Paris - Architecture, Art, Music and Baguettes

Six weeks after our arrival in London, six weeks of settling in, finding jobs, running after the red london buses, six weeks of missing the family and struggling to find time to Skype... we found ourselves ecstatically excited about seeing the faces of my Dad & Mumma coming out of the Heathrow terminal. After the tears, the hugs, the laughs, more hugs and the token stories of the hilarious plane ride we acutely prioritised what needed to happen... cup of teas when we get home! 

We jumped on the "tube" and the whole journey home I was imposing as a Londoner myself, darting in and out of the crowds directing mum and dad to the right platform whilst excitedly chatting away with useless facts about our new hometown. They seemed impressed by my skills and knowledge but little did they know, there were many a times that we stood staring at the maps guessing which platform to run to... it's an art, I tell you! With every rooftop in sight that was the home to a chimney (that is every single rooftop in London), Mum in her immense cuteness would say, "Ahhh! I feel like I am in Mary Poppins", and every single time the smile across my face and the warmth in my heart expanded as I now had my beautiful parents within hugging proximity.

We arrived to our humble home in Wandsworth and almost got in the front door before Lynnie pulled out the tourist camera and actually had a passerby take a photo of us all outside the front door. Hilarious! Once we did get inside the door, no sooner did we have the kettle boiling and the sharing of the last 6 weeks began to unravel and fill the room with joy.

It had been planned that we would all rendezvous in Paris and rendezvous we did, with utmost pleasure and awe! Tim and I arrived and were welcomed by the warmly lit Notre Dame, which was framed with quaint bridges overlooking the water reflecting the bright night sky. Despite the late hour of the evening the streets were buzzing with buskers, restaurant and pub diners, and local lovebirds. We found the Parisians, who were waiting to show us around - Lynnette and Phillipe. Mum and dad had arrived in the promise land 3 days before us and had already scouted out the best breakfast spot (which, in my opinion, is the most important thing). So, needless to say, early the next day we marched up our crepe smelling, boutique embellished street to the corner cafe and were served by the most delightful French gentleman and gorgeous French lady. Mum and dad displayed their pleased smiles the whole time as the were thoroughly enjoying the experience for the third day in a row, and they knew how good they had done us by as both Tim and I kept raving about best start to our day. The waiter sung as he swiftly moved up and down the tables of the cafe and the sweet smiling waitress did her best to understand our English.

The morning air was fresh but promised a beautifully sunny day. First stop was the Louvre. With a photographer, teacher, historian and all-knowing dad we all were engulfed by the wonder of the exhibitions at the Louvre. We got lost in the Renaissance art and then I had a mini tour going in the Ancient Egyptian area. Upon leaving the Louvre we noticed the streams of sunshine coming in from the glass roof and simultaneously we all fell in love with the inviting, picturesque scenery that surrounded us as we walked through the gardens towards the Arch de Triumph. What a day! The locals were sunbathing by the fountains and we meandered our way to a gorgeous French restaurant, perfectly situated next to an ice-cream shop - do I need to tell you how we enjoyed our afternoon next? I will anyway, I enjoyed an amazing 2 scoops of ice-cream (coconut and hazelnut) and as I savored both flavours before the wonderfully radiating sun melted it all, we made our way back to our street. On our way through Tim and I decided to pop into the stunning Notre Dame and were yet again astounded by another awe-inspiring architecture masterpiece. No matter how many churches, castles, monuments we see, every time it is still a wonder!

Window shopping wasn't as much fun as I imagined actual shopping would have been, but the shops were still adequately cute enough to provide so much entertainment for us all, despite our lack of funds to make many purchases. Mother did, however, pick up an array of fudges and we indulged in yet another delight that Paris had to offer.

A recount of our Paris trip cannot be done without mentioning the hilarious experience of going to the Eiffel Tower and waiting a good two hours to get into the lift to go up. The line was absolutely huge and it was chaotic to say the least. But when in good company and with the sun deciding to shower its rays upon us once again it couldn't have been anything but a wonderfully memorable experience. Then we had the views to be amazed by. It was all as was expected and more!

