European Winter Vacation?

Hello Everyone, I'll be off for Europe on February 12th and beginning my trip in Madrid. I've been closely watching the temperatures in Madrid and Paris (my second stop) so I can mentally prepare myself for winter weather. So far, the temperatures have averaged about ten degrees higher than here in Columbus Ohio...this will make it feel a little better...I think.

It has been quite awhile since I've posted anything to the blog and frankly there hasn't been much for travel or elation these past months. Scott and I have parted ways and that process was very painful. So, I've moved into my own place here in Columbus and vowed that 2010 will be much better. I guess this trip is going to be the starting bang for the year of adventure and healing.

I'll be landing in Madrid on the morning of the 13th and taking the Metro from the airport to my hostel in the heart of Madrid. I've found a nice place called the Hostal La Zona where I'll home-base until I depart on the 16th for Paris. I have nothing planned at this point for activities within Madrid and will consult the hostel staff and guide book for specifics...this is a vacation you know so I'm trying real hard to relax and not over plan everything!

I will be flying one of Europe's discount airlines called Easy Jet from Madrid to Paris on the 16th. I have another nice room booked at the Central Marais hotel close to the action. Francis will be arriving by train from the interior of France on the 17th and we've booked ourselves into the Hotel Ares Eiffel for three days. This hotel is very opulent and will be quite the joy. I suppose a little about Francis...we met in DC back in 2007 while he was interning from France and have kept in touch every since. You can find him as one of my friends on Facebook....Francis Dra. In true Frenchman style, Francis has planned everything for the next three days and I love it. We'll be visiting the Eiffel Tower with a picnic lunch, the Louvre, taking a bus tour around the city (Thank you Pam), Montparnasse, Champs-Elysees and lastly Montmartre and Pigalle...whew. Now one of the benefits of the hotel is they have an agreement with a gym across the street...this is awesome.

The whirlwind tour will end on the 20th when I fly back to the US. I will take many pictures and plan on updating this blog daily or at least every two days with adventures. More in a little while. Take care.