What's this?!

Folks, I just want to take a moment and tell you a little story. Wade and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary last Tuesday. It started out like a normal day and then took a turn for the weird. We decided to eat at a local Chinese restaurant. That was mistake number one! It turned out to be a buffet--mistake number two. Then we read a sign wrong.  We thought it said shrimp.  It wasn't. After eating a few bites I said, “This tastes like fishy chicken.” In reality it was frog legs! Let that sink in--frog legs! The worst part was that I actually didn't mind them! Okay, now onto the rest of the blog!

We went adventuring again to places we had already been to and places we had yet to see! The one difference of this little trip was that Wade’s mom, Teri, and sister, Lacee, decided to join us. They took the train from Paris to Forbach, and we picked them up at the Forbach train station. We rented a car which was nice because we didn't have to walk the mile back with some suitcases dragging behind us. The plan was to drive to Füsson, see the Disney castle, drive to Freiburg (the Freiburg Germany that doesn’t have an LDS temple), then on to Strasbourg for some Christmas town fun!

We left Forbach in search of the Alps, a castle and some Christmas. Folks, one thing I should mention at this point is that at 4:30 pm it gets dark. So we entered Füsson in the dark and were pretty bummed because all you could see of the Alps was a dark mass. We grabbed dinner and then headed to the Airbnb. The next morning (Thanksgiving) we were up bright and early. We really wanted to see the castle again! We walked up the “big hill” and once at the top discovered some bad news. The trail to Mary’s bridge (you know the bridge I wouldn't walk across that everyone takes pictures on?) was closed! Closed! Folks, the front entrance of the castle is pretty underwhelming. The best view is from behind on the bridge! We took the news better than expected and continued on to our tour of the castle! At one point we decided to drive out to a road that had a perfect view of the castle. Right as we parked to take some photos, the fog rolled in and covered only the castle! By the time we did everything, darkness was again upon us. We decided we needed a Thanksgiving feast! They, of course, don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Europe, but Germans sure do know how to make a meal that Thanksgiving would be envious of!

                 

The next morning we were off to Freiburg! So let me clarify something. There are two Freiburgs in Germany. There is Freiburg (where we went) and there is Freiberg (where the LDS temple is). For about half our drive we thought we were going to the latter. Some investigation on Lacee’s part made it clear we were headed to the Freiburg that did not include the temple. We picked Freiburg because it was half way between Füsson and Strasbourg. Freiburg was a little underwhelming, but it did have a very big Christmas market! We wandered the city and ended up in a beautiful cathedral. We did go to the Christmas market, and it definitely put me in the Christmas mood!

    

After a night in Freiburg, we were off to magical Strasbourg, France! I say magical because it is literally like we’re Jack Skeleton wandering around asking rhetorical questions like, “What's this!?!” There are Christmas lights everywhere! On every inch of everything! The little Christmas markets have every Christmas thing you could ever think of or want. If you ever end up there, go at night! Everything is so beautiful, and it puts you in the best of moods! Although when we got there, it wasn't dark yet, so we decided to tour the palace, which was very cool. We did a river cruise, which was both a good and a bad idea. The good part was old town Strasbourg. That’s where all the Christmas stuff happens. The bad part was the cruise was about an hour and a half, the boat was cold, and new town Strasbourg isn't nearly as bright and Christmasy as old town! All in all, Strasbourg is a wonderful place to go to fill you with Christmas spirit and warm hot chocolate.

Sadly the next morning we were headed back to Forbach! We got back and hung out for a bit. Then we decided to go to Saint-Avold, which is about fifteen minutes from Forbach. Saint-Avold has the biggest WWII American cemetery in Europe. It was an amazing yet solemn sight to see. It was a beautiful monument for all the young men who sacrificed their own lives in the name of liberty and justice.

After the cemetery, we headed to my favorite city, Metz. Teri and Lacee had to catch the train there to head back to Paris. We had a few hours to kill, so we showed them our favorite places in Metz which included the eclairs we get at the same bakery every time we are there! Folks, these eclairs are still better than having a lifetime supply of peanut M&M! Now that's saying something! Metz also has a Christmas market, so we got to wander around that one too! This week sure put me in the Christmas mood! After a few hours, we helped them to their train and stood on the platform waving goodbye. I was sad to see them go!

Folks, here are some things to take away from all this. The Disney castle is awesome but even better from Mary’s bridge. Fog ruins everything. Germans make a great Thanksgiving meal! There are two Freiburgs in Germany, so don't get confused and disappointed when there isn't a temple! Strasbourg is so magical that even Jack would be overwhelmed by all the Christmas spirit! Saint-Avold has the biggest WWII American cemetery in Europe. Metz is always a good place to end a long journey. And lastly, Europe seems to love Christmas because there are Christmas markets in every city! Dare I say it, even in Forbach!

Thanks for reading folks!

