Paris & London

GOD IS GOOD
Just a short note to those of you who have been praying. I arrived in Paris safely!! I was in a cabin with 3 girls...2 from Boston and one from Chile. I am staying in a hotel room with the Boston girls, which is a huge blessing. Tomorrow I fly to London because it is cheaper than the train. And I will get to hang out with Becky in a couple of days up in Oxford. Never been there and should be great. I will write more soon. This is a record of the shortest email from me yet...french keyboard. I love this city!! and yes, for those of you who were wondering, you do get hit on more when you dont travel with a guy. That's not necessarily a good thing.

Valencia

LIVIN’ LA VIDA LOCA
Yesterday I was thinking that there´s really not much interesting to write to you guys. But, with Trey´s help, there´s a little juice to this email. Barcelona was hard to leave. I really could have stayed there longer, but alas, other countries were calling my name. We did have dinner with a friend of Brandom´s who is from Barcelona. Gemma was really sweet and it was fun to talk with a local. Thanks Brandom.
We next headed off to the resort town of Valencia on the east coast of Spain. It is pronounced Valenthia in Catalyn. It´s kind of funny listening to them talk because they all sound like they have lisps. They replace the c´s and some s´s with "th" sounds. For example, ¨"Thay, what´th been happening lately with you guyth? Are you cooking with Worthethire thauthe? The Thun ith Thining over Than Franthithco." Interesting. Valencia was nice and my favorite part was just walking around the place. We took a more scientific exploration of this city. They have a huge oceanography, science and history, and hemisphere museum. The best part was the architecture of the place...pretty cool. We saw a dolphin show at the oceanography center which is like a much smaller version of Sea World. It was a nice change of pace. We also went to the beach. The beach provides such fun people watching for avid people watcher´s like me. I saw two very "close" couples as I was getting out of the water. I looked closer and they were popping each others pimples on their backs. Hello! That´s gross. I´m really not into that although I know some of you are....no names mentioned. So romantic. Anyways, the beach was sandy and the water warm. That night we ate at a great Italian restaurant that looked more like a wine cellar lit with candels...kind of fun. Trey decided he wanted to go hear some music. We walked down a few streets that have some really amazing looking bars. They are all unique and have a great atmosphere. Trey heard latin music coming from one and thought that would be a good place to stop. Of course I observed that the window was covered and that the door didn´t let you see inside. I atomatically thought...gay club or strip joint. I kept my thoughts to myself. So he waved me in and all I see is 5 guys...hmmm, a little fishy. But the music is fun so we stay. We sit down as trey drinks his beer and over his shoulder I spot something different. A little of the paraphenalia on the door leads me to a very decisive conclusion. It´s a gay bar. As I begin to look around and see rainbow flags and then two guys dancing, my observations are confirmed. I had to laugh and I'm sure the guys in the place were laughing too. I think we were there all of 15 minutes. But hey, it was festive and the music was great. I mean, how am I supposed to meet a guy if Trey brings me to those kinds of places?!!!
Yes, some of you may be wondering how I have managed living with only 5 pieces of wardrobe. Well, I believe I´ve done very well. I must admit that trying to do laundry only once a week can be a little trying when you sweat a lot. Yesterday I wore the same jeans I had worn the 2 days before and a shirt that was once again recycled from the day before. But knowing the beach was on the agenda, I didn´t care. I didn´t have a beach towel so I laid my clothes on the sand and sat on those. Then we went to the train station to buy our tickets for the next day. I put my clothes on over my wet suit. I looked like I was lactating and had peed in my pants. But, I still walked with my head held high. Such a fashionista!
We just got to Madrid and it is wonderful. I think we are going to see a bull fight tonight and perhaps catch the Charlié´s angel movie tomorrow...such simple joys in life. I hope you all are doing great. I can´t believe I will be home in 10 days....sad but ready at the same time. Once again, God has been taking great care of us. What a huge blessing this trip has been. Still no thought about what I will do when I get home. If you have any ideas or opportunities, I´m listening.

