2008 at its end...

Wow... I can't believe that this year is over...

It has been a crazy year with many ups and downs. I have made new friends and lost some. I have loved and lost. But most inportantly I have learned. I have learned about me, about life, about love and about truth. I have learned that it is better to be true to yourself than it is to live a lie. I think that it is time for me to start living for me. I have come to find myself. Now that I have, I know where I want to go with my life.

In the new year I am going to...
* Get Fit. I am going to eat healthy and lose some weight

* I am going to get a permanant job in the horse indistry. Working my way to my dreams.

* I am going to get my life in order. Organize my stuff and what the future holds...


More to come later but i hope everyone is well and has a Happy new year.
Wish you all well

My BFFEAE...

I was looking through my senior pictures thinking of Miss Sarah and found this one. I love it for many reasons.

I just wanted to tell Sarah, I LOVE YOU FOREVER AND ALWAYS!!!!!

Halloween

So, I went with Jo-Anne to a halloween party last night, It was fun.

The End is here...

Well, I made it to Graeme's house without to much problem and had a great last few days.

When I arrived at the station where Graeme picked me up. We then went to his friends house for dinner. It was cool. They were almost all South African and from around Hillcrest! We had a great dinner and then headed back to Graeme's house. Oh, it was also the first time that I got to meet Sue, Graeme's wife. She is really nice and I like her alot.

I went into London one of my days here and met up with Erika, the girl that I had met in Salzburg. We had a great day.
Then to end things off, I saw the Phantom of the Opera and it was wonderful.

I must run, my flight is about to leave. Will finnish this when I get home!!!!!!!!!!

love ya all.
Evie

Great Freinds and Family

Well on Saturday the 18th of October, Dan and I went to a park/ old monistary for a walk and then went to the National Stud to see the Horses. On the way there we came across a cow in the road so we stopped to take a picture.



Dan and Our Cow Friend



At the National Stud

We had a good time and then headed back into town for an early dinner and then Dan had to work. I packed and watched a few movies.

The next morning we had to be up at 7 so that I would make it to the Airport on time. We made it and I sadly had to say goodbye to Dan. Yet I was moving on to another friend. I was on my way to Rochdale!! to see Duane.

In the Manchester Victoria station I met this crazy man that said he could read minds. He told me that he could see that I was a very withdrawn person and that I did not want to let anyone close to my heart. The funny thing is that, that was how I was but i don't feel that way at all any more. He also said multiple times that if he was not married that he would like to have taken me to dinner but his wife would not like that... LOL I was very glad that he was married and that my train was leaving in only 30 mins. I think if I had to deal with him for any longer than that I would have punched him. He kept trying to touch my hair, saying that strawberry blondes turned him on and that I had a beautiful face. I just smiled and said thanks and rushed to my arriving train...

Duane then met me at the Rochdale station and we caught a taxi back to his house. He had not been able to get Insurance yet on his beloved van as he had only been home for 2 days. We spent that afternoon just hanging out and catching up.



Duane Talking to AJ over Skype, Not quite sure what they were talking about to make Duanemake that face...

His mom cooked a wonderful dinner and then we watched Man on Fire. I slept very well and woke up at about 10 am on that Monday morning. Duane had said that he would be up but was still sleeping so I got ready, packed, and had breakfast. Duane surfaced at about 11, though he had not slept well. He made me lunch and then we called a taxi to take him to work and me to the train station.

I caught a train to Manchester and then a bus to Leeds, where my Anuty Jean picked me up. We took the train back to Wakefield and had a nice evening at her house.
On Tues, morning the 21st, we drove around Wakefeild and saw all the old estate houses and walked around one of them.

That night we had dinner with Elizabeth, my Cousin. This was only the second time that I have met her. We had a good night.

Elizabeth, me and Aunty Jean


Aunty Jean and I at the Estate

The rest of this week we have gone to York for a day, went to a horse store, and just hung out... It has been really nice getting to know my Aunt as I have never had that chance before.

I leave tomorrow to go to London to stay with my Cousin, Graeme. I have not seen him since 2002! I will stay with him for the next 5 nights, 4 days. I will take a few day trips into London and go and see a Westend show.

I know that I am going to miss being in Europe, but I am ready to go home. I have a list of goals and things that I want to do when I get home. I want to see my family and friends and I am really looking forward to going out to California...

There is so much in life that we take for granted. I know that I want to live the rest of my life to the fullest, I want to live life one day at a time and find the love of my life and settle down.
I have kept a journal of my entire trip and found it to be a comfort in times that I had no best friend that I could just call up, as she was on the other side of the world.

So I am stating now, I am going to life my Life to the Fullest EVERYDAY and not worry in the past.

Love you all and Ill be home, in Texas, soon.

Always
Evie

Coming to an end...

Well, I am sitting in Dan's house in Ireland!!!