Fidgety Feet

Wade and I woke up Saturday morning and decided then and there that we were going to Metz. We packed a bag and walked to the train station. The train ride was uneventful--well, other than the fact that I listened to Christmas music! I know, I know, it's not even Thanksgiving yet! My reasoning is that they don't have Thanksgiving in France, so I'm justified in listening to some jolly tunes! “When in Rome”... am I right? When we got off the train in Metz, Wade saw another English assistant who works in Forbach. Apparently there are two middle schools in Forbach. She was sent to the “nicer” one. Anyway, we start talking to her, and I'm just smiling like a dork because usually I don't understand the conversation because, well it's usually in French. I then remember she is from Scotland and is speaking English… I know these words! Sadly, I realized this a little too late and only said a few things to her. As we walked away, I told Wade I was sad that I didn't talk to her more. I miss speaking English to people. I know what you're thinking--just learn French. I'm currently learning, but it's a slow go.

We checked into our hotel, which was conveniently located right across from the train station. We decided we wanted to spend a day in Nancy. It's a town about thirty minutes from Metz. We got on another train and headed there. We didn't really know what there was to do in Nancy. We walked to the historic downtown, which was pretty cool. There is this square that has golden gates at every entrance. That was pretty neat. We went to a very big and beautiful park and walked around. We then started to realize there wasn't much else to do. We ended up walking down the shopping district. We went into a store that sold books, games, electronics, Apple products--basically it sold everything. We bought a book and then headed to the train station and back to Metz.  We had decided that we liked Metz even more than we liked Nancy.

We got back to our hotel and watched some TV. Folks, we watched a station that literally just kept playing The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Seriously, it would end and then another one would come on! It was even in English. So weird. We ended up going to a movie theater in Metz. Folks, they were showing Doctor Strange in English with French subtitles! It was the most exciting thing ever! We bought our tickets thinking we would be the only people actually seeing it.  Nope! Apparently everyone universally loves Marvel movies. Let me just say that it was the coolest movie I have ever seen! I liked it more than all the superhero movies! It was fantastic! The movie theater was pretty nice too. Instead of regular seats, they had nice comfy ones. The chairs kind of looked like little couches. It was cool. Another fun fact is that we didn't get back to our hotel until 11:30pm. We haven't stayed out that late in a very long time!

The next morning we walked the freezing cold 20 minutes to get to the church building. The people there are so kind and always happy to see us. Regretfully, we hadn't been for a couple of weeks, so we were happy to be there! You can feel the spirit so strong in this tiny little chapel with the handful of people who attend. It's an amazing feeling. I'm grateful we have the opportunity to be around such wonderful and faithful people. It really strengthens my testimony to see and feel their devotion to the gospel.

After church, we walked back to our hotel, hung out for a bit and then walked to the train station. We were standing in the train station when I saw some glorious donuts. I wanted one immediately. Wade encouraged me to order the donut by myself. I was nervous and second guessing myself, but I managed to sputter out some words that resembled French. Wade then decided he also wanted a donut, and I had to add another incoherent phrase to the first. We ended up with the donuts, and I was kind of proud that I tried to speak French to an actual Frenchmen and not just Wade! We got on the train, and I defied the rules again by listening to Christmas music.

Folks, here are some things to take away from today’s read. Listen to Christmas music whenever you want to. Also there is no Thanksgiving in France, there may be one in Canada but not in France. Metz will always be my favorite town to visit. Jimmy Fallon is always on TV for some reason. I saw a English movie in France. Doctor Strange is a great movie! Church is always the best place to be on a cold Sunday morning. And most importantly, donuts are always worth making a fool of yourself!

Thanks for reading folks!

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Wade and I decided not to go adventuring this weekend. I know, how lame are we?! But sometimes you just have to relax.  So, let's talk relaxing in Europe. For me, It involves a lot of a yoga and a lot more of Netflix! Yes, there is Netflix in France and yes, it actually has more TV shows and movies!

I know what you're thinking, “Why is she rambling on about Netflix?” Well, I've been pretty homesick lately, and it may sound weird but it's kind of comforting knowing I can watch Netflix still. Folks, I know it may sound so lame, but it's sadly true! Now Wade and I have basically watched all the TV shows ever. I honestly feel like that proves how boring Forbach is.

Anyway, we have recently discovered a new Netflix original series! It was a very exciting moment for us. Folks, I'm going to need you all to turn on Netflix and watch The Crown! It is an amazing show! So amazing that Wade and I watched all ten episodes in two days. I'm kind of regretting that fact right now! It leaves you on the edge of your seat wanting more!

Now that I've got you hooked on The Crown, let's move on. As I was saying earlier, I'm pretty homesick. I miss just about everything. Don't get me wrong--I do love being here in France with Wade, and I do enjoy all the adventures we get to go on together. But sometimes I miss Utah a lot! Yesterday, was an “I miss Utah a lot” day! Wade knew this and as we were flipping through Netflix we found the movie The Sound of Music! Folks, if you know anything about me, you know that I LOVE musicals! I blame my mom for this lovely trait. Anyway, Wade knows my love of musicals. He decided to turn it on to help me be less sad (Awww). Folks, just like that I was less sad. There is just something about Julie Andrews singing about raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens that makes me feel so much better!

