Bonjour Paris!

I visited Paris for the first time when I was 17 years old. It was love at first sight. I decided then and there that I wanted to live in Paris for at least a year....at some point in my life. Two more visits (age 19 & 23) and I was utterly convinced; Paris is the place for me!

11 years later and I'm looking forward to seeing this dream come true. I plan on moving to Paris this Fall (yes, 2010) with a couple of friends and staying for a year.

So much to do, so little time! Job, visa, housing--not to mention, learning French :) I'll keep you posted on my progress. Here's to the beginning of a grand adventure!

Au revoir!
Amietta
(my French name, given to me by a barista in Paris who didn't understand "Amanda")

Christmastime is here

Which means I've been a little busier then usual (is that possible?). Within the past month I spent a week in Boston and a weekend in NYC. Both trips were fabulous! Now it's time to cram for Christmas gift making. That's right...back in September I thought it would be darling if I made most of my Christmas gifts. *panic setting in* As part of my gift giving, I'll likely be making sets of stationary/cards using my photographs. Usually I don't touch up or mess with my photos--what you see is what you get. This year I decided to have a little fun ;)

Bags you'd sue for.....wait! What?

(photo by Amanda's iPhone - Lake Tahoe - August 2009)

Where to next?

It's been 105 days since I last used my passport.  Maybe it's the grey sky or the European fashion blogs I've been reading religiously, but I have the itch again.  And I've got it bad!  Mom (my faithful reader), don't worry--I'm not sick and my building isn't infected with fleas.  Promise!

When I return home from a traveling adventure, it takes maybe a week before I want to leave again.  It's not that I don't like home.  I love my bed, my shower, wardrobe options, family, friends, home church, street signs I can read, etc... (please note, this list in no particular order of priority or preference). There's something about exploring different countries, cultures, food and history that's quite engaging.  Traveling brings a similar feeling of being alive as getting on stage.  It's dynamic and exciting as you never know exactly what will happen next.  

Where to next?  Ireland, Spain, Morocco, Rwanda, Portugal, Czech Republic, Poland or Brazil?

Europe 2008: Countryside

(Photo by Amanda, Dec. 2008)

Europe 2008: Cologne, Germany

The first stop on our European adventure, Cologne, Germany. Turns out it's a little chillier then we had hoped (but we carried on all our luggage!!).  This picture was taken after we parked our car and started walking towards the main cathedral.

(Photo by Amanda, Dec. 2008)

Time to catch up!

Much has happened since the last time I posted (surprise, surprise). November 27-December 11th I enjoyed two weeks in Europe on vacation with two of my close friends. Further details on our many (mis)adventures to follow. But first, the itinerary...


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Five years is too long to wait!

February 2003 was the last time I made it across the Atlantic to Europe.  I've been fortunate to use my passport in a few places since then, but it's time to make the trip again!  The $250 difference between a "good ticket" from '03 is galling (sigh),  but I'll get over it :-)   

Likely, I'll be adding The Netherlands and Belgium to my "countries I've visited" list (in addition to revisiting a few favorite locations).  Any tips, ideas or must see destinations in these countries would be appreciated.  

Off to pick out an outfit for the first fashion show I'll be to attending (promise, I'll be finding more substantive things to post....soon).

(Picture: Patty & Amanda, Notre Dame - Paris, France '03.  Side note: how fitting is the couple in the background on the right?)