Are the croissants like the ones on Celebrity Millennium? I remember Paul and I stuffing our faces with chocolate and almond ones (the almond ones were almost more delicious than the chocolate), and then Uncle Bob asking me if I wanted lunch (uh...no, thank you...I'm kind of full). And I love nutella too, but not usually for breakfast.

Much love and hugs...

Stay safe! Travel with a friend.

Honestly Dave.....hairy armpits!! Are you related to me?? :)

You're so cool.

I also enjoyed your weekend story, while cringing over the parts where you are: a) talking to creepy people. b) nearly lost in sheep fields. c) walking around the red light district at night. But also appreciate your honesty in telling the story.

But, what the people really want to know is.........Are you walking around with hairy legs and armpits like all the other french women?

1. I wish our skyscrapers looked like that one in Brussels.

2. I would not want a hostel bed who's pillow is butted up against someone else's. In fact, I think hostels in general are not for me.

3. You should probably not attempt going without a map ever again.

4. I agree with mayo on French fries being gross, but actually that's really common back here also.

5. My questions about the time difference and chocolate croissants still stand.

Wow, what a great post! Don't ever worry about a post seeming too long. I am always sorry when they are over!

First to Kevin, thanks for the advice on 3UTelecom..I am going to check that out. I tried to call again today and the 866 # woudn't connect again, and then the direct one was answered but they said it was the wrong number! After Beth emailed yesterday morning I felt a lot less in panic-mode!

Now about the blog entry...I think it is a good thing I didn't know you were biking in a foreign country alone without a map! Knowing your usual dysfunctional sense of direction and your past history of getting lost trying to get home from downtown Redmond, I was very relieved to hear you were back in Paris safe and sound....and that you will be traveling with other kids this next weekend.

First I thought it was funny that Brussels smelled like waffles but the I remembered "Belgian waffles" and made the connection. I am glad you liked them, and I have noticed a definite "chocolate" trend in your meal selections...chocolate crepes, chocolate croissants, chocolate on waffles. No wonder you are enjoying yourself so much!

It also sounds like you did a TON of walking (and biking) on your weekend; no wonder you were exhausted. I guess that is a good thing with all of the chocolate you are consuming!

Did you see any pretty old-fashioned windmills on your bike ride? I bet it would be pretty in the spring when the tulips are in bloom.

I would like to visit both the Anne Frank and Van Gogh museums someday. I will pass, however on the "red light district" with the prostitutes in the windows!

Do you think 12,50 Euro is a lot or a little for the VanGogh museum? Didn't we pay like 17 Euro each to see The David in Florence? (totally worth it though).

So what did the guy in the red light district who was "acted creepy but was really nice" do that was creepy? On second thought, maybe I don't want to know....

I agree with your feelings on mayo on french fries. YUCK! Although I am not sure a "beef kebob sandwich" sounds much better!

How did you talk to Teresa? Did you call her or did she call you? Why am I the ONLY one who can't get through to you???

It was interesting, your comments on how WWII and the Holocaust are still making an impact on Europe. I will have to read a lot more about WWII before this summer....remember I had that terrible teacher who taught us philosophy inststead of US History? Dad doesnt' know any more than I do....I think he had the same teacher!

Thank you for such a great blog entry. It is SO fun to sign on and see that there is a new one! I look forward to seeing your photos from the weekend...you are doing a great job of keeping us all up to date!

I hope the schedule thing for your winter classes I sent was the one you wanted! You really need to clean out that desk.....

I love you and am already counting down until Dec. 16!

Love, Mom xxxooo

I called her using the number my parents set up when they went to Europe. It's through a website called 3UTelecom. But it shouldn't matter which number you use, just remember to dial 011 before Beth's number after you've connected with the international place.

3UTelecom is pretty good, however, and it's only 5c/min to call a British/French landline, 18c to call a French cell, and 25c to call a British cell (which I just found out I was paying 5x as much as I thought the other day). It's ridiculous how many options/prices there are. I might try to call her today, but I have a test and two interviews during most of the time that we're both awake!

I just tried to call you! But it didn't work! First I called that 1-866 number, the one you said would have prompts and then I could type in your number...but the 866 number just rang about five times and then disconnected. I tried it three or four times. Then I tried just dialing you directly (twice) but a voice came on and said your number was either disconnected or no longer in service! Yikes...I am starting to panic because you are off in Amsterdam somewhere and I am clueless! Kevin, how did you call her? Beth, email or post!!

I get hungry reading your blog!! That is a good question about the croissants....I assumed they are pre-mixed...but either way sounds good to me. I may have to make a quiche this week. The pictures are great especially since I've never been to France.

I'm jealous of you. But in a good way.

Thanks for such great blogs. You've done so much already!

I finished my bio board for work today and it is very pretty!

And the only update I have from Friday is that I had to have a veeeery long talk with Autumn because she said she was going to kill me. Because I told her to separate from Joey, who was hitting her. Nice payback, I think.

Question: Are the chocolate croissants:

A) Regular croissants dipped in chocolate/with chocolate on top
B) Croissants that have been pre-mixed to be chocolate, as in cake or muffins