Barcelona

FASHION ISSUE
Katy Orender´s European Fashion Observations (and Criticisms)...so if your not fashion conscious, just scroll down:

1)European men are very fond of the capri pants, mostly cargo Capri´s. But you know what, they can totally pull it off. Now, if I were to see American´s in them in America, I’m not quite sure what affect they would have. Dad, they may be a good alternative to the typical "running suit" if you will.

2)For the women, showing the bra straps is VERY in. But there is a new look out there...clear straps. I must get myself one of these before I come home. Sometimes I see them with fabric flowers sewn onto them.

3)The hair trend:
-for girls, I have seen quite a few longer mullets. I´m not kidding! Too bad I already cut my hair off or I would definitely have one of these...not so much.
-for guys, it’s a twist on the mohawk and it can actually be attractive on some people. It’s slightly longer hair down the middle of your head than on the sides (see David Beckham or The Real World Paris for examples).

Those are pretty much the main differences I’ve seen over here. So I expect to see mullets, mohawks, clear bra straps, and capri pants when I get home. I’m doing my best to keep you all fashionable.

UPDATE: I have a new love for SPAIN!!! Barcelona has to be one of the most fascinating, fun, energetic, and lively cities I´ve been to. I can see why they chose to have the Olympics here. They know how to do things right...air conditioned metro system (need I say more?). We basically took a Picasso and Gaudi tour of the city today. Gaudi is definitely a revered and almost worshiped artist/architect in this city and country. If you come here, be sure to visit the Temple de la Sagrada Familia and the Parc Guelle. It will blow your mind. And Auntie, he was a seriously strong Catholic. The nightlife is wonderful. Of course I am way too old to hit the discotec every night till 2am. I prefer the people watching that La Rambla provides as well as the carnival people. We ate Tapas last night. Interesting...and yet I liked it.
Off to Valencia tomorrow. It´s a town along the East Coast. I have no idea what is there, but then again, do I ever really know where I´m going? I´m sure it will be a new fav. Have I mentioned yet how blessed I am? The Lord is ever faithful and good.

Colmar & Paris

BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATIONS
Where do I begin? I must say that France has taken much more of a warm place in my heart than I had intended. I've really loved it here. Colmar was a quaint little town and not much happening with weekends and major holidays. Trey and I took a mini little train tour of the city (which we had already walked around a billion times looking for a McDonalds). I really was a little bummed about the city until the Bastille (like our July 4th) celebrations started. We went to this concert in this park. They had an older Huey Lewis type in leather pants singing some American tunes in French. The crowd was packed tight and they just sang right along, so did I but in English. Then they had a "guest singer" during one of their songs. Well, he was HOT! That's what I nicknamed him "hot guy." As we watched the end of the concert, "hot guy" happened to be standing right in front of us. Be still my beating heart. Of course I tried to use telepathy and will power to make him turn around and then I remembered I wasn't an X-Men.
After the concert, they gave such a great fireworks show all to some great movie soundtrack songs: ET, Indiana Jones, Titanic, Jurassic Park (makes you want to cry...well at least me b/c I can cry at anything). I just kept thinking how thankful I was that I could be a part of it all. After the fireworks, "Hot guy" came on stage with his band. We later learned his name was Dr. Boost...interesting. Well, you wouldn't believe it but he began singing U2's Beautiful Day and Sunday Bloody Sunday....Hello! Can it get any better? I should think not. And love blossomed in her heart. Now we call him my boyfriend.
We arrived in Paris and low and behold, I open the door to my hostel room and 2 Kanakuk girls walk in. Crazy! One I worked with at K-Extreme (of course I couldn't remember her name...Leslie Garrison ring a bell?). We then went to the Eiffel tower with the rest of France after spending the day at the Pompadeaux (Modern art that few understand and even like) and Notre Dame. We followed the crowd and the Eiffel tower is GORGEOUS when it is lit up at night. We waited and waited and waited for the fireworks, but they were on

