The Euro life

It's good, I won't lie. Just got back from 4 days in Paris, and it couldn't have been more awesome. And despite the fact that we Belgians mock the French with a vengeance (and vice-versa, I might add), we really love France. I mean, with a passion.

So now I'm back in Belgium - in Merelbeke, to be precise, which is the town/village my grandparents live in right outside of Ghent. I'm already almost halfway done with my trip and I feel like there's so much to do before I leave! But it's been great - though I forget how much of life is centered around eating and drinking. And the weather has been pretty crappy (I've been thinking about you guys suffering through the heat wave - I only brought two sweaters and it's been COLD!).

Anyways, not too much else to report. But I'm excited to hear about interviews when they start, and even more excited to hear about reactions to the Bachelorette when I get back :) I haven't watched last week's yet, but it's on my list of must-do items!

Any 1343 T St. gossip for me?

Vegas and home

So my Vegas trip is over, and it was highly successful. If you consider learning a lot about blackjack and a bit about math instruction a success. I did have a good time at the conference, but the best part was hanging out and exploring Vegas with my coworkers. That place is incredible. I stayed in the Venetian, and as someone who has been to real Venice, they did an incredible job replicating that place. There is a canal with real gondola boats and drivers (rowers, paddlers?) who actually sing. And they wear the same stripey suits that they wear in real Venice. And they have great food there, complete with delicious gelato. I also went to the Paris hotel, where I tried to sneak a free trip up the EIfel tower but ended up in the restaurant about one third of the way up, I also saw the Bellagio fountain show, ate some really good food and won some money in blackjack. All in all, a success.

Now I'm in California and have been hanging out with my family and friends here. I went to the California State fair today with my two best friends from high school, and one of my friends' 2 year old son. It was definitely more fun than I thought it would be. I have also been doing a lot of trip planning with my parents. It turns out we can't go skiing in Chile because there is no snow. But its ok because with Jackie's excellent help, we have found more than enough things to do to extend our Ecuador trip an extra 4 days, and now we are going to Macchu Picchu! I'm pretty excited about that.

I just finished watching last week's Bachelorette episode on demand and endured more than enough ridicule from my mom (who, I may add, watches Jersey Shore and still found it necessary to talk through the entire two hours about the idiocy of the Bachelorette), but my little sister is officially hooked, so that's an accomplishment in my book. I can't wait for the hometown visits tomorrow!

Lets blog!

Hey guys,
Marion and I had the idea to start a blog for the summer to keep track of everyone's adventures while we are all in different places. While it may seem that this is simply a place for Marion and me to make you jealous of our fun travels, we do what to know what we are missing around here! With the exception of who gets kicked off the bachelorette (I may have to watch it late!) we want to know what kind of fun shenanigans you guys get yourselves into in DC, and we'll keep you posted on our national and international galavanting.

Cool?