To Mallorca, Beth and Jess go.
So for the second weekend in a row.
We were seperated once again
Your daughter I severely missed, Ben.
Megan and I stayed at home.
our only connection to the two were by phone.
We decided to get a lot done.
and hang out with our Mallorca friends for fun.
Kit sent an enormous gift
By golly, it was hard to lift.
Heavy with cookies and candy galore
the book and DVDs made this weekend not a bor.
She is my best friend and number one sister
and boy do I miss her.
The sweetest gal I know
In Costa Rica we thought of getting a tatoo on our big toe.
Megan had an infection in her ear
So this weekend we didn't drink much beer.
One on one time with MC
We should have charged a fee.
Did I think getting a haircut here
I would be in the clear?
In Spain, girls have mullets too
I didn't want one, but the hairdresser had not a clue.
Kiterooski...you really are the best EVER!
In our backyard Dad set up tether.
Can't wait to see you and the the greatest fam of all time
Over Christmas break we will be together...100% better than fine!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
“We didn’t come to learn about Oceanography, we came to learn how to love.”
I am back. Back again. I am back. Without Beth, my friend. Betha will not be in full force throughout this blog excerpt. We were split up for the first time all semester. Shocking, I know. Our Oceanography class is too grande to take everyone on the class trip together, so Megan and I went to the Baleric Islands without Jess and Beth, who will be going next weekend.
Megan and I met the rest of the class at the airport on Thursday morning. After the hour long flight, we took a bus to our hotel. The lobby’s glass walls overlooked massive cliffs and the royal blue Mediterranean Sea. After settling into our room, we met most of our classmates on the pool deck, which again, was completely gorg. Here, we got to know everyone whom we didn’t recognize from class (we sit in the front row). Raul took us to the cliff, located beside the pool, where several of our classmates started jumping off. The forty foot fall was enough to personally pass up. After feasting on the hostel’s delic dinner buffet, we got ready for a night on the town and invited everyone into our room for a United Nations pregamming party. We walked down our street toward a local bar and ran into, none other then our charmingly guapo Spanish prof. Every girl blushing, we wondered, who would be bold enough to take a picture with him? You shall ponder no longer…it was yours truly and few other chicas. Check out the pictures to see exactly WHY we sit in the front row. At the bar, we took over the microphone from a local fav, Margo.
The following morning we took the bus to Michael Douglas’ property. Here, we watched a short video on Michael Douglas (who has done a lot of work in preserving the island from tourism), and a show about the Archduke of the island. After getting café con leche with our new best friends, we walked around the small town of Valdemosa. Next, we took the bus to go scuba diving. Yes, we got licensed and all… the U.S. is far too uptight on liability issues…or maybe Europe is extremely lax. Regardless, we watched a 10 minute film on what not to do while submerged under 10 meters of water, and headed out to the boat, wetsuit, gogs, and flipper in hand. Each group of four had their own Mallorcan instructor who did not hesitate to continuously crack inappropriate yet hilarious jokes on all of us. Once we reached our scuba destination and mustered up the courage, strapped on our air tank then fell backwards into the crystal blue water. We swam with Diego (hand in hand) to the shallow end for a little practice. Our group had quite a few problems with getting used to the sport (imagine that) but Diego was very patient. Once our breathing was under control we linked hands and swam around the ocean blue. After being spotted by our classmates, we let go of one another’s hands (besides Megan with her death grip to Diego) and floated around the mysterious habitat. Diego showed us how to play with squid and octopi (who thankfully refrained from inking us). After 32 minutes under water, we found our way back to the boat and descubbad. We went to the beach for a little then feasted on the unlimited supply of ice cream (Collins girl at her finest slash fatass) which made for a rejuvenating meal. After showering (room flooded) we again had people over for drinks, then out we went for a more low key night in Palma De Mallorca.
