The next morning we walked really far (in the rain) down to the Rijksmusuem which was awesome. I loved the Rembrandt and the Vermeer. Next we went to the Van Gogh musuem which was probably my favorite art exhibit of the whole trip. His paintings are beautiful and he had such a fascinating life. After that we visited the flower market and toured the Anne Frank House just before catching our train to Bruge, Belgium. We didn't set that much time aside for Amsterdam which actually turned out to be a good thing because it was kindof a dirty, sketchy, rainy city. I'm glad we got to see some cool things there but it wasn't my favorite. Bruge on the other hand WAS my favorite. Bruge is a cute little town in Belgium with so much history and charm. We spent about 2 fantastic days in Bruge touring old churches, taking a bike tour, visiting a chocolate museum, eating amazing pastries and food, buying Belgium chocolate, attending a small LDS branch, going to museums, and observing the wealthy conservative people who actually live there. I wish I could post all 200 pictures I probably took in Bruge because I loved it so much but here are just a few:
After our last morning in Bruge Nate and I hoped on a train to Paris. It was quite the day of traveling and after 3 trains, a metro and a long walk with heavy bags we were ready to explore Paris. I went to Paris in high school with my friend's Lizzie and Danielle and Lizzie's parents and have always wanted to go back. Going with Nathan was romantic and fun. Definitely a highlight of the trip. The first night there we ate in the Rue de Cler neighborhood which was packed with locals. While we had many fabulous eating experiences in France, if you ask me, classic french food like steak tartar is a little overrated. I love the breads, cheeses, crepes and desserts of France but despite its reputation French food just doesn't live up in my opinion. Honestly, can you think of any true French dish that you have eaten in the United States that is that good? I love you Julia Child but what the heck? Aspics just aren't very good. Anyway despite my epiphany, Nathan and I loved Paris. We spent 3 days there doing all the things you have to do if you visit Paris: climbing the Notre Dame, getting lost in the Louvre, visiting the Orsay, eating lunch in the Tulieres gardens, going up the Eiffel Tower at night, walking the Champs E'lysse and so forth. We even visited Le Cordon Bleu Paris - home to countless famous chefs like Giada de Lautentis - and got a tour. My favorite night was the 2nd night there when we went to a concert in the 800 year old St. Chapelle Chapel and then went up the sparkling Eiffel tower at night. Paris really is a special city! What a treat it was to go to Europe. Anyway, I'm going to stop with our trip dialogue here and write Europe part two tomorrow when Nathan is out of town and I have nothing to do at night!
5 comments:
PURE ENVY! Can't wait to see more posts on your glorious Europe trip.
Your trip looked so great! Someday we'll get there.
And I'm with you on the French food.
Wow! That looks like so much fun! I am very jealous!
Hey Erin (and Nate, I like Erin better now ;)) For real though, I feel like I know you Erin, and just the other day I realized I've never met you. Fun trip you went on! Someday we'll do something like that....someday. Like in 20 years maybe. Anyways, my little sister is dating a boy you know. John Shafer? He said he knew you from freshman year. I need some dirt, just kidding. He's from our home ward in California, so we know plenty about him. Just thought it was funny you knew him, I was doing a Facebook background check on him (hehe) and saw you on our "mutual friends." They're actually getting married in December, but it's not quite "official."
awww...how fun! thanks for posting pictures for us to see. i have a feeling it'll be years until we get there...too busy for the moment. looks like you enjoyed it! i'm so glad!
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