     

That movie made me think about my family. The Asays are musical junkies--again, a lovely trait from my mother! I remember being little and listening to Into the Woods.  I remember getting up early enough so that I could watch Donny Osmond in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at least once before I had to go to elementary school.  My happiest memories with my awesome siblings include us all watching what seems like every musical known to man.  It was nice to remember all this while I'm thousands of miles away from all of them. They are all my favorite people, and I'm lucky to have them.

Okay, so a few things to take away from this one. Um, obviously this post wasn't really about travel. Wade and I were lame this weekend and stayed home. There is still Netflix in France, so that’s good! And you may have learned that I love musicals, especially since they help me feel better when I'm sad and missing my family! Last but not least, my siblings are pretty cool!

Thanks for reading folks!

It Takes Two

This past weekend Wade and I tried our hands at being a couple of tour guides. Don't worry-- we didn't show anyone around Forbach because, ya’ll know by now Forbach is the worst! Wade’s friend Ryan and his wife Alyssa decided to visit Paris. Wade is still on his two week break from teaching, so we got to show them around.

                  

Wade and I got to the Airbnb a day before they flew into Paris. The apartment we stayed in was in a cool location. There was a flea market located a block away, so Wade and I got to check that out! For some reason, though, the apartment smelled strongly of pickles! Pickles of all things! We opened the windows, still smelled like pickles. We would light all the candles they had, but still the pickle smell lingered! After getting used to the smell and picking a room to sleep in, we decided to get on the Metro and walk around Paris. It was nice. We sat on the steps of the Opera House, walked around the grounds of the Louvre, and sat by some fountains enjoying the sunset.

The next day Ryan and Alyssa got to the Airbnb. We decided to go to the Latin Quarter to get a late lunch. After the food, we walked around for a bit and made our way back to the apartment. The next morning we were up bright and early! We stood in line to climb the stairs for Notre Dame(for Wade this is the fourth time). We climbed all those stairs and the view was still well worth it. The rest of the day was spent cramming in as many museums and other sites that we could! They were only staying for two full days, and there is a lot to see in Paris!

At one point, there was a pretty dramatic moment on the Metro. We were trying to get on to go to the Louvre. As the train pulled up, we saw that every car was full--people everywhere! The doors opened, and no one was getting off the cars. We hesitated.. which is the worst thing you could do. We hurried into the least crowded car. The doors shut and Ryan was standing on the platform letting out a string of swear words. He didn't make it into the train car! We panicked and honestly didn't know what to do. His wife was obviously upset. All of the sudden the car door opened! It was a miracle! He jumped on, and we all laughed with relief. Folks, the Metro is a little confusing, so getting lost is a real fear.

We got to the Louvre, and they just wanted to see the famous stuff, which is actually what we did last time, so we were totally fine with that. We walked through the Egyptian exhibit on our way to the paintings. Folks, we ended up losing Ryan and Alyssa! We are literally the worst tour guides! We lost them! Wade and I had no clue what to do. I know what you’re thinking--”Just call or text them.” We tried to call Ryan, but his phone was off. We didn't have Alyssa’s number either. We decided that I would walk up the hall where we last saw them and Wade would walk up the opposite hall and then we would meet back at a certain spot. Folks, that obviously didn't work. Wade started to wonder if we could page them or something. As we were trying to come up with another game plan, Wade got a text from Alyssa! They told us where they were, and we ran to find them. You would think we lost our kids or something! Nope, we just “lost” two full grown adults. They didn't seem too shaken up about it. A side note, I really enjoyed the Louvre this time around. It was nice. That night, we went to the Arc de Triomphe (more stair climbing) and then went back to the Pickle Apartment. While we were gone, the smell had inexplicably gotten stronger.

The last day we were in Paris, we walked around some more and then went to the Eiffel Tower. We didn't end up climbing it because they had had enough of the stairs. We just walked underneath and around it. Folks, Paris in the Fall is beautiful. All the trees around the Eiffel Tower were turning rustic colors. It was beautiful, and I'm grateful for this opportunity Wade and I have to be it such an amazing place!

As Wade and I got off the train back in Forbach, I started to complain about Forbach being the worst! Because, you know, it really is. Wade is the optimistic one and is always trying to make me see the bright side; that's one of the things I love about him. Anyway, he was trying to cheer me up by saying it's still nice here. I wasn't convinced. We walked into our apartment, and it was like walking into an igloo! Apparently they turned the heat off in our building because it's a two week break, so no one is working! Folks, I'm talking we can see our breath at times. We have taken refuge under all our blankets and have put about three layers of clothes on. The break ends on Thursday, so we only have one more day to try not to freeze to death!

Here are a few things to take away from all of this. Wade and I are okay tour guides and only sometimes lose people on the Metro and in the Louvre. Two week breaks involve no heat. And the most important thing--Paris is beautiful in the Fall! Please come visit us if you get the chance! I promise we won't lose you!

Thanks for reading folks!