On Saturday we woke up early and took the bus to the north cost of Mallorca where we boarded a boat to begin our voyage to a smaller Balearic Island called Cabrera. We took a hike up a hill toward an old Spanish castle which was originally used to look out for Pirates. Raul (what a smarty) told us that during the Spanish/ French war, Spain put 12,000 French prisoners on the island and forgot about them. After two years (I think), there were only 2,000 prisoners left because of disease, starvation and cannibalism. Major EFF. We explored the island then snorkeled for a while. Finally, we ate lunch on the boat and headed back to Mallorca. I PROMISE, I’M ALMOST DONE! After a short siesta, we got ready for our last night in Mallorca. Another pre-party in 725 (did I mention, the elevators were SO fast in the hotel) we went to one of the most famous clubs on the island called BCM. We cut many a rug on the dance floor and had an unforgettable time.
On Sunday, our scuba instructors took us kayaking, so we decided to leave behind the only two jerks in the class (muhaha). Megan and I jumped into a double kayak and played around with our friends who were jumping off cliffs, the top of the boat, and swimming in caves. The rest of the day was spent hanging around the hotel before our flight home.
All in all, I honestly can’t say if I have ever had a better weekend. I am completely J of Beth and Jess and might hide in their suitcase when they leave on Thursday. Double dog dare me…
Megan and I met the rest of the class at the airport on Thursday morning. After the hour long flight, we took a bus to our hotel. The lobby’s glass walls overlooked massive cliffs and the royal blue Mediterranean Sea. After settling into our room, we met most of our classmates on the pool deck, which again, was completely gorg. Here, we got to know everyone whom we didn’t recognize from class (we sit in the front row). Raul took us to the cliff, located beside the pool, where several of our classmates started jumping off. The forty foot fall was enough to personally pass up. After feasting on the hostel’s delic dinner buffet, we got ready for a night on the town and invited everyone into our room for a United Nations pregamming party. We walked down our street toward a local bar and ran into, none other then our charmingly guapo Spanish prof. Every girl blushing, we wondered, who would be bold enough to take a picture with him? You shall ponder no longer…it was yours truly and few other chicas. Check out the pictures to see exactly WHY we sit in the front row. At the bar, we took over the microphone from a local fav, Margo.
The following morning we took the bus to Michael Douglas’ property. Here, we watched a short video on Michael Douglas (who has done a lot of work in preserving the island from tourism), and a show about the Archduke of the island. After getting café con leche with our new best friends, we walked around the small town of Valdemosa. Next, we took the bus to go scuba diving. Yes, we got licensed and all… the U.S. is far too uptight on liability issues…or maybe Europe is extremely lax. Regardless, we watched a 10 minute film on what not to do while submerged under 10 meters of water, and headed out to the boat, wetsuit, gogs, and flipper in hand. Each group of four had their own Mallorcan instructor who did not hesitate to continuously crack inappropriate yet hilarious jokes on all of us. Once we reached our scuba destination and mustered up the courage, strapped on our air tank then fell backwards into the crystal blue water. We swam with Diego (hand in hand) to the shallow end for a little practice. Our group had quite a few problems with getting used to the sport (imagine that) but Diego was very patient. Once our breathing was under control we linked hands and swam around the ocean blue. After being spotted by our classmates, we let go of one another’s hands (besides Megan with her death grip to Diego) and floated around the mysterious habitat. Diego showed us how to play with squid and octopi (who thankfully refrained from inking us). After 32 minutes under water, we found our way back to the boat and descubbad. We went to the beach for a little then feasted on the unlimited supply of ice cream (Collins girl at her finest slash fatass) which made for a rejuvenating meal. After showering (room flooded) we again had people over for drinks, then out we went for a more low key night in Palma De Mallorca.
On Saturday we woke up early and took the bus to the north cost of Mallorca where we boarded a boat to begin our voyage to a smaller Balearic Island called Cabrera. We took a hike up a hill toward an old Spanish castle which was originally used to look out for Pirates. Raul (what a smarty) told us that during the Spanish/ French war, Spain put 12,000 French prisoners on the island and forgot about them. After two years (I think), there were only 2,000 prisoners left because of disease, starvation and cannibalism. Major EFF. We explored the island then snorkeled for a while. Finally, we ate lunch on the boat and headed back to Mallorca. I PROMISE, I’M ALMOST DONE! After a short siesta, we got ready for our last night in Mallorca. Another pre-party in 725 (did I mention, the elevators were SO fast in the hotel) we went to one of the most famous clubs on the island called BCM. We cut many a rug on the dance floor and had an unforgettable time.
