Adventure Awaits Amber : January 2014

It's like deja vu when I'm walking through Lincoln's High Street and I think "Hey, I remember that guy from high school!" Then I snap back to reality and realise, no I'm over 5,000 miles from Tucson - that's not him. But over the winter break, my memory was jogged with a few familiar faces.

First, I found my way to Paris, France. WOW! What a spectacular experience it was to ride the slanted elevator up the Eiffel Tower, take a Christmas Eve cruise on the Seine river, and get pickpocketed! Don't worry, we got our things back because Troy's Dad chased the 12 year old amateurs down and his wallet appeared quicker than I thought it would. But it was quite an experience to see some pickpockets in action.

Not being able to spend Christmas with my family was tough, I have to admit. But I had the next best thing - the boyfriend's family. They were more than welcoming, I mean they did pay for me to tag along on their Paris family holiday, but it was different. Changes happen as we grow and mature, but I would have given up my spectacular Christmas in Paris to spend a few moments to be a part of my family's Christmas traditions.

Flower market in Paris

Seine river cruise with the lovely sister from anotha' mister

Paris, France

Where you at Quasi?

Christmas day at Notre Dame

Morning sun at the Louvre

The Louvre

My extended family for the holiday - The Bowman's

Second floor of the Eiffel Tower

Finally Paris has been checked off my bucket list. And as I couldn't make it all the way to Tucson for any of the winter festivities, someone came to cheer me up. My best friend! She flew across the Atlantic for 10 hours to ring in the new year with me. That was a TUB of icing on top of the holiday cake. Miss Chloe Wetzel, ladies and gentlemen - I could marry this one.

Chloe and I spent nine days together taking a quick tour, actually galavanting through, Lincoln and London. I fed her mulled wine and English tea (which she's now obsessed with) as we climbed Lincoln's Steep Hill and made friends with the local Lincoln wildlife - swans. We spent time at the Lincoln Cathedral and the arboretum. Then, spent a few days in London for a quick tour of all the main attractions and finally, a trip to Lyceum Theatre. We saw The Lion King - second tub of icing on top of our multi-tiered cake.

When I finally came to and realised that my university work was beginning to collect dust, it was time to get back to the grind. Winter 2013 and welcoming 2014 was quite a success with a few familiar faces to get me through the next few months. I love my Tucson family and friends, but London, you're still my obsession. The next step after grad school - HELLO, HIRE ME LONDON!