French time...aka. running late. We left so we wouldn't miss our curfew and watched them with hundreds of other people from a bridge. They were definitely more grand than Colmar, but Colmar had the fun intimacy (and "hot guy").
Today we went full steam ahead and hit the Eiffel tower, Arc de Triumphe, and the Musee d' Orsay (my favorite). I won't bore you with all I saw there, you'll just have to experience it for yourself. We leave for Barcelona on a night train tonight (yuk!). That was an experience getting tickets. Katy's business lesson for the day: if you can't get it done right the first time, go to someone else. After much prayer, a sweet lady found us two spots on the night train. I really have learned that prayer is huge, God is faithful, and I have no choice but to be at peace. He is in control, He knows our needs, and is faithful to provide.
Okay, a prayer request: my IT Band (that's on the leg) has been killing me and makes walking 8 hours a day very hard. I'm sure it has nothing to do with marathon running...hmmm. Also, Trey's arthritis in his back is bad too. Aren't we quite the super tourists? We are quite the sight limping up and down the Seine river. I am my father's daughter after all. I'd ice it dad, but we're in Europe...ice, what's that? So I pop the IB Profen candy. Well, that's the novel for the day. I hope you enjoy the read and it makes you smile. I love hearing from you guys. You are always so encouraging. Only 2 weeks left. It will fly by so quickly.

Annecy & Colmar

TOUR DE FRANCE
So I was riding a bike the other day and ran into Lance Armstrong...or maybe not. But we were near the city where they were heading to the next day (Lyon). After finally leaving Nice, Trey and I headed up to the most wonderful city I have visited yet. From a suggestion of his cousin, we went to Annecy France. It is a gorgeous little old city with cute old streets filled with families and old shops. They also have a little area that reminds me of a cleaner and smaller Riverwalk in San Antonio. We also ended up staying in a 3 star hotel that was cheaper than most places we've stayed. I got to be a princess for a couple of nights.
The next morning we decided to rent bikes and ride along a bike path that goes right around Lake Annecy. The lake is a gorgeous clear Turquoise and is surrounded by the Alps (hello! gorgeous! wish you were here...a little quote by Meg in French Kiss) I absolutely loved it and was awed by the beauty of God's creation. I think I kept talking about how gorgeous it was and Trey was finally like "I know!"
Anyway...so we were riding along and I heard someone whistle behind me and of course I knew that they just had to be checking out my butt and that they couldn't help but whistle. Then I realized before it was too late that he just wanted me to move so he could get by. Such is life! We decided to rent a boat for half an hour and just tour around the lake. Seriously, people were paddle boating by us faster than the boat was going full throttle. I did jump in and it was what I like to call "refreshing." Later I realized that sunscreen probably would have been a brilliant idea as well as some bodyglide. My buns were a little tender from 45 km of bike riding. If I had a billion dollars I would fly my whole family out here for a family reunion. It is the ideal spot for relaxation and adventure: sailing, windsurfing, beach volleyball, biking, hiking, beaches, shopping, good food, just wonderful! oh, and golf too.
We are now in the small city of Colmar located on the border of France and Germany. It has the most beautiful mix between German and French Architecture. It is almost like you're in a Disney World set for Hansel and Grehtel (however you spell it, I'm not German). Note to self: avoid small towns on Sundays and major holidays if that's when you plan to do your major sightseeing. Unfortunately all buses to the vinyards aren't running today...classic.
We leave for a couple days in Paris tomorrow before heading to Barcelona. I am learning so much about myself...just like I asked God to do...sometimes I'd rather live in oblivion. I love seeing the Lord in His creation and I am just awed by His great love for us and His people all over the world. So amazing!! Sorry for the novel but there's always so much to talk about.