On Sunday, our scuba instructors took us kayaking, so we decided to leave behind the only two jerks in the class (muhaha). Megan and I jumped into a double kayak and played around with our friends who were jumping off cliffs, the top of the boat, and swimming in caves. The rest of the day was spent hanging around the hotel before our flight home.
All in all, I honestly can’t say if I have ever had a better weekend. I am completely J of Beth and Jess and might hide in their suitcase when they leave on Thursday. Double dog dare me…
Curious... by Britney Spears
You might want to sit down for this one… For the first time in ages, Betha was forced to separate this weekend. It was a devastating 4 days in both of our lives, but somehow we got through it. So, we are going to have to blog solo…. Twice the excitement for you guys to read!
Without our partners in crime in Mallorca for the weekend, Jess and I decided to take a trip to the south of Spain to see Sevilla and Granada. We woke up EARLY Friday morning to catch a 6 hour bus to Sevilla. Our hostel turned out to be the Ritz Carlton of hostels, complete with rooftop terrace and a pool. Even more luxurious, Jess and I had our own room with a balcony: the honeymoon suite for our romantic weekend together. We freshened up and then headed out to do some sightseeing. First we visited Seville’s Cathedral (the third largest in the world, according to Rick Steve’s). Apparently Christopher Columbus is buried there… probs not really him though. Next we walked to the Alcazar… check out the pictures, it must have been a tough life living there. After an afternoon of sightseeing, we headed back to get ready for a flamenco show. Sevilla is known as the home of Spanish flamenco, and the show was awesome from our front row seats. Back at the hostel, we hung out on the terrace and made some Swedish friends before heading out for a night on the town. First, we hung out in a plaza full of bars with people packed in the streets. After making some Spanish friends, we joined them at a bar/club, but the 40-something crowd clad in business suits wasn’t really our scene, so we made our way to another bar before heading in for the night.
The next morning we caught another early bus to Granada, but wishing we had more time in Sevilla. Our hostel was another palace… if you ever need to find a decent hostel anywhere, Jess Westlake is your girl. We found our way through the skinny streets, filled with shops with plenty of Moroccan influence, and headed up to La Alhambra. After a serious hike up the mountain, we arrived, out of breath, to check out another gorgeous palace. Jess and I plan on modeling our first homes after La Alhambra or the Alcazar. Check out the pictures, but they don’t do it justice!
Back at the hostel, we continued living the life with a 4 course feast cooked by some of our hostel friends. We also found out the hostel bar was hosting a "Transvestite Night" pregame that night. Fat and happy from our first meal of the weekend outside of PBJs on white bread, we showered, got ready, and watched the Rugby World Cup championship with our new Australian friends. It turns out, they had stayed at the same hostel as us the night before in Sevilla. Small world... literally! They had recognized us from Jess' vintage clothing the day before. Anyway, after the game, we enjoyed a hilarious and rowdy pregame with guys dressed as girls and girls dressed as ridiculous girls. Fortunately or unfortunately, Jess and I didn't dress in costume, but we still had a ball, then went out to spend the rest of the night at the club with our new friends.
Without our partners in crime in Mallorca for the weekend, Jess and I decided to take a trip to the south of Spain to see Sevilla and Granada. We woke up EARLY Friday morning to catch a 6 hour bus to Sevilla. Our hostel turned out to be the Ritz Carlton of hostels, complete with rooftop terrace and a pool. Even more luxurious, Jess and I had our own room with a balcony: the honeymoon suite for our romantic weekend together. We freshened up and then headed out to do some sightseeing. First we visited Seville’s Cathedral (the third largest in the world, according to Rick Steve’s). Apparently Christopher Columbus is buried there… probs not really him though. Next we walked to the Alcazar… check out the pictures, it must have been a tough life living there. After an afternoon of sightseeing, we headed back to get ready for a flamenco show. Sevilla is known as the home of Spanish flamenco, and the show was awesome from our front row seats. Back at the hostel, we hung out on the terrace and made some Swedish friends before heading out for a night on the town. First, we hung out in a plaza full of bars with people packed in the streets. After making some Spanish friends, we joined them at a bar/club, but the 40-something crowd clad in business suits wasn’t really our scene, so we made our way to another bar before heading in for the night.
