January 5, 2012
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 2,400 times in 2011. If it were a cable car, it would take about 40 trips to carry that many people.
Click here to see the complete report.
September 6, 2011
I did Europe on a extremely tight budget. After the transportation cost of airfare and my eurorail pass, lodging was slated to be the next most expensive thing. So, I set out to find a way to not spend every night sleeping on the train – or more specifically train station. (Read Italian Train Station Blog)
My daughter told me about couch surfer about 2 weeks before I left. I guess she was really afraid that I might be sleeping on park benches. I wish I had heard about it sooner. I really could have lined up a couch surfer for every city.
The best times, the best experiences I had, were in the cities where I had a couch surfing host. It’s funny how as Americans we are so mistrustful of people. All my friends responses to couch surfing was “You’re gonna stay with strangers???”
European homes are so much smaller, than American homes. We live in 3 and 4 bedrooms homes with only two people. Hell, I have a 2 bedroom apartment and I live alone. Europeans conserve space, they often live roommate style, with 3 or 4 unrelated person per flat. Bunk beds are used, their bedrooms are half the size of ours. But yet they open their homes to strangers and share their space. I was extremely grateful for their hospitality and left feeling awfully selfish.
So how does couchsurfing work? Couch Surfing is a non-profit. volunteer-based worldwide network connecting travelers with members of local communities, who offer free accommodation and/or advice. Yeah, you saw right FREE. You can and shouId thank you host/hostess, by being a considerate guest, and with a gift. In some cases it was buying lunch or dinner, in others a bottle of wine. But the experience of sharing someone elses culture, first hand was, priceless.
There are safety measure to help you choose who to stay with. Plenty of references, from other travelers, and profiles of host and the type of accomodations they are offering. If you are really interested, check out there website, or send your questions to me in a comment.
I had 3 hostessess, who were all wonderful. I’ve stayed with relatives that didn’t treat me as well.
Bern HostessBrussels Hostess
Brussels Hostess
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I will devote a blog to each of my hostesses. All 3 of them cooked meals for me, and I have video of 2 of them cooking. You won’t want to miss that. So come along with me once more on my European Vacation.
July 20, 2011
Day 1 – Our two week sprint officially started today Yes sprint not marathon. The goal…to put as may fun filled activities into each day a
s possible. If you are unfamiliar with this concept check out the movie ‘The Wedding Date’. (You know we are both movie buffs)
Today was relatively relaxing, I slept in and woke up to the sun shining bright. After our morning coffee and a couple of episodes of the West Wing we ventured out for a late lunch.
This first week I am experiencing Phoenix the same way my BFF Pat does on a daily basis…so we headed out for lunch on the BUS. I don’t think I’ve caught the bus in over 20 years (God is Good). I saw some interesting people and if I wasn’t afraid to take their pictures I would’ve shared them with you too. The
temperature was 106 degrees. We caught two buses to The Urban Tea Loft, a black owned and operated resturant located in downtown Chandler (shouts out to Glynnis and Eric the owners). For lunch I had a Dark Vanilla Iced Tea and Grilled Chicken Citrus Salad and Pat had a Green Citrus Iced Tea with the Salmon Salad. Both were very enjoyable. For dessert we shared a slice of Red Velvet Cake which was topped with edible rose petals. The server suggested that we wrap some of the frosting in the rose petals…it was delicious!!! We also had Chi Tea Martinis which were served in silver martini glasses. It was a great lunch (thanks Jazz for turning us on to the spot). After lunch, we bused it back home stopping along the way to pick up floating devices for the pool (check back tomorrow).
We spent the evening at home sipping the drink of the day a Paloma, tequilla and ruby red grapefruit juice, which was quite refreshing in 
this heat. We watched two movies, Love and Action in Chicago with Courtney Vance and Regina King, and Sabrina with Harrison Ford. Both are great love stories which we have seen several times but still enjoy immensely. Pick them up when you get the Wedding Date.
Well its off to bed. It’s only 10:30pm here in Phoenix but my body is still on B-Lo time, 1:30am and Pat plans on waking me up at 5:30am so we can walk before the heat of the day gets too great to bear. Pray that I don’t pass out on the walk.
Remember to appreciate the simple pleasures of this life…Good Food…Good Drinks…and GREAT FRIENDS!!! They are PRICELESS
God Bless and Talk with you tomorrow. J
Pat at the Urban Tea Loft
December 27, 2010
This should be a fun and easy post. I love shoes. When I can’t find anything else to buy, I can always buy shoes. One of the best gifts I got this year were these sexy red shoes. A special friends bought those for me. She knew my style, knew enough about me to know my size, knew that I would love them, but probably wouldn’t buy them. They were the perfect gift. I LOVED THEM, and still do. You bet I think about her every time I put them on!