Cannes

DUMB & DUMBER IN CANNES
A movie Script entitled Dumb and Dumber Do Cannes, by Katy Orender, starring...Yours truly, Katy Orender and the always famous Trey Bowles.
Plot: Trey and Katy have been hanging out way too long in Nice (the accomodations and atmosphere are too wonderful for words) so they decide to take a day long excursion to Cannes...by scooter (a suggestion from Brooke).
They rent a little 50cc scooter from Always Rentals at 10 in the morning. (I think my brothers dirt bike goes faster than this thing). With high hopes and swift dreams they mount the bike and head for Cannes (with helmets that make them look like mushrooms). Katy has to drive because Trey decided not to bring his drivers license to Europe. Besides nearly wrecking before even giving it gas, they still had high hopes. Little did Katy know that having someone about 200 pounds on the back of a little scooter would cause problems. She kept saying things like "Trey, you're too heavy, too heavy!" Now Trey is seeking therapy. Finally they breeze through the traffic (okay, so not breeze b/c Katy is a little intimidated by the french driving). They aim to stay near the water so as to avoid the nasty highway. They realize things don't look too good as a granny with a walker is passing them. The little motor that could, just couldn't go fast enough. So with the hopes of avoiding the highway, the find themselves right in the middle of it with 18 wheelers blowing past them on each side. I guess the 50km/hr wasn't good enough for the autobahn. Really, these kids were crazy. With near tears in her eyes, Katy summoned up the courage to make it those 17 KM of near death experience.
After a break on the beach in Cannes (there's nothing to do there) they headed back. This time, Trey took the reigns. They enjyed the uninterrupted trip by beach strip home to Nice. Katy felt like Bridget Jones as she went on Holiday with the filthy Daniel. Later when Katy saw her reflection in the mirror, she realized they looked more like Ponch and John on CHIPS. The way home was much more enjoyable and the sights were gorgeous (many yachts and boats). Praising the Lord, Katy was glad to be alive and at home (she nearly kisses the ground as they arrive). God is good is He not??? Seriously!! Glad to be alive.
Mom and dad, you are so blessed your daughter is still here today! Alas, Dumb and Dumber walk off into the sunset.

Nice

NICE
I have to be in one of the most beautiful places in the world. It's got that perfect mixture of mountains and beach. It looks a bit like Santa Monica California (so I hear). Whatever...it's gorgeous. My friend (more like Trey's friend), Brooke Blackwood, lives right off the beach in a great little flat. We have definitely been spoiled. Leaving Cinque Terra, we caught a train to Nice. I think all of Italy was on that train. Trey and I stood in one of the little exit areas along with 6 other people and our luggage. Quite interesting, but what can you do? After 1 1/2 hours, we finally found some seats after spying them out and making the kill once the people left. We thought we were in the lap of luxury until 45 minutes later the train stopped and every one got off...trey and I not quite sure what was happening. So, we followed the crowd and boarded a bus we hoped was heading to Nice (it could have been going to a concentration camp for all we knew...or cared).
We arrived salty, sweaty, and beggin' for a shower. We ate at our usual time of 10:30pm and polished it off with some gelato (I am going to have to go to Gelatoholics Anonymous when I get home). The next day we went to old town Nice where they had markets set up everyone, so festive and fun. Then we hit the gorgeous beach. The water is so crystal blue and completely refreshing (if not a little cold). The beach is made of tiny pebbles that give your foot a tiny massage as you walk (or more like acupuncture). Getting into the water would make even the most graceful person (me) look like a 1 year old just beginning to walk on their own. You have to slide down a little hill and plunge into the water before falling on your face. Then we just watched Trey kill one of the numerous jelly fish with rocks. He was entertained for a good hour. Good for him. We were laying out talking by the water when this sudden huge wave came and soaked all of us and our stuff. I guess the tide came in. I felt like I was living a "Deep Impact" moment when i saw what seemed like a 50 foot wave...slight exaggeration. Unfortunately my Oakleys (that have been with me for over 5 years) were swept away into the sea. Rest in Peace my friend.
That night we went to Wayne's Bar after eating a very sorry attempt at Mexican Food (never try to eat Mexican when you're in Europe). It's an English speaking bar packed with Aussies', Americans, Scots, etc. It was fun listening to the band, but I could have done without the girls dancing on the tables and spilling wine on my head numerous times. Now I remember why I don't like going to bars. Plus some guy decided to do cartwheels in the already to packed walkway. I also was hit on by some Scottish guy who I couldn't understand a word of. I just replied with a big fat "NO." He quickly got the point and walked off.
I've been enjoying some girl time with Brooke. We actually took the time to look at jewelry. Trey...not so interested. We will be here for another day or so and then head somewhere else interesting. We may just take out the map, close our eyes, and go wherever my finger lands. So exciting. I hope you enjoy living vicariously through my emails. Thanks for replying I love hearing how you all are doing. Don't know French so much and go around with a dumb look on my face. Those stupid Americans!