It is crazy to think that the first time we met, even before we knew each others names, that he told me I should come stay with him while I was in Europe and here I am!!!

To pick up were I left off...

I went by train to Marseille. I only stayed for one afternoon but I had a great time there. I found the place that I was staying in, which turned out to be more like a student flat than a hostel. There was free Internet, food and great people.
I went out and walked around the town. I found a nice beach and sat there for some time. It was really nice to be in a place where it was warm. Though that did not last long it was nice.
I went back to the hostel to make dinner and then hung out with some of the people staying at the hostel. It was a great time.

Beach in Marseille.
Looking out over the Harbor in Marseille.

The next morning I walked to the train station and caught a bus to the airport. From there I flew to Manchester. I spent about an hour walking around Manchester and then caught a bus to Edinburgh.

I spent two nights in Edinburgh. The day in between, I did the Walking tour and just wandered around the City. It is a Pretty place with the castle on the hill top.

The walking tour was cool. We learned about a pub called the Last drop. It was owned by a Lady who had been hung and while being taken away to be buried she had come back to life and was let go. Her husband a few years later bought her the pub on the hanging square, where she would come out and tell the prisoners that it was OK, she had been in their shoes once… LOL
There is also a really sweet story of a man who was inseparable from his dog and when the old man dies, the dog stays by the old mans grave for almost 13 yrs!! The dog has a grave stone too, near his masters!! The little dogs name was Bobby…

Bobby...

The Castle on the Hill...

The Next day, 10 October, I got up early and started my tour of Skye Island. It is in the highlands of Scotland and it is amazing.

We started at about 9 am and just started driving.

This is a basic outline of what we did on the Trip

Day 1: Departing Edinburgh, we headed North over the Forth Road Bridge, across the Kingdom of Fife towards the beautiful Highlands. Our first stop was at the village of Dunkeld - a Highland gateway village and once the ancient capital of Scotland. Here we saw the old Cathedral and beautiful river.

Dunkeld Cathedral

Heading into the heart of the highlands, we passed through the Grampian mountains, where we heard tales of Roman invasion, and a very rebellious Scotland. We went to an old English fort, Ruthven Barracks, that was used to keep an eye on the Scots, where our guide, Ruth, showed us how the original Kilts worked. And how to get a highland boy Neked in 20 seconds...LOL

Ruth dressing Nathan like a highland boy...

Driving via Inverness, we then headed down the shores of Loch Ness along the north of the Loch in search of a certain monster called Nessie,

took in the views of Urquart castle, a ruined stronghold on the shores of the Loch.

Then, headed through Glen Morriston, we were now on our way westward to Skye.
Over the Skye Bridge we arrive at the village of Kyleakin where we will be spent the next two nights in our cosy wee hostel, Skye Backpackers, with it's real fire and wonderful coastal views.

We dumped our stuff in our rooms and headed straight for the pub for dinner. I had a great time there and met some great people. Those are the people that I hung out with for the next 2 days. There was Mary and her friends from school, Ina, Xenia and Cara. Mary is from NY state and she and I hit it off right away. Then there was Sean, Heath and Nathan. We all had a great time together... We finally got to bed at about 2:30...

Back in the hostel after a great night at the pub...

Day 2: We had to be up and ready to go by 9 am!! And then our adventure got even better - a day exploring one of Scotlands most famous Islands. We went to Sligachan river first thing in the morning. Ruth told us that there was a local belief that if you stuck your face in the river that you would have eternal youth. So I thought what the heck. I am only here once... The water was absolutely freezing... but it was fun and beautiful...

Mary and I by the River.

Before heading to Skye's northern tip, we passed through the mighty Cullin mountains on to Portree the island's Capital, where we stop for supplies and also for a wee look at this village, with its quaint little fishing harbour.
The Trotternish peninsula was the focus for the rest of the day, stopping at amazing waterfalls

(just a beautiful waterfall, where I fell and ended up wet all the way down the back of my jeans, Neadless to say I had fun) ( Oh and the little sticking up thing of rock in the background is said to be a Giant's wee wee that was, well excited, and he was turned into stone for breaking curfew LOL)

We saw Kilt Rock and then scrambled up one of the island's amazing rock formations, It was so windy at the top, I thought that we were not going to make it down in one piece. We slid down on our butts with the boys at the bottom to save us... That is what I came to Scotland to do, It was great... Then it was time to bring it down for a little chill time and to payed our respects to the “little people” at the enchanting Faerie Glen. As the sun went down we headed back to the village of Kyleakin in time for a pint at the local pub. We went back to the same pub and just hung out. I turned in at about mid night after another great night.

Xenia, Me, Mary and Ina in the pub on our last night in Skye.

