. We had thought that we would arrive around lunchtime Wednesday afternoon, but the train we were planning on taking wouldn't take us. So an extra five hours tacked on the the planned original three got us there later than we wanted, but did give us a bit of time in Antwerp, Belgium. Where of course we had ourselves some waffles. We finally made it to Paris, checked in our Hostel had a late dinner, then walked to and posed in front of the Moulin Rouge. After some aimless walking we then headed off towards the Eiffel Tower so we could watch it sparkle. Hailey and I bought ourselves a well deserved bottle of cheap (and pretty good) champagne- stole some dixi-cups from our hostel and sat in the grass for the 40,000 Euro a year light show. During the walking tour we took the next day, we also learned that someone is married to the Eiffel Tower, the physical object. Strange.

We did the walking tour the next day, and then got pretty for a fancy dinner that Hailey's Grandfather treated us to. (THANK YOU!). For a second, we felt like we weren't backpacking and living in hostels, it was glorious. Afterwards we went on another pub crawl with the same company as our walking tour. 

The next morning we headed off for what I was looking forward to most in Paris; lunch under the Eiffel Tower. We stopped off at a grocery store, got salami, baguettes, cheese, diet coke (cola light here) and had ourselves a little picture perfect picnic. That is, until the gypsies attacked. I noticed the family walk in, three (maybe four) kids and two moms, all toting signs in a language I can't read. They walked around the park to all the people with food shoving the signs in our faces and speaking in a language I also can't understand. They come to us, and then leave and head off to check out the rest of the crowds lunch. I guess they weren't satisfied with anybody else's lunch because they came back for us. We were warned of the gypsies during our walking tour, and told stories about how the ladies will throw their infant (alive/real infant) at you so your hands are occupied and they are free to steal your belongings. While these kids weren't toting around any babies I was still concerned for my purse, so the food was the last thing I was worried about. I was clutching on to my purse for dear life yelling at these kids to get their papers out of my face- they are about 10 years old, and I am terrified. They probably thought they were sneaky, but I let it happen, they put the papers over our food "hiding" their thieving and ran off laughing in our faces. We were almost finished, they left my diet coke (which is most important) and probably needed the food more than we did. The five minutes following our "attack" was probably the best part. We didn't know how to react, laughing to the point of tears was how it ended and every time we joke about it we can't help but still laugh. So thanks, gypsy kids.

Side note: people in Paris really do walk around eating giant sticks of bread, all day, all the time. The cartoons don't lie.

We left for Barcelona last night and took our first night train, which neither of us really knew what to expect. We knew we were in a sleeper car, but didn't know exactly how that worked. Did you have to go to bed right away? There is probably a living room or something, right? No. We had a bed with no room to even sit straight up. It was quite an experience, but surprisingly a pretty good night sleep. We woke up the next morning to an ocean front view of Spain's coastline. GORGEOUS!! 

We walked around Barcelona all day today, and then (more of Hailey's request than mine) caught part of The Champions League Final, which Barca just won. How awesome is it that we are here coincidentally? The town is going crazy, and I am too worn out to participate. Tomorrow... 

Tomorrow is what I have been looking forward to the most on this trip; THE BEACH!! And strawberries from the market. 

It's just like riding a bike.....

When we arrived in Holland, we were picked up by my Great Aunt Marga to meet some of my - physically speaking-  distant Dutch family. We had dinner and I got to meet my Mother's cousins (my second cousins) and their kids (if I am thinking correctly, it makes them my second cousins once removed) The youngest daughter is also named Margo, is 14 and about a foot taller than I am. In fact, the whole family is tall, incredibly tall- I obviously didn't get my height from my Mother's side. It was an incredible experience to have dinner with my family, and connect with my Dutch roots, I just wish my Mom could have been there too.

The following day, Tineke took Hailey and I down to the coast where we walked around the beach and the boardwalk. It was SOO windy, and quite cold. We then went to Delft, a city I have heard my Mom talk about many times. It was a very quaint very Dutch feeling town, and Hailey and I spent the afternoon walking around taking it all in.

Then we were off on a train to Amsterdam... 