Now, in Europe , I took lots of pictures of shoes – men and women’s shoes. I will insert them as a slide show at the bottom. But there are a few that I want to give honorable mention to.
First let me share these two that I found locally – then the European Slide Show.
Nice Holiday ShoeJust Sexy
Just Sexy
December 26, 2010
Street Art - Amsterdam
Amsterdam - A Fun Place
Several years ago, a major retailer use to run a commercial that started the day after Christmas – I always though it was a catchy tune and was quite approrpriate. It was . . . .
“Almost Everything you wanted, But didnt get for Christmas, is On Sale now at _____________!”
Now when I looked up the definition of Boxing Day I got several different definition for the day. But it didn’t really tie into what I was getting at for this post. Cause here in the U.S. , where we can make anything commercial and a reason to spend more money, we use it as just another shopping day. So in that spirit . . .
Christmas is over, all the presents are unwrapped, you got what you got. If you’re lucky, you got some gift cards, or cash, or you have some of your paycheck left to spend. This is the day to buy Christmas Stuff at 50% off – or to buy that thing for yourself, that every body managed to forget – or take back the duplicate stuff and unwanted stuff for What You Really Want.
So, here are a few more pictures of European Stuff that you might want to add or give to someone you love. For me I unfortunately work in Retail and will be there all day making sure my shoppers get just what they want. But tomorrow, a whole post on what I can always buy that puts a smile on my face . . . .Shoes
December 21, 2010
The real art of giving a gift is knowing enough about the person, to be able to choose something that they would truly like. For me that is the best joy, when someone opens a gift I’ve given them and they have that look of total suprise, because they had no idea you were going to buy them anything or that you knew they had a special day. Two – the look of elation when they open something that they have been really wanting and you got it for them. Three – that look when you’ve given them something really special that they never expected, but it is so there personality that they love it instantly.
Now #3 is the hardest gift to buy. It’s always one of those elusive things that you just run across. Sometimes you see the item, before you realize a person to fit it. Like #3 there are some special people that are the hardest to buy for. A couple categories of these folks are, the really picky, (they are never satisfied unless they get it themselves), the older crowd, (they have everything and don’t need anything), and those with money (They buy what they want before anyone can buy it for them – or you can’t afford anything they would like).
But there is one thing to remember a gift doesn’t have to be expensive to be greatly appreciated. Sometimes little things are most appreciated. Like assorted candy bars for the person with a sweet tooth. I’m a coffee lover and there is never a time when a starbucks gift card is not appreciated. (A Target gift cards runs a short second).
Chocolates from Brussels
Remember though – a gift card is a last resort. They are quite convenient and I believe should be used in the following situations.
1. In a hurry for a last minute gift (Oops I forgot to get something – this will do)
2. Can’t afford what they really want, so I”ll buy them a gift certificate to assist them in getting it.
3. For people you don’t know that well. (office gift exchanges etc.)
Well, I digress – so to get back on track below are some pictures of items I saw on my European Vacation that would make great gifts for special people. Hopefully, if you have a last minute person to buy for, you will see something that sparks and idea and helps you finish that last minute shopping!
Cigars for the Gentlemen that you Know!
Unusual Jewelry, I like it but would never buy for myself.
Dominoes Anyone!
For people that enjoy games – Up scaled version of there favorites make wonderful additions to the decor as well as the game lovers collection. This domino set in leather and the vibrant green is pretty and functional. It may make you learn to play the game! lol
These next two are for the truly special. The Fabrege’ Egg is expensive and out of most our our leagues as giver or receipient. but they are certainly delicate and pretty, a beautiful work of art. The last item the magnifying glass is the unusual. It is old, I found it at a outside bazaar in Bern, Switzerland. I loved the workmanship, the marble handle – it was just different. One of those things for someone who has everything AND is interested and would appreciate this type of gift.
Well tomorrow it is time to start getting ready for that Christmas Dinner – Food and Wine are next. FINISH THAT SHOPPING – TODAY! Tomorrow We Cook!
December 19, 2010
Clothes, Clothes, Clothes – Always a big seller for the holidays. While in Europe, I saw lots of fashion. With Percy and Bo already at capacity when I left, bringing anything back was out of the question – except on my trusty camera, and I took lots of pictures of things I would have bought if I had the room and the money. I also took pictures with my friends in mind. Hopefully some interesting things you all will enjoy. Now sit back an go on a little European Shopping trip with me, and just maybe get some ideas for those last minute presents and hard to buy for people. Or a little something for yourself.
For all my Cold Weather Friends and Family
. Buffalo, MD, DC, even NC. If you have to be cold, you may as well do it in style. Those of us who have ever lived in these climates know, IT IS HARD TO BE CUTE IN THE WINTER!
But I loved these gloves at first sight, fairly expensive with the real fur cuffs, but they keep the snow and the hawk from running up your sleeves.
