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

 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:

 Tasting at the Gaia Winery, within meters of the Aegean Sea

 The beautiful Aegean...paradise

 Matt & me down from Gaia for a photo op

 Checking out the grapes inside skillfully woven baskets...genius!

 Matt & me at the Domaine Sigalas Winery...we felt like rock stars

 Most delicious dish I've ever had!  Eggplant with tomato chutney of sort.  No success yet in duplicating :(

We just happened to be visiting on the day of the harvest.  They put everyone to work!

Aleha HaShalom

Matt and I just got back from Israel late last night, and we had a ball!  Though the hubs had to work most of the time, I got to visit Jerusalem and Masada, the Judaean Desert, as well as the Dead Sea.  It was the most incredible journey of my entire life, and I cannot wait to return!

In Jerusalem I saw the Via Dolorosa (where the Christ walked to his crucifixion), The Church of the Holy Sepluchre, The Dome on the Rock, Al Aqsa (Temple Mount), Mount of Olives, Western Wall, and much more! 

I just happened to be in Jerusalem the same day Mitt Romney was - talk about nuts!  I prepared a short speech, should we have a chance encounter.  Alas, he was much too busy to entertain an American taxpayer.  It was still cool to get pictures of him and say I was there on such a monumental day (at least to Americans - 99.9% of Israelis could have cared less).  

We were also there during Ramadan and Tish'a B'Av, so that was pretty cool to observe, as well.

The second day our tour came within meters of the Palestinian border, as we drove along the West Bank.  An unexpected surprise, indeed!  Masada, the fortress of King Herod within the Judaean Desert, was spectacular, though wicked hot.  I photographed structures that have stood since 66 CE, and partial ones that were built before.  

Afterwards, I covered myself in detoxifying mud at Mineral Beach and floated in the Dead Sea.  Holy moly, what an experience!  

The morning before we left, Matt and I roamed the streets of Jaffa - the port which the biblical character Jonah supposedly sailed out of before the fish swallowing incident.  It was incredible!!  We wove in and out of streets and alleys looking for the perfect gifts to send home.  I must say, we were pretty lucky.  It was the ultimate Middle Eastern bartering/bazaar experience.  I told Matt when we become millionaires and/or build a house, we must return to Jaffa to furnish the house.  He rolled his eyes, of course.

Hopefully we will be back before then, as I would prefer a trip sooner than later.  It was the ultimate vacation and learning experience.  Hands down, it is the most phenomenal place I've ever visited.  Everyone should visit!!

 Cutest men ever playing backgammon in the Arab quarter.  Fasting is rough!

 A father explaining the story of the Christ's resurrection to his daughter at the Church of the Holy Sepluchre.

After covering myself in mud at Mineral Beach, wishing my love were with me.

Placing my prayer in the Western "Wailing" Wall. 

The stunning Judaean Desert.

For more photos, click here and here!