In Europe!

Today is our 8th day of the trip! I am currently typing on a French keyboard, which is quite a challenge. We landed in Manchester on December 22nd. Jeremy and I stayed in Horwich to spend Christmas with my dad;s (I cannot find the apostrophe keyboard so semicolons will have to do) side of the family, while my mom and John ventured to Liverpool to stalk the Beatles. Christmas with the family was lovely as we both felt very included and welcome. I had been feeling anxious since I had not seen any of the English family in over seven years. That all melted right away.
On December 26th we headed to London for two nights. In two jam packed days we took a flight on the London Eye and visited Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guards. Then we taxied over to St. Paul;s Cathedral where Jeremy and I climbed to the very top of the dome. The next day Jeremy got really sick and was unable to rally until about 1pm in the afternoon, so all we conquered that day was the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The Crown Jewels were a definate highlight for me. We wrapped up the day with a late dinner at a Greek restaurant near our hotel at Hyde Park. Since childhood I have heard the English have terrible food, but all of my meals have been wonderful!
Today we were up with the sun to catch our train under the English Channel to Paris. Max (my roommate from last year who we are staying with) met us at the station to escort us to his apartment. It is a beautiful apartment right in the middle of Paris. From where I am sitting at the dining room table I can see the Effiel Tower literally sparkling one mile away. Every hour on the hour from 6pm to 2am the Effiel Tower lights up for a few minutes with flashing sparkles. It is fantastic to look at. Tomorrow Jeremy and I have our hearts set on Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter. There is less of a rush for Paris since we have four nights here. I am very excited to spend my New Year;s Eve under the Effiel Tower!