A Quiet Weekend (Finally!)

The weekend is finally here! I have had a crazy-busy work week, and feel mentally exhausted! Luckily, it will be a quiet weekend. My first quiet weekend in a long time....I hope I survive it! I plan to do some reading (a few wine and cheese books- will recommend them after the weekend, if worthy). I am also planning some long walks around the area, as well as some antique shopping. My interest in antiques has been growing...a new hobby! Drop me an email or message on Facebook to say hi. I will try to catch up on responding to emails this weekend, too!

The only other "big" news is that I know when I'm returing to the States...! I will be coming home at the end of April/start of May, so mark your calendars (or diaries! if you're British!). I must now decide how to spend my time outside of work while I'm in Europe, before coming home after 7 months abroad.

Attached pic is me on a hike in Tenerife...we had such a great time!

Possibly the Best Vacation Ever!

Let me first say that I don't have much time to write at the moment! As predicted, work days have been very long since last week's vacation, and will remain as such. I thought, though, that an update was in order!

Ryan arrived in the England, and we took a proper English-style winter mini-break in the Canary Islands last week. We both couldn't get over how wonderful it was! We had the perfect mix or relaxation, adventure, and most-of-all...time together!!!

I will post more pics, but for now, here is one of Mount Teide, taken from one of the trails we were hiking, and one of the ocean from the north coast of Tenerife.

More soon! Hugs to all.

Looking forward to a much-needed vacation! YAY- Canary Islands! Obviously can't wait for some hiking and ocean/mountain views, and relaxing with Ry!

Can't wait! Must force myself to take a rest and stop working for a few days, because after that, the next two months are going to be insane with work.

Talk to you after I get some warm weather, sun, and relaxation.

Love, Tara

Superbowl Sunday in Italy

This has been a LONG day. I got here...how, is beyond my understanding.

Flew to Italy...ridiculous weather. Snow and wind. Finally took off. Again, somehow got here. Asked Ry what he wanted me to bring back from Italy. He said, "As long as it's not a sexy Italian guy, bring anything you like!" hehe.

Rented a car..alone...in the dark...in the snow...in Italy...(WHY!??!).

Do I like challenges? Why yes, I suppose I do. We could ask this question of pretty much anything having to do with the last four months...the answer will always be yes, I think!

I am blabbing now.

Anyways, SOMEHOW got to Venice, trekked through snow and airport, searching for my rental car...the ONLY automatic car (I think) in Italy (or the Canary Islands!...nevermind, more on that next week!!).

Finally found my fabulous BMW...it's one of those ones where you put the "non-key" into the dashboard area, and then press a button and the engine starts... HA- yeah, you should have seen me trying to figure this out. Here I am, trying to figure out how to start this car that turns on with a button (WHAT?)?? Asked the Italian dude to help me- he said the equivalent of "put your foot on the break first", and although I had tried this, I felt like THE stupidest American girl in all history.

Oh well. Somehow found my way- in dark, and snow, and with shite GPS/paper directions combination...helpless and hopeless!!!

Truth is- I actually love driving here, because it comes naturally! Was initially worried about switching from UK to Italy, but not so bad!

I won't bore you about details of trying to find dinner at this hour on a Sunday - let's just say it could have been worse, because at least there was proper Italian wine.

Buonanotte!