The Hat is just georgous, and it looks so warm and cozy. Like you need a cognac and a fire to go with it.
Animal lovers, give me a break and save the comments. I didn’t kill the animal it was already dead in the window when I saw it. But I would love to give it a good home, so that it’s death would not be in vain!
These lovely gifts above are all from London, England.
OK, Now a little something for the fellas. I’m going to start by saying – Guys remember, these are European fashions, and you have to be really fashion forward to appreciate them.
Here is a well know name in Hugo Boss – This was taken in Switzerland – the capital city of Bern
Now this next jacket is bold at best! I’m sorry guys, it has to be said and I’m going to say it – For the most part American Men don’t care anything about dressing. We have taken casual and comfort to a disgusting level. When did sloppy get to be fashionable? Aauuggh!
Now show me the man confident enough to rock this! Make it your own. Hold your head high. Wear it with such pride, confidence and masculinity that NO one would dare ask “Is he Gay?”
Now I probably will admit that the red pants with it are a bit to much – But I would rather walk down the street with this guy, then one with jeans that are too big, sagging to his butt crack, and sneakers.
Casual Elegance – with a little color – I LIKE IT!
People this is from Amsterdam – Where else? It was the “funnest” (new word) place I went, even without the coffee shop!
OK ladies, its your turn – Now you know, it was hard to post just 3 pictures, but like real shopping – you can’t have it all. So a little something for New Year’s Eve, a little something for work, and a little something to go out in. (I”ll let you decide which one you’ll wear to work. I guess it depends on where you work! lol) But the best gifts are something you like that you would never buy for yourself.
I didn’t include any shoes in this entry. When I looked through my pictures I realized SHOES needs to be a day all to itself. Even if I don’t make it in this 7 day countdown, I promise to have a shoe only day for Christmas. There is some good stuff to look at. So for today, have a great one and get out there and finish that shopping. That perfect gift for someone is waiting.
December 19, 2010
It is just 1 week til Christmas and 2 weeks til New Years. Aaah New Years the day I kicked off my first blog – “All roads lead to Europe”. For 10 months, every decision I made impacted my upcomimng trip. This blog was an intricle part of that. It kept me focused, and always looking for ways to make the trip possible. But most of all it heightened my anticipation and allowed me to share my experiences with you all.
To all my readers and casual visitors, I apoligize. Since my return I have been a bad blogger. But you come back to the grind, and work (I work in retail, and believe me it’s been one quick slide to Christmas since Halloween), and I just couldn’t seem to focus long enough to come up with anything worthy of following up my trip.
I also can not end this year without putting my baby to sleep properly. So from now to Christmas a blog everyday to wrap up All Roads, and tie up any loose ends. So for the next 7 days ponder the thought “WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?” I will explored some ideas each day – of course they will all tie into Europe and my Trip. So check daily to catch some of the many pictures that you may have missed from Europe.
Now, I have been spending alot of time thinking about what next years blog focus should be. I have a couple of ideas and one that stand out more than the rest. I just need to figure out how to put it in a format that will last a year – but keep looking. The week between Christams and New Years will focus on that with my New Blog reveal on New Years Eve at Midnight.
September 8, 2010
I just arrived in London, am still in the arport. Found a free computer with some time left on it and figured I’d let everyone know I’m alive and well. Heading to the outside for a smoke and then the tube to my couchsurfing host and the Big city. It is fogging and cloudy as I hear is the usually for London, but I’m off to start this vacation. Check later for more updates.
Taking you With Me
London Temp: 61
Picture of the Day
Person of the Day
Meal of the Day
Sylvia, is also couch surfing with my Host Tamar, and she made dinner for us last night. Sylvia is from Belguim and moving to London, but she speaks french. (Dre, I got some good practice and lessons). I can remember what she called this dish, but it’s like ratouille in a burito. I have video of Sylvia making this receipe which is wonderful. I just need to figure out how to upload it. lol Stay Tuned.
Don’t forget to check Scavenger Hunt Items. I’m tired guys – jet lag kickin in. I’ll see you tomorrow. Sight seeing!
September 7, 2010
I am on my way to Europe. Today is all airport, all day and all night but when I wake in the morning, I”ll be in London.
I new friend awaits me. My couch surfing host in London.
Day: Tuesday
Date: September 7, 2010
Meal of the Day
Ok, give me a break, I was in the airport all day and I wasn’t trying to spend any more money than necessary while I was on that side of the Atlantic!
Drink of the Day
Me for the Day
I am in Philadelphia, getting ready to board the plane to London. I will have to upload the picture of travel day tomorrow. I would gues most of my post will be evening post aposed to my normal morning. Buy I am alive and well,m and will talk to you tomorrow.
All Roads Lead To . . . 