I don't think I am a huge fan of Amsterdam. It might be that our Hostel is impossible to actually sleep in making me grumpy, or that it constantly smells like a certain herb. I was hoping that since today was our first actual DAY here it would change my opinion, it did. Since there are more bikes than people in this town we decided it was more than appropriate to rent bikes to sightsee. Since we also didn't know much about the history of the town we decided to go on a bike tour. First, we went off on our own -which was quite a show since there are just as many rules biking as driving- and we headed off to Anne Frank's house. It was a tour of the actual house that she and her family were in during hiding, very interesting. (I took illegal pictures that will be posted to Facebook later. Have to get a little crazy in Amsterdam, right??) 

(video is coming, I got impatient with the wifi.)

Our bike adventure leaving the Anne Frank Museum

Then we headed off on the biking tour where we learned some rules of the biking road, and toured some of Amsterdam's more famous sights. 

I am Amsterdam, or M is for Margo. :)

We finished the day with a trip to Vondel Park, where we enjoyed the sun and relaxed for a bit before heading back to the hostel. 

(video is coming, I got impatient with the wifi.)

Bike ride through Vondel Park.

Tomorrow, off to Paris!!! 

-Margo :)

Just for my Momma.

Today we met up with some of my family in Den Haag, Holland. Since my Mom couldn't be here to celebrate with us, I thought this might make her feel like she was sitting at the dinner table with all of her cousins. :) Love you, Mom.

It's been fun, Berlin.

This is our last night in Berlin, and we are currently sitting in the lobby of our HOTEL, (not hostel) abusing the free wifi. After the pub crawl last night we needed an easy night tonight; German hangovers aren't any easier. Last night was a blast, I had so much fun getting to know people from all parts of the world. We went to some "pubby" bars, and then ended the night at a rave-ish club, not really my style but I made it a point to request some Deadmau5, a problem I seem to have after a few drinks- no matter what country I am in.

At the time I would have said it was bad luck, now I am super thankful for the "inconvenience". When we booked our hostels for Berlin, we couldn't find a single reservation for any hostel on Saturday (today). There happens to be a big soccer game going on here in Berlin, so the town is flooded with blue jersey, beer in hand, rowdy fans- and the reason for not being able to book a hostel. Our next option was a hotel, in a different part of town, it has been SOO nice to have our own bathroom, not worry about keeping our belongings tidy and together, and it has an extra clean feeling. I am planning on taking this hotel with me, never have I been so appreciative of a little hotel.

We didn't have as long of a day as we did yesterday, we got a little late start due to excessive amounts of fun we had last night. We did manage to see a lot of the things that we wanted to either re-visit or hadn't been to yesterday. The walking tour was a great way to get a general feel for the city, and then go back to the places that really peaked our interest. Hailey has been designated head of navigation since I can be somewhat directionally challenged. Thanks to her amazing skills, we had no problem navigating our way around the city, u-bauhn, s-bauhn, busses - you would think we were locals by the way we were getting around. We started off at Checkpoint Charlie, where we had McDonalds, fitting and delicious. We joked about how our Oma would probably kill us for picking to eat there instead of enjoying some German cuisine, we know it probably wasn't the smartest move but it definitely improved our moods. Next on our list was the Topography of Terror museum, which is right underneath the best preserved part of the Berlin Wall, something I was looking forward to. We spent the rest of the day walking around and entering in some free museums in the area, ending back at the Berlin Dom. It has become a favorite of ours and a perfect place to rest while still being touristy. It has to be one of the most beautiful buildings I have laid eyes on, and it has a fountain which is great to soak our feet in after the 342 miles we have walked. (Yes, that is accurate.) I really wish a massage was in the budget, or my feet would decide to man up a little.

Hailey and I infront of the Berlin Wall.

Berlin Wall.

The Dom we lounged in front of. Gorgeous, right?

Berlin has been an amazing city, and while I am sad to say goodbye- I know I will be back.

Tomorrow we head off super early for 8 hours of train rides, and get to meet some of my family in Holland!!

-Margo :)

I am officially a backpacker.

After an insanely long flight included with a screaming baby for majority of it making it seem that much longer, we made it to Frankfurt. Once we strapped our on our backpacks we made it to the train station found the correct train and headed off to Berlin. Since we didn't manage to sleep on the plane we both managed to get an hour or so snooze on the train, good news for our future overnight train rides. 

