France

Bonjour,

We are leaving Avignon to head to Barcelona tomorrow.

Lavender actually does smell pretty nice =)

Avignon was smaller, so we weren't on the move that much.

We did rent a motorcycle today... I know the parents are grabbing their seats right now.. but we made it out fine and enjoyed our trip through the french country side to some smaller villages and a few more castles and ruins.

We have 4 night in Barcelona and 3 in Madrid.. we are looking forward to staying put a bit longer, seeing what spain has to offer... and to tell the truth, look forward to our own bed with a good movie, and our dog at our feet.... We might feel different when we get back to 100 degree weather, but right now we are a little home sick...

finding where and what to eat has been the biggest challenge... of course we pay out the wazoo when stumbling into places and not speaking the language..

We are doing well and will be home on July 3rd.

Swiss

Hello Hello,

We only had one day in Switzerland but it was very nice... great scenery, but overcase enough to make us pass on going to the top of some of the very high mountains for a view...

We had quite a luxury suite in a hotel overlooking the water... we paid well for it, but enjoyed every bit of it after 4 weeks on the move in and out of 'could be better' places to stay.

I can't post pics right now.. resizing them is the problem of the moment. I'm sure Beth will update the blog soon, or when we return.

Europe... update

Brian here...

Well, the computer is chugging away on a slow usb connection, trying to transfer pictures from the memory card to the my 2Gb exteral drive... At these internet prices it would have been cheaper to just buy another 2Gb card... oh the lessons we are learning on our trip. The cost of knowledge I guess...

Since I can't upload any pics we'll update the site soon... Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice have been great. Jared ended his stint with us in Cinque Terre over some good wine and tasty Pesto.

We are now leaving Venice for Vienna ... Ciao !

Cinque Terre Trail

A snapshot of the trail linking all 5 towns among the coast and hilltops of Cinque Terre... most of it weaving its way through terraced hills of grape vinyards.

cinque terre was great... 5 little towns along the coast

Herman finds a friend in Cinque Terre !!

Our new 'moto' !!! A sporty Suzuki, smaller than it looks =)

Leaving the port of Hora, Naxos - heading to Santorini

Kicking our feet u after a long hard day at the beach

Yummy !!!

Sunset, 2nd night in Naxos, what a way to turn 30 !!

Beth gets a surprise Bday gift

One a few beaches we past on our day long scooter ride

One of the many views from our mountain ride on the 'moto'

Beth speeds down the road on the 'moto'

Market in the town of Hora

Right at sunset in Hora, Naxos

Sunset on our first night in Naxos

Leaving the port of Athens at Pireas

Check out the clear Aegean Sea water...

Accropolis - Look at that happy couple =)

Athens - Agora

Santorini

Naxos was amazing, however we had to leave. We are now in Santorini which has amazing views... The hostel we booked our room at gave our room away so they upgraded us to a suite! It is right up from the pool and has an amazing view.... i had a little too much vino last night and have been struggling a little today... we rented a car and tomorrow we will be all over the island... but for now i think were just going to veg at the pool... ive been trying to upload photos and havent been having any luck with it... will keep trying :)