btw, i went to Paris and Barcelona.

Ummmm...yeah...so I knew that I neglected the 'ole blog for most of last year, averaging about one post per month. BUT, for some reason, I thought that I posted at least a little something about my trip to France and Spain. In reviewing last year's post, it became glaringly apparent that I was completely and utterly mistaken. While I did throw some random pics up in various posts that were from my trip, I barely scratched the surface. Shame on me. 

So, for my three readers out there (yes, I'm including you now, seester, after your recent reprimand), I wanted to share a bit more of my trip...which will really be done via pictures as opposed to words. Prepare yourself for an onslaught of photos. #sorrynotsorry

The trip actually came about as a sort of motivation to recover from my bilateral wrist fractures. I saw a living social deal to travel to Paris and Barcelona, found a roommate who was game, and booked the trip in an impulsive whirlwind. It ended up being absolutely incredible and it is still surreal to look at the pictures and know that I was really there. Suffice it to say, we hit the ground running (literally) and didn't stop until we were on the plane back to the U-S-A.

First up was the beautiful and enchanting city of Paris. Hello, amazing. I was worried this city might be all hype, but that couldn't be further from the truth. NOTHING was overrated. The Eiffel Tower really is that incredible. The Louvre really is that big. Versailles really is that opulent. The crepes really are that good. And all of Paris really is that ridiculously romantic. I loved it so much and cannot say enough about it. We ended up taking two bike tours (one day and one night) through the city and it was a fantastic way to cover a lot of ground, see a ton of sites, and learn quite a bit of history. We saw the Notre Dame, the Louvre, Sacre Coeur, Arc de Triomphe, Musee D'Orsay, went to the top of the Eiffel Tower, drank real champagne, took a boat ride down the Seine, toured Versailles...and so.much.more. Here it all is in pictures:

Our last night in France, I think we got back to our hotel after 1am and had to get up at like 3:15am to catch a cab for our flight to Barcelona. I honestly do not know how I made it through that day, but once we landed in Spain, it was full steam ahead. 

As much as I hated to leave Paris, I ended up falling in love with Spain as well. We ended up doing another bike tour there because we had such great experiences in Paris. (we don't discuss how I got lost and separated from the group in a torrential downpour. Praise the Lord our guide came back for the lost sheep.) Barcelona was beautiful and lovely and interesting. Some of the streets reminded me a lot of Rome and there were more gelato places than I ever saw in Italy...crazy! We toured the Sagrada Familia (so incredible), took the telefuric up to Montjuic to see incredible 360 views of Barcelona, went to the beach, toured medieval towns, tasted our way through La Boqueria (the most ridiculous "farmer's market" known to man), saw a traditional flamenco dance show, ate the most delicious food (take me back for more pinchos, please), and so much more. Here it all is in pictures:

It was truly the most incredible experience, such an undeserved gift. Thanks be to God for His provision and for being with us every step of the way. If you have not been and have the opportunity, get your buns to Paris and Barcelona as soon as possible!