Once arriving in Berlin, we walked to our Hostel and dropped off our bags, if it were up to me I would have crawled right into that tiny little bunk and been finished for the evening (or actually afternoon) but we forced ourselves to stay up so we could be jet-lag free today (Friday). We took the train over to Museum Island, and went to an Ancient European and Egyptian exhibit. Had ourselves a weinerschnitzel for a pre-dinner snack. (I am sure I spelled that wrong but for lack of times sake I am not google-ing it.) Then my favorite part of the entire day, the nap we took on the grass facing the Berlin Dom. (see Hailey's blog for pictures) It was absolutely gorgeous, even with my eyes closed. I would have stayed there through nightfall but Hailey made me get up for dinner. 

Hostel life has been an adjustment, Hailey and I were more than courteous when we were getting settled in after our roommates were already in bed. They were anything but courteous at 6:00 this morning as it took them two hours to get their tiny suitcase packed up to leave, needless to say we had an early start. Today was eventful, we joined a free walking tour in which the entire city was explained to us in serious detail, most I sadly don't remember- I will have to bring a tape recorder next trip. Next on the agenda for us is a bar crawl, with the same company as the walking tour. (It's safe, Mom) Also joining in on the tour are a couple Canadians we met earlier today. Note to Mom: One of those a girl, who is backpacking for four months, by herself. Be glad she isn't your daughter. Well our designated internet time is up, off to have some dinner and a German beer(s). :)

-again, check out Hailey's Blog she has pictures from our trip so far up!! 

-Margo

"My bags are packed, and I'm ready to go.."

My backpack is bigger than I am. I have double triple checked my lists to make sure I have everything.  Now I am just patiently waiting for my Dad to say it's time to head over to Taunte Issi and Hailey's house. Europe here we come!!!! First, a few hours at DFW then an eight hour flight, lets hope there are some good movies on the plane or I can find myself a good book.

John Denver may have been sad to say goodbye, but I'm not. :)

See ya America!! :)

-Margo

We will return home alive and in one piece.

(Doublemint Twins- Easter 2011)

May has been an exciting month for me, my college career finally came to an end. I am now a homeless, unemployed college graduate living in my high school bedroom. My new roommates Dad, and Brother (going to be an adjustment). My life is in unpacked boxes, and my belongings have attacked my Dad's entire house. (Sorry Pop) So while I am in this transitional phase of my life, I have been blessed with an opportunity of a life time. The best graduation gift I could have asked for, a trip with my (favorite) cousin to go gallivanting around Europe!

I am about to get a little cheesy, but I feel like it was a premonition of sorts, and the reason I chose this particular background for my blog. For those that know me well you know how strange my dreams can be, and MAYBE how I might be just a little bit telepathic. :) About two years ago I had this extremely vivid dream of Hailey and myself in cute sun dresses and cowboy boots taking pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower. I emailed Hailey the next morning to tell her that we had to make this actually happen. While we didn't have room in our backpacks for boots, I do feel the need to thank my family for making my dreams come true. Aww. But seriously, thank you all for everything.

It is two nights before my cousin Hailey and I leave for our eighteen day European adventure. My bag has been packed for two weeks. Packing eighteen days worth of (cute) outfits into one backpack that can't be too heavy was most definitely a challenge. I am ready to forget about my entry into the "real world", post-pone job interviews, and enjoy living the poor life on bread, cheese, and cheap wine overseas. Since I won't be able to really communicate with anyone during our  trip by phone, I thought this would be a great way for anyone who is interested to stay updated on what we are up to, and good way for me to document my trip. Hailey will most likely be a little more diligent with hers (Hailey's Blog). I thought it would be interesting to have two perspectives, and I will try my best to be consistent.

Over the last few weeks, and final preparations for our European adventure we have been getting constant reminders of the horrible things that could happen to us. While I would like to think that we aren't completely naive to the situation, given we have both traveled overseas before we have kept their concerns in mind. This entry is titled what it is because I felt the need to give our parents and loved ones a little written assurance that we will be fine. We will be smart, stay safe, stick together, hide our money, stay away from knock-off purses, take drinks from no one, look over our shoulders, stay away from creepy strangers, pretend we are Canadian and not American, never mention Obama etc, etc. We want to return home (maybe) just as much as you want us back. :) Have no worries, or try your best.

 :) Margo