To end the amazing two days we hiked to Montmarte to spectate the amazing views of the city and blend into the swarming crowds enjoying in the perfect afternoon. There were amazing musicians, sponatneous dancers and fascinating entertainment surrounding us in all directions. It was all too much to have to leave but we left making plans to return again soon. Although, the experience could never be replaced as it was what it was because of my amazing parents. Thanks for the best time! xx

Poland Pt4 - Zakopane

Final destination for our Poland smorgasboard... the deliciously charming Zakopane. We arrived at our log cabin gasping with delight and awe as we made ourselves at home, instantly collecting wood for the fire, laying out the Polish cheese platter and pouring the red wine. Already reminiscing on the good memories created from our previous destinations, we couldn't be happier with cosy surroundings and the perfect company of our travel buddies and flat mates, Joel and Loz.

Our adventures continued and perhaps epitomised with our epic day on the ski fields. I invite you to imagine the four of us, completely suited up in our snow gear, I myself particularly excited to be wearing my new pants, beanie and gloves. Tim was just as excited however his anticipation came from putting on his familiar and trusty old snow pants, relieved to have them on once again after the long days of snow absence. He wouldn't admit it, but there were almost tears of joy when the rolling, frosty mountains became more than just a backdrop, and were now his play ground.

So, Tim the pro-snowboarder, gazes upon the fields when suddenly his day-dreams (soon to be reality) are interrupted with the sound of a slushing of snow underneath a trudger's foot. He feels a grab on his arm and turns around to see me stumbling through the snow holding a snowboard nearly the size of myself. In true Tim form, he graciously smiles and tells me how cute I look and I excitedly return an oversized grin and squeal I can't wait for him to teach me how to snow board.... it could be a very long day! Slowboarder was soon to be my new nickname, and I was happy to own it as I knew I was far  below par. After a good couple of hours of zig-zagging down the beginners slope I begged Tim to go to the top on his own to get a good chance to shred some snow. He unwillingly obliged (not really - I saw right through him and knew he was dying to go) and off he went. This is where the tale takes on a twist. I suddenly was overcome with a monstrous inner ability and determination to tackle this mountain (which, really was too oversized for us to be labelling it  "beginners", it was more like a borderline expert mountain - a feat for anyone, little own humble starters like myself).

We all met down the bottom and we were questioning whether to all go to the top, and I (playing it all down, of course) mentioned that I wasn't sure I was ready, but hey I will give it a go! We ascended the overcoming, overwhelming, over-towering mountain of achievement. As I strapped myself in I got up and without a flint of fear began my descent through the fluffy white snow. At this point in time the sun had disappeared and we were snowy under lamps with the view of the whole town lit up in night sky. It was stunning, but it did not distract me from my Mission Impossible assignment, which I chose to accept. There I was going down the almost vertical drop, when suddenly I could hear people behind me as I swooshed past them, "wow, she's doing alright", and then I could hear the cheers and cries of my name (ok, so it was Lauren, Joel and Tim). I quickly earned my official title, Shelley - The Shredder! I did it, with  minimal, but not absent stacks - a few crackers I might add - but I conquered it! I'll admit I was probably the slowest boarder the slopes had ever had, however the proud moment was entirely soaked up and we had the biggest laughs that day. We apologise that there are no photos of our skiing/boarder. We were just so busy carving up the snow that it was impossible to take a spare moment!

The next day, I felt like I was dying. Our limbs were hating us for our extreme sport attempts the day before, and our muscles were rebuking and harshly chastising us for the workout we'd given them. But, it did not stop us from our exploring. We rugged up and ventured out into the small touristed town to check out the markets and the shops. The ample stores of sheep skins, snow socks, wooden kitchen wares and fluffy hats kept us intrigued and entertained. We didn't know what was to come. And thank you Jesus that it came.... baked Polish cheese with a serving of cranberry jam on top. Oh my dear! The memory of the smell and taste is instantly recalled when thinking on such sweet times, however it could never be put into words just how wonderful it was. I continue to develop my belief that one of the best components about travel is the journey of the tastebuds. It cannot be separated from the history, the natural beauties discovered, the people met along the way... food is so intrinsically a part of it all, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

It eventually had to end, and to farewell us Poland put on a spectacular snow show with blizzard conditions that Joel had to contend with whilst driving us all to the airport. The entire trip was just unforgettable, each destination offering something unique and wonderfully intriguing. We hope you have loved taking the journey with us, as we truly feel grateful and blessed to have the amazing opportunity to discover, endeavour and grow on this trip!