Milan & Cinqueterra

TRAILBLAZERS
Things have definitely improved since I last wrote. We spent only one night in Milan, saw the Duomo and headed out. If you ever go there, the highlight is climbing to the top and seeing everything...including the alps in the distance.
Cinque Terra has definitely been a great retreat. The view from the bathroom is the best part. Why is it that the best views are usually from the bathroom window? You can see the water crashing against the rocks...gorgeous! The weather is perfect...I even wore a light jacket 2 nights in a row (I never realized how the weather can change my moods...so unfortunate).
Yesterday we decided to take a rest and hiked 7 miles through all five cities...not so much a rest. But it was gorgeous. My pictures will never do it justice. After feeling like I was training for an everest climb, we saw acres after acres of vineyards built into the side of the mountains. It was such a refreshing change from duomos and michelangelos (not that I dislike those). We frolicked on the beach today and are heading to Nice in an hour.
We are staying with a girl that went to high school with us so that will be great. I have learned many things about myself and Trey on this trip. A list of things that Trey does not like:
1) Listening to girls use the bathroom
2) Girls picking wedgies
3) Anything having to do with thong underwear
4) Basically anything that girls have to deal with
How am I supposed to travel and not do any of these things?
Well, he will just have to learn to deal. We have no idea where we will be going after Nice. The world is an open field of adventure. Sometimes that’s great and sometimes it's daunting. I have definitely been very blessed. I love hearing from you all! It is so encouraging to get emails. Hugs to all!!

Florence & Venice

LAND OF THE MOSQUITOES
Alas I have left the mosquito infested city of Florence. To my dismay, we arrived in Milan after the wonderful city of Venice to read an article that mosquitos are worse here than anywhere and that it has been the hottest June in Italy since 1790. No kidding!! Boy can I pick the time to travel southern europe. We saw so many amazing things in Florence. Michelangelos David, Boticelli's Birth of Venice and Primavera at the Uffizi, the Dome designed by Brunelleschi, Ghiberti's Baptism doors, etc. I think we hit 3 museums and one Duomo all in a matter of 7 hours. That night we got to enjoy Florence. Such a fun and festive city at night. Street artists, great food and gelato line every street. I prayed for rest that night, a cool breeze to come into the room, and that all the mosquitos would be dead. God is good because He answered all of those. We had serious words before I went to bed...pleading for God's mercy from the heat!!
We took off for Venice and stayed at the most incredible hostel I have EVER seen. It was like a dorm and was the most efficient place. I think we were the only Americans there and all the girls in my room were from Germany. Their language has a barn yard sound...muck, muck, muck, muck (I really don't think that, that is just for you Guffman fans). We saw the many mosaics of the Byzantine Basilica of San Marco, listened to the battle of the bands in San Marco square (Andrea Botticelli, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables...Dad, you would be in paradise). We tried to ride a gondala but they charged and arm and a leg so we settled for the ghetto ride on boat #82. It is gorgeous at night. The end is kind of like seeing the back doors of Disney World...interesting. I also saw the Peggy Guggenheim Museum filled with her modern art collection...HEAVEN! I really tried to discuss it with trey but he just wasn't interested like me. I had to bite my tongue and hold discussions in my head...so sad.
When we were in line for the Basilica, we met a couple who worked at Kanakuk this summer. They just got engaged the night before on a Gondala...now that's what I call an engagement story! How fun is that! Enough boring stuff for you. I am doing great, loving it here, and have to remind myself..."I'm in Venice, or Milan, or Rome." So exciting! I miss you all and thanks for your many prayers. I can feel them all the way over here!
p.s. Beckles you'll enjoy the fact that one of the hostel owners in Amalfi reminded me of Puck from the Real world.