I’ve finalized my upcoming winter adventure. I’m excited – mostly in quiet moments, where I’m not thinking about my very trivial day to day problems. I was driving in my car this morning, and heard Of Monsters & Men on the radio – and just freaked out.
It’s been two years since I’ve been to Europe. I’m excited to see some “old friends” – downtown Reykjavik, Paris and Berlin, as well as a new one – Barcelona. Barcelona, a city where I will spend the weekend drinking wine with two of my favorite people: my sister, Erica, and my best friend from high school, Melissa.
I’m a bit more organized this go around. Perhaps it’s the special cargo (Erica) that inspires me to create itineraries, triple check reservation dates, and obsess over details (WHERE WILL WE STORE OUR LUGGAGE WHEN WE’RE WALKING AROUND PARIS?!)
But I’m very happy, and very excited. I don’t get to spend a lot of time with Erica, and exposing her to new cultures, and some beloved, sacred spaces, is so thrilling. It’s beyond just a trip.
This is something she and I will remember forever. I want to show her the freedom and definition that travel gives you. I want her to be excited and uncomfortable.
I want to get matching tattoos in Berlin. I want her to marvel at the Eiffel tower, and stuff our faces with delicious tapas in Spain. But mostly, I want to bring her to the Penis Museum in Reykjavik.
The trip has new experiences for me, too. Thanks to a generous donation of my parents Marriott points, we will be staying in boutique hotels for most of the time. I’m pretty sure the only hotel I stayed at in Europe previously was a cheap one in Nice – where I lived off olives and rotisserie chicken for a week.
So she and I are in this together. I made a list – of things that I want to show her, things I want her to experience while we’re abroad.
Winter in Reykjavik
I don’t think we’ll get engaged, but one of us will probably end up on the street. Downtown Reykjavik will be a slushy, icy adventure. I can’t wait to slide into Te & Kaffi for a hot cocoa.
The Lebowski Bar
I frequented this bar last time I was there. Fun tourists always find their way here, so duh – us. There’s a beer wheel – enough said.
Eat at Old Iceland
Out of all this restaurants in Reykjavik, this one is the best. It has great food, it’s homey – and it’s owner, a friendly Icelandic woman, was one of the kindest strangers I met abroad. It’s the best place to get authentic Icelandic food.
Hang out with Marion
Marion, as well as her husband and daughter (AND THEY HAVE A NEW BABY), are some of my favorite people on this planet. As one may remember, I met Marion nearly 15 years ago. Erica did too – and she hasn’t seen her since. Reuniting these two, and spending time with these people, will definitely be an incredible highlight of our trip.
Get Lost in Paris
I love Paris. I love love love Paris. I LOVE PARIS. Macaroons, wine, croissants… OH THE CROISSANTS. I want us to wander and explore.
Antique & Thrift
Shakespeare & Company, Marché aux Puces, Reciproque… I can’t wait to peruse bookstores and thrift shops, flea markets in Paris. I didn’t do any shopping last time I was here (I mean hey… I was backpacking), but this time… I want to aimlessly wander around shops with little sister in tow.
Drink & Snack in Barcelona
Red wine and tapas, coffee and doughnuts (they’re having a moment right now in Spain), I want it all. Multiple bloggers have talked about the gastronomical delights of Barcelona (Shana recommended Milk), and I can’t wait for us to partake.
Us meaning Erica, Melissa and I (I do not have any recent photos of Melissa and I together, thus cannot dedicate a post to her. Soon).
Marvel at Architecture
The previously mentioned hotels (thanks to my Dad’s pts) are yes, hotels but also – stunning. Visually stimulating. I’ve always had a fascination with the incredible architecture of other cultures. Every city we’re visiting tells a story – Notre Dame, The Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Berliner Dom…
Create in Berlin
I’m dying to find a studio in Berlin. It’s on my bucket list to paint there, surrounded by other weird, creative types. Even if we just check out local museums, I doodle, and we possibly get matching tats, I want to spend my time in Berlin immersed in art.
And Finally – Find That Kebab Place
The last time I was in Germany, I marveled over the cheap beer and magical kebabs. There was one kebab place – I cannot recall the name – that tops any drunken hot dog or pizza I’ve ever had. It is the best place to stumble into at 2 am. It was cheap, delicious, and I am kind of ashamed.
But I will share that shame with Erica.