The next morning we caught another early bus to Granada, but wishing we had more time in Sevilla. Our hostel was another palace… if you ever need to find a decent hostel anywhere, Jess Westlake is your girl. We found our way through the skinny streets, filled with shops with plenty of Moroccan influence, and headed up to La Alhambra. After a serious hike up the mountain, we arrived, out of breath, to check out another gorgeous palace. Jess and I plan on modeling our first homes after La Alhambra or the Alcazar. Check out the pictures, but they don’t do it justice!
Back at the hostel, we continued living the life with a 4 course feast cooked by some of our hostel friends. We also found out the hostel bar was hosting a "Transvestite Night" pregame that night. Fat and happy from our first meal of the weekend outside of PBJs on white bread, we showered, got ready, and watched the Rugby World Cup championship with our new Australian friends. It turns out, they had stayed at the same hostel as us the night before in Sevilla. Small world... literally! They had recognized us from Jess' vintage clothing the day before. Anyway, after the game, we enjoyed a hilarious and rowdy pregame with guys dressed as girls and girls dressed as ridiculous girls. Fortunately or unfortunately, Jess and I didn't dress in costume, but we still had a ball, then went out to spend the rest of the night at the club with our new friends.
Sunday morning, we woke up to check out of our hostel and enjoy some leftovers from the night before. Risotto for breakfast is the new cure for the hangover... who knew? We spent Sunday with our Australian pals on a self-guided tour of Granada, which led us on another steep hike to a breathtaking view of the city. We took a few paparazzi snapshots of the gypsies that live in the mountains... their houses may lack 4 solid walls but they sure don't lack creativity. Unfortunately, it was time to go, but it was tough to end such an awesome weekend. After another hideously long bus ride, we had a tearful reunion with Meg and Bec back at MC's and stayed up exchanging stories of our weekends. According to Megan and Becca, Jess and I have an incredible trip ahead of us this weekend in Mallorca... can't wait!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
"I cannot believe its today, laddie"
TOP O' THE DAY TO YA! Last weekend, we ventured to our ancestors old stomping grounds...Ireland! Suzy Herlihy (fellow laxer breh) is studying abroad in Galway. She took us under her wing and proved to be quite the hostess with the mostest. We skipped classes (got our priorities in check) and boarded a plane to Shannon Thursday mornin'. (Debbie O'Jenkins, the remainder of this blog is to be read with your killer Irish brogue.) After landing, we found our way to the bus station to hop on the earliest bus to Galway. Suzy greeted us with rosy cheeks, no warts. She was very kind, and sort of witty...very sweet and VERY pretty. We dropped our luggage off in her abode before taking a tour of the quaint city. We stopped for some Irish fish&chips (BYOB Blumbers-- Irish cider.) That evening, Suzy took us to a popular Irish pub where we Jigged the night away... (hardshoes and all) to a live Irish cover band...it's true, the Irish sweat U2. We met some of Megan's friends from Nova (eef) who are also studying in Galway. We were pleased to find that it was okay to eat dinner by 7, go out by 9, and return before sunrise.
We woke up early the next morning to catch a ferry to the Aran Islands. Suzy had class so the four of us (still not sick of eachother yet) got ready for an adventure to see some of Ireland's most famous sights. After rented bikes, we took off like the cast of "Now and Then." Looking fashonable in our rain gear (check out the posted pictures) we rode through the incredible rocky and green countryside. The inhabitants of the Aran Islands still speak traditional Gaelic. No maps in hand and a strong sense of direction (Becca led the way...probs not though), we found our way to Dun Aonghasa, an ancient Celtic fort built by Celtic tribesmen circa 2000BC. The ruin was at the peak of a huge cliff where Becca showed us some of her dive team expertise. Kidding, but we did hang off the edge and wished MC was there so we could throw her over. Our picnic was enjoyed thoroughly. We did a little gift shopping, then hopped on the ferry. Sweet talking to a ferry driver leprechaun resulted in free access to the pot of gold...Lion Candy Bars.
