There really is SOOOOO much to share. But honestly, we’ve had 5 seconds of internet every couple days and the time we have we end up using to tell our families where we are (this trip has literally had NO plan).

So, let me give you a couple quick visuals to give you an idea of whats to come!

Last time we “chatted” it was Christmas eve, I think.

- Christmas Day was perfect. We slept in until noon, skype’d both families, had our own Christmas lunch at a Thai restaurant a couple blocks from of our apartment, stopped for a latte and a frosted mint hot chocolate (tasted like an andes mint and was pure heaven), skype’d more, walked around Hyde Park at dusk and took the below picture (among many others), then came home to plan our trip and eat left overs for dinner and skype w/ family again. Happy day:)

- The day after Christmas we hopped a train to Paris. I could ride that train anywhere because I get to stare at Matt and make faces at him the ENTIRE ride. Then we got seafood as a snack. Who gives seafood as a snack? The EuroRail.

Now of course I have many pics to share. And I’ll be putting them on Facebook but for now here is a snapshot of where we’ve been since catching the train. The bottom half is what we’re doing today and tomorrow…

I have photos to show you from that entire loop. I promise I’ll share them. In general, we’ve avoided actually staying in a big city (with the exception of Mannheim) and instead found tiny towns w/ b&b’s along the way. Wouldn’t do it any different. Even if we get stuck in the snow and have to be pulled out by 5 germans in Rothenburg. It’s worth it:)

Until later…

(we ate that big pretzel over 2 days)

IT’S CHRISTMAS IN LONDON!

…and everyone just wrapped up their shopping. It was INSANE today/tonight on the streets. Stores packed. Looked like rush hour in New York City…but worse. I literally had to hold on to the strap of Matt’s backpack to make sure we didn’t separate. They closed a couple of the tube station stops due to overcrowding.

Here’s a list of what you’ve missed (or not missed if we’re friends on FB)

• Our apt is tiny, tiny, tiny. Or maybe I’ll say “cozy” I haven’t had a chance to get a great shot out front so here’s a google map street view for you… (we’re the top floor of 77)

• Our luggage still hasn’t arrived. And they’re estimated 10-15 days now. SWEET.
• It’s NOT freezing here. And honestly, we haven’t seen a bit of snow. Not sure what all the London flight cancelations are about.
• We have walked everywhere. Several miles a day.
• We have 6 flights of stairs leading to our apartment. No lift. After day 3 of running up and down the stairs, i’m finally not winded anymore.
• The only good food we’ve had is Indian. The rumors are true.
• I attended my first midnight mass tonight. (it must have been obvious we were the non-catholic out-of-towners)
• Starbucks DOES NOT taste the same in every country.
• If the price on a rental seems too good to be true, it absolutely is.
• I have missed my puppies about 20 times a day.
• Matt and I have become directional-geniuses. Lots of guessing where we are (since we don’t have our phones or maps) and lots of being right (so far). First time i’ve survived w/out a GPS.
• The tube ROCKS. Columbus, lets get on that.
• Chai at Cafe Nero is simply the best.

I’ve pulled out the camera a few times ….look at all the colors?! I’m in heaven.

I’m headed to bed now. Santa is coming (i hope). It’s 4:18 in London and we have big plans to do a yummy Christmas lunch out. Hopefully London can “bring it” in the food arena for Christmas day at least. I’ll leave you with this image I snapped on our 30 minute walk home from midnight mass. Around 1-something in the morning. LOVE>

Merry Christmas, friends.