Beach life

It's a beautiful Saturday at the end of July and I am sitting on the deck at my mom's place. I'm enjoying just sitting here and looking out at the water. There are pelicans and seagulls floating and sitting on rocks to the left of me. And people swimming and lounging to the right. What a relaxing scene.

Evening on Lake Winnipeg

Hello? Is anybody out there?

I’m definitely not following that “keep your web content fresh” rule to keep visitors coming back. I see the last time I posted something was in May. Oh wait, it was actually April! Now that’s just sad.

Well for anyone that might still visit this blog, here’s a little recap of what’s happened in my life over the last few months:

• Finalized my trip to Europe (yay)
• Did a stint as a juror (intense)
• Finished my bathroom (finally)
• Started playing tennis (poorly)
• Took a trip to Minneapolis with friends (went to my first Twins game too)
• Started talking basement reno (another yay)

And last, but definitely not least, started dating a really great guy. Aaaand, that’s all I’m gonna say about that. I don’t think this is the best place to discuss my love life. I kind of compare it to the people who get their partners name tattooed on them. Nothing good comes from that!

So today I think I will just talk about my European adventure because I’m so freakin excited about it! I’m spending the month of September in England, France and Italy. 28 days in total. My manager Joe hooked me up with a wonderful travel agent, Darlene, and she has planned the trip of a lifetime.

Darlene has me travelling to London and Paris for 7 days each, Venice and Florence for 4 days each, and ending my trip in Rome for 6 days. She picked out hotels that showcase each city’s culture and are in great locations:

• London: The Cadogan
• Paris: Hotel Pont Royale
• Venice: Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal
• Florence: Hotel Monna Lisa
• Rome: Rose Garden Palace

Don’t these places look wonderful?! I’ve been spending the last month devouring travel books and becoming best friends with Google Maps. (How did we ever survive without the Internet?) Google Maps has made some of my trip trepidation disappear since it gives me access to the areas I’m staying in. It’s been good to familiarize myself to these cities before I disembark.

Château de Chenonceau

One of the places I'm visiting in France.

I cannot believe it’s now only a month away. I’ve been waiting to do this for years and it’s finally going to happen. Holy smokes!

That’s it for today. If anyone is still reading this blog and has a “must see” or a “good eat” in one of these places, please leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.