When arrived home, Suzy had a gourmet dinner waiting. Thanks, babygurllll! Afterward, we headed out for another night on the town where we met some more of Suzy and Megan's friends, some Aussies, and Brits. We are totes becoming some international socialites. Again, we danced the night away at some pubs and clubs. Our roomate found her future hubby (he's from BOSTON and in DENTAL school!) and couldn't resist another dance floor makeout. (She will remain anonymous but we can tell you one thing...it was neither of us, nor Megan...and MC wasn't with us.)
Saturday morning we got a taste of Irish flavor at Galway's Farmer's Market. The rest of the day was spent walking around the adorable city, shopping and taking in the sites. Suzy showed us her campus (it was no SLU). That night we went to another pub with a really fun live band to enjoy a few pints. We met some lads who were celebrating a stag party aka bachelor party. They had already lost the bachelor but didn't hesitate to extend the wedding invite to us. Our Irish dancing skills were not quite stellar in comparison to the moves those Irish blokes taught us. Again, we had a ball!
Sunday morning we woke up and got bagels only to meet our Irish friends from the night before. We wallowed in our recovery together and left them with a friendly "Cheers!" We went to church in the Galway Cathedral. The first Mass that we could actually understand! We traveled through the night into Monday morning and arrived home just in time to take our Oceanography midterm...hopefully Raul will be generous when grading. We are making plans for Jess' Birthday weekend so you know the blog will be good.
We woke up early the next morning to catch a ferry to the Aran Islands. Suzy had class so the four of us (still not sick of eachother yet) got ready for an adventure to see some of Ireland's most famous sights. After rented bikes, we took off like the cast of "Now and Then." Looking fashonable in our rain gear (check out the posted pictures) we rode through the incredible rocky and green countryside. The inhabitants of the Aran Islands still speak traditional Gaelic. No maps in hand and a strong sense of direction (Becca led the way...probs not though), we found our way to Dun Aonghasa, an ancient Celtic fort built by Celtic tribesmen circa 2000BC. The ruin was at the peak of a huge cliff where Becca showed us some of her dive team expertise. Kidding, but we did hang off the edge and wished MC was there so we could throw her over. Our picnic was enjoyed thoroughly. We did a little gift shopping, then hopped on the ferry. Sweet talking to a ferry driver leprechaun resulted in free access to the pot of gold...Lion Candy Bars.
When arrived home, Suzy had a gourmet dinner waiting. Thanks, babygurllll! Afterward, we headed out for another night on the town where we met some more of Suzy and Megan's friends, some Aussies, and Brits. We are totes becoming some international socialites. Again, we danced the night away at some pubs and clubs. Our roomate found her future hubby (he's from BOSTON and in DENTAL school!) and couldn't resist another dance floor makeout. (She will remain anonymous but we can tell you one thing...it was neither of us, nor Megan...and MC wasn't with us.)
Saturday morning we got a taste of Irish flavor at Galway's Farmer's Market. The rest of the day was spent walking around the adorable city, shopping and taking in the sites. Suzy showed us her campus (it was no SLU). That night we went to another pub with a really fun live band to enjoy a few pints. We met some lads who were celebrating a stag party aka bachelor party. They had already lost the bachelor but didn't hesitate to extend the wedding invite to us. Our Irish dancing skills were not quite stellar in comparison to the moves those Irish blokes taught us. Again, we had a ball!
Sunday morning we woke up and got bagels only to meet our Irish friends from the night before. We wallowed in our recovery together and left them with a friendly "Cheers!" We went to church in the Galway Cathedral. The first Mass that we could actually understand! We traveled through the night into Monday morning and arrived home just in time to take our Oceanography midterm...hopefully Raul will be generous when grading. We are making plans for Jess' Birthday weekend so you know the blog will be good.
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