Day 3: Departing Skye at 9 am, we headed to the mainland, where our last full day of adventure began at one of Scotland's most picturesque castles - Eilean Donan, as featured in the movie Highlander.

It's was then a very scenic drive through the lands of Kintail, where every mountain has a story of romance, adventure or betrayal. Gliding through the colours and scenery of Glen Shiel and Glen Garry, we head down to the breathtaking Glen Coe, the scene of Scotland's most haunting Clan massacre. This glen is definitely one of Scotland's jewels. While hearing the tales of its dark past, we also got a chance to take a hike through it and become a part of the atmosphere.
Continuing south over desolate Rannoch Moor where we pass the castle used in the filming of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. We then headed out of the Highlands and down to Stirling, where we saw Hamish the Hariy Cooo and to pay homage to William Wallace - the hero of Scotland's struggle for independence - at the Wallace Monument. This was our final destination, before heading back to Edinburgh. Sadly Mary and the other girls got off here as this was where they went to school. We all said goodbye and promised to stay in contact. I got back on the Bus and we headed back to Edinburgh. That night I stayed at the Castle Rock Hostel and wet out to dinner with Heath and Sean. It was good fun.

The next day I picked up the Ireland tour with the same company. It started a 9am and Sean, from the Skye tour was going on it too.

Day 1 - Edinburgh to Portstewart
We net our guide, Mike and got going. We had to Catch the ferry to Ireland and did not want to miss it.
Leaving Edinburgh and heading through Scotland’s Largest city Glasgow, we traveled down the beautiful Ayrshire coast to the ferry at Troon. Whilst crossing the Irish Sea we sailed past the beautiful Isle of Arran, the famous Mull of Kintyre and the distinctive volcanic plug, Ailsa Craig before arriving at the port of Larne in Northern Ireland.
We heard about the dramatic history of this Island and learned about ‘The Troubles’ that have shaped the political landscape of Northern Ireland. Its then North to the stunning beaches and coastline of County Antrim. Hear Celtic mythology at the world famous Giants Causeway, it’s then the short journey to scenic Portstewart passing the impressive Dunluce Castle.

View from the top of Giants Causeway.

I met a really nice girl named Cheylha and she and I spend our time together.

After seeing Giants Causeway we went to a local beach where we watched the sunset while the local boys were surfing.

We stayed in Portstewart for the night and had a good time. We went into a local pub for dinner and even played a quiz bowl game and came 6th out of 20 teams. It was fun.
Day 2- Portstewart to Donegal
The next morning we got going at 9am and headed to Derry Visit the sites of ‘the Seige of Derry’ and the infamous ‘Bloody Sunday’. I had not know how much tension there was between the north and the south. Crossing the border into the Republic of Ireland was really weird. There are no sign or anything. All that changes is that the speed goes from Miles to KM and the road stipes change color. We then traveled through the Hills of Donegal towards the west coast. We stopped at Grianan Ailligh. An old stone burrial sight and fort. It was cool to see and the veiw from on top was beautiful.

This is Everyone who was on our tour.

We also went to an old well and what is said to be the highest cliffs in Europe. The views from both these places were breathtaking. And of course I had to slip and get wet and muddy again... LOL oh well. Who needs clean clothes anyway.

Our destination for the night was the lovely Donegal town. Here we made dinner for ourselves. I cooked Spaghetti and meat sauce for all 8 of us. After dinner we stayed up and talked and drank. It was a nice evening. I went to be at about 1.

Day 3- Donegal to Dublin
In the morning w got up and cooked egg and bacon for breakfast. We had a beautiful but long drive to Dublin the capital and Ireland’s biggest city for a chance to visit it’s many attractions including the Guinness factory, Kilmainham Jail, the many art galleries and museums, and of course the pubs of lively temple bar.

We wandered around the city all afternoon and then met at the Brazen Head pub for Dinner. The football (soccer) was on, it was Cypress vs. Ireland. It was a great atmosphere to be in. We turned in late that night after much fun in the pubs. Sean, Phillip and I at the Phitsimon pub.

View of the River Running through Dublin.

The next day we all slept in and and then the tour went on its way back to Edinburgh. Cheylha and I stayed in Dublin as I was going on to Dan's house!!

We went into a few museums and just had a fun day. At about 3 pm I went and got my bags and headed for the train. I caught a train to Sallins where Dan picked me p from the station!

It was so nice to see a face that I recognised...

We talked and he took me to a local play that night. His family is wonderful and have been so good to me.

Today we went to the Jail in Dublin and just hung out, it was really nice.

On Sunday I am off to Manchester again to see Duane and then off to see My aunt. My trip is nearly over but I know that I have become a better person. I will never forget this...

My trip of a lifetime.

Geneve Horse Show

Well, I went to a horse show with Candy, Lindy's daughter. I had a blast...
To start off, Candy picked me up from the train station just after midnight. Once we got to her flat we really started to talk. Well needless to say that we talked until about 2:30 am!!!
The best part is that we had to be up at 5 am!!!!!!!

Some how we managed to get up at 5 and went to the barn to gather Louistic and all his stuff. We got to the show on time and walked the course. Then Candy hopped on and did her stuff. It was a timed course and she got a 2nd in the first round and a 4th in the 2nd round. It was great. Then the best part... when she got off I got to ride. I just cooled him out for her but it was still great to be on a horse.
We had a great time together and I hope that Candy had a good time too.
I have sadly now left the Carmalt house but I will return, and hopefully oneday I can return the favor and let her ride my horse.

Candy and Lou

Lou looking at the Alps (taken by me from on his back)
The Victory Lap
Me on Lou
Lindy and I the morning that I left

I am now in Marseille just for the night. I will be on a flight to Manchester tomorrow and then on to Edinbrough.
hope you are all well
ttus
Evie

Keep on, Keep'n on...

Well, I left Berlin and spent the day in Antwerp, Belgium.
While there I just walked around the town. In this square that I walk to was a cart pulled by two Friesian's. They were beautiful. I wish that I could have ridden one of these beautiful creatures but I will keep dreaming. One day I will own one.
The Black Beauty

Beautiful Building in Antwerp


The Little Peeing boy in Antwerp, he has a fancy name but I don't remember it.

After spending the Day in Antwerp I went on to Bruges, Belgium. I really liked it here. My sister, Jo-Anne had told me to stay here rather than in Brussels and I am very glad I did. I spent the next day just biking around the little town. It was very nice.
The next day, a lady that I had met in the hostel and I went into Brussels for the day. It was fun but I was really glad that I had stayed in Bruges rather than there.
We were walking through this part of town that all the restaurants spill out onto the streets and this waiter came running up to me, put his arm around my shoulders and said, I want to take a picture with you. I just said that is ok and kept walking but he kept insisting. I finally told him to leave me alone and went on our way. It was weird.
I also had to have a Belgium Waffle. Jo-Anne told me I had to have one for her, so I went all out. You can see there is a picture of it below. It was AWESOME!! It had Caramel Ice cream, Strawberries, bananas, and chocolate sauce on it!

My Belgium Waffle!!!
I thought this was really funny. Look at the Translation at the bottom of the picture.


This was looking down outside the Train Station in Brussels. The number of bikes just baffles me. Those are all belonging to people that were using the train that day!

I spent my last day in Bruges not really doing much. I went to the train Station to get a reservation to Paris on the afternoon train only to find that there were NONE! I rushed over the the help desk to find another way to get there. Finally I was able to get the last seat on a train leaving from Lille at 8 am. But the kicker was that it takes 2 hours from bruges to get there!! so that meant I had to catch the 6 am train in Bruges!
It was a rough night, I ended up not going to bed when I should have and then at 2 in the morning a guy comes into our room to find that the bed that he had booked was full. now we had 9 people in a room that only had 8 beds. Well there was no one in the hostel who could help us so he just slept on the floor! And he Snored... It was a bad night.
But the next morning, really not bright, but very early I was on a train to PARIS!!

In Paris I stayed at a hostel called the Aloha hostel and it was not far from the Eiffel Tower. I dropped my stuff off and went walking. I went on a walking tour that afternoon and saw a good part of the city. Paris is huge however and even after spening 4.5 days there I know I did not see everything.
I went to the Louvre, Notra Dame, St. Chappele, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees and much more. It was Wonderful. On my last night there I went up the Eiffel Tower and spent about 3 hours up there!! Then it was time to Move on.

The Lourve in the Distance
My first night there in front of the Eiffel Tower
My picnic the I had that first night in front of the eiffel towerA really funny poster that is all over the subways in Paris.

Notre Dame
inside Notre Dame
Inside St. chappele
The Eiffel Tower from the Tuileries next to the Louvre

A Strange car in dealership on the Champs Elysees
Arc de Triomphe
Sacre Coure
Moulin Rouge
inside the Louvre
A Huge marrange that I had.

The classic shot...





Over looking the Louvre from the top of the tower

Cool shot from the Eiffel tower
The Famous Painting, Do I even have to say what it is...

more cool stuff in the Louvre

I liked his butt, What can I say...

Just me... thinking

Then I got on a train and went to Geneve.
Lindy, the wonderful lady and her family that I am staying with are wonderful. I walked into town and met them at their Church.
I spend Yesterday looking around Geneve, and today I havenot done much. Just cought up on stuff. Tomorrow I am going to a horse Show with their daughter!! I am really Excited.


Well I am sure there will be more to come. from here I am going to Nice for 2 nights then I fly to manchester and go up to Edinburgh for a tour through Scotland and Ireland.
Love you all
and hope to hear from you soon
Love always
Evie