Back on U.S. Soil

Well, I made it to Europe and back! My attempts at super packing were successful and I was under the weight limits every time. Had a wonderful trip, really learned a lot and met so many new people. Although I had a wonderful time, more than two weeks away from home can be a bit taxing at the end. I have to say, when I left Spain that last day, I was ready to go home.


Some of my trip highlights:

View of Prague

1. This trip solidified my belief that taking this new job was one hundred percent the right decision. Throughout my time away, I met people from more than 20 different countries and really enjoyed the folks I worked with. Overall, the amount of drama I encountered was minimal and honestly, a breath of fresh air. It feels good to know I took a giant leap of faith and it paid off. To those who supported me and continue to do so, thank you. To those who didn't or continue to contribute negativity, you don't matter and honestly, never really did.

2. I met some amazing co-workers from Texas and Canada. We had a great time out to dinner in Poland and even found time to partake in some karaoke at the event finale, which resulted in an impromptu, "Hold On" karaoke session on our bus back to the hotel. Great people. Looking forward to some upcoming trips to Toronto and Austin and reconnecting in Russia.

Inside of the restaurant

3. Prague was simply breathtaking. Everywhere I looked there was a postcard photo opportunity in the making. Although the city was awfully crowded (due to a beer festival and hockey season), I can finally cross "See Prague" off my list of to-dos. Such a beautiful city.

4. I didn't have much time in Spain, but I had the opportunity to go into the city for a really fantastic dinner. I randomly chose the venue, La Capilla de La Bolsa, which happened to be the home of the former Madrid Stock Exchange and a church with ties to the Knight's Templar. I was nervous, since it was a random Google selection, but in the end, it paid off and everyone was thrilled with my choice. The interior of the restaurant was phenomenal and there were opera singers who put on a performance every fifteen minutes. I also had my first taste of lobster paella, which was to die for. And we enjoyed some sangria, which was nothing like I've ever had here in the U.S. Despite this amazing meal, I managed to lose almost four pounds over the course of the two weeks!

Overall it was a great trip. I plan to blog more in-depth about it later, but wanted to give a quick blog update.  Now it's back to the real world . . . marathon training,  etc. But I have some incredible memories to last me a lifetime.

Already looking forward to Russa, et. al. next year!

An Update on the Packing Saga

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm making a real valiant effort to be a savvy packer for my trip abroad in a mere 11 days. Here's an update on my successes/failures thus far:

1. I bought new luggage and actually got a great deal on it too. Quick sidebar: I went to Macy's, where they had a 50% off luggage sale. I ended up going for a Calvin Klein set (three pieces, big, medium, small). Together with a 25% friends and family coupon, a slew of giftcards (Thanks CS, LS, & TC), I ended up snagging more than $700 worth of luggage for only  . . . get ready for it  . . .  $200! I consider this a success, not just because of the awesome deal, but because I know have a matching set of luggage and a good sized check-in piece, plus a great little carry-on. Ok, it's not really a success, but I'm still excited about my new luggage . . . and wow, I'm excited about luggage.

2. I took a trip to the local Christmas Tree Shop which is essentially Mecca for all things travel-sized. I snagged some great little finds, like the perfect sized bottle of body wash. Simple pleasures my friends. I also had a great 20% off coupon, so that didn't hurt.

3. I've slowly started to make a pile of things I need to pack - My goal is to do a test run next week.

4. I've tested out how much lotion, contact solution, etc. I REALLY need for two weeks and am now taking about a third of what I normally take on a trip. This has to make a difference, right?

5. I've almost convinced myself that it's impossible to bring my scale with me. When I told my best friend Lindsay about this, she said, "wow Amanda, that's so weird." So I guess I really shouldn't do it, but I'm still on the hunt for a light weight-travel scale. Should one exist, it's mine.

6. I suppose this is somewhat of a failure - One of my coworkers asked me to play tennis in Madrid...which is awesome, but now requires me to pack my tennis racket. I suppose I could not be a tennis snob and rent a racket in Spain, but I feel like I should bring my own. This could put a real wrench in my packing - we shall see.

Just a quick update. Still can't believe I have 11 days left to make it all work!