Das Coles

Friday, November 30, 2012

Morocco, Day One

I'm so sad Matt missed out on our trip Fes, but I must say, I had a great time!

My second year at Auburn, I enrolled in a course called "Islam and Politics". We studied Arab nations extensively, and I just fell in love with the subject matter. It was then I decided to travel the Middle East and North Africa.

Israel was beautiful, and it is still so dear to my heart, but it is not the same as diving in to an Islamic country.

But when I woke in the morning to the day's first call to prayer, I felt I finally made it.

Arab culture is so warm, welcoming, and hospitable, and my small taste of Fes immediately made we want to plan a trip to Turkey (and countries influenced by Islam) as soon as possible.

But you don't care about that...let's get to photos!

Spices galore!

Am I in heaven? Oh, no? A date and nut stand you say? SOLD.

Making my first pot of mint tea.

Just one of many beautiful tea sets.

Chopping up peppers.

Holding cous cous and veggies :)

The group.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Stockholm

While our husbands were away, Lindsey and I decided to take a trip. Just so happens we thought Sweden would be the perfect place. I've heard the most amazing things about Stockholm, and Scandinavia has been on my list for years.

There are so many things I love about Stockholm - the architecture, history, and royal family. And stepping into Sweden is like moving at least 15 years forward. Everything is beautiful, high quality, and posh, and people are nice; you don't have to worry about getting mugged at say, gun point.

The people are gorgeous - men and women. They are fit, tall, and dress smart. They are kind, happy, and, did I say gorgeous!??! What I am describing here is heaven.

My tie for favorite country ties with Israel, and Stockholm rivals any city I've visited. Just beautiful, even when it's cold.

Oh, and the Swedish greeting is "Hey!" Perfect.

First street I deemed photo worthy

Even though it rained all weekend, it was beautiful

Me in front of the Royal Palace. Can't wait to take this photo in front of many more palaces!! See you in December, Buckingham ;)

One of the main shopping streets in Stockholm

We happened to wander upon the Stockholm Film Festival. Lots of people and paparazzi! No idea which films/stars were there...haha

Market

View from bridge to Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Cheese!

Cheese again!

Lindsey and I woke up at 6:30 the last morning we were there to take photos with no one around. I must say, this is genius, and I'm doing in every city, from now on.

Matt and I were supposed to head to Fes (Fez), Morocco on Thursday, but it seems he will have to work. Looks like I'm still headed there. I sure wish he would be there with me. I'll make sure I bring back plenty of goodies for him :)

Venice, Second Go

Our very first vacation in Europe was Venice. When we were there in March 2011 it was chilly (though sunny and beautiful!), quiet, and the Bridge of Sighs was covered. This time, it was gorgeous, though a bit toasty, packed, and the bridge was exposed!!!

This means so much to be because during WWII, when he was stationed over here, my Daddy Joe sent my Dot Dot a postcard of the Bridge of Sighs. In March 2011, I sent Dot Dot nearly the exact same postcard (shot of the bridge), that my grandfather did. The bridge is more than a structure for me - it ties me to my grandfather. I know he walked all over the city, with it looking more or less as it does today. Perhaps that's why I love Venice so much??

We also took a short day trip to Padova, or Padua. Sound familiar? Taming of the Shrew, anyone!??!

The beautiful Bridge of Sighs

Matt checking out St. Anthony's Basilica in Padova (Padua)

You had to cover up to go in. Not that I mind purchasing a new scarf...

Sarah & I wander in to an Italian co-op and find diary free ice cream!

Thinking of the world's greatest grandfather in front of the Ponte dei Sospiri

"Gondale, gondale, gondale!!"

Really? Perfect photo op.

The Rialto is magnificent.

Love birds.

Street in Padua

Matt in front of The Basilica of St. Anthony

St. Anthony's Basilica and me

Cruise

We also had a bit of fun on the 'ole boat...

Cheesin'

If we lived in the 1960s...

Smooch!

Having fun with our besties :)

Mykonos

We took scooters in Mykonos to get to Paradise Beach. It was terrifying, but worth it.

Paradise Beach, and Daron playing in the sand

Flory & Cole autotimer success!

Hanging on for dear life...

Beautiful Mykonos

Oia

Oia is a town on top of the mountain on the coast of Santorini. You've probably seen photos of the blue and white buildings against the bright blue ocean. We showed up right at sunset - it was such a magical experience!

Oia

I love this photo of Matt

Matt & me

Sarah and Daron

Loved this! Precious little pooches everywhere! This one was taking an afternoon nap on a cliff. No joke, right behind him was a drop.

Florys & Coles

Oopsy

Sorry!! The last few months have been busy with school and what not. Besides, I tried to sit down and update everyone a couple of months ago and couldn't remember my password.

Today I was hit with a momentary stroke of genius, quickly found the computer, and Eureka! I'm in :)

We last left off at Israel, which was amazing. Sadly, both Palestine and Israel are experiencing violence and hardship that none of us can imagine. I hate to see a country that I love so dearly be torn apart and ripped with violence.

We should all remember just how lucky we are.

Shortly after Israel, Matt and I met up with Sarah and Daron in Venice and cruised through the Greek Islands. Talk about heaven. All of the islands were beautiful, but Santorini was my favorite. Here are some photos: