Wine to Beer

July 8, 2013

Spent the day at the Eiffel Tower with alma, alia, and taylor. Ate a Nutella and banana crepe!

Since we didn't want to wait in line yesterday, we had to today. When we got in line at 12:10, we predicted that we would be to the top at 2. Guess what time we were at the top? 2:01

When we were close to the front, we saw the top was closed. We were pretty bummed that we waited this long to only go half way. "It is what it is."

Since Tim and Tom seem to be pretty embarrassed to be seen with me in public (mostly because I don't care what others think of me when I will never see them again and because I like to talk with strangers and ask questions ), I told them something I learned from city year. "Do three squishy things a day" aka "Do three things a day that are out of your comfort zone and make you feel a little uncomfortable"

Well when I was on the ground floor after going up the Eiffel Tower, I told them that going to the top was doing my three squishy things today. 

We were PACKED in an elevator with at least 25-30 people. (Don't go to Europe if you don't like elevators like me- or be prepared to walk up lots of stairs). 

I just kept telling myself what Hilde said "it is all in your head". Which is so true, so I just kept reminding myself of that.

Made it! It was a beautiful view and it was fun to point out all the places we had gone to yesterday. There was just a crazy amount of people up there and you could hardly take a picture without holding up a whole crowd.

Tom noticed that we could go to the top! I said I didn't want to go at first but I sucked it up. Only so that I can say that I have been to the top of the Eiffel Tower :)  so we bought our tickets and up the elevator we went. I was freaking out deep down. I hated the whole elevator ride (my heart is racing thinking about it)

It was about the same view but awesome to think we were at the top. The floor was a checkered floor and was bouncy (kind of deflected). 

Thank goodness we had to catch a train so we were only up there for 10 minutes. 

I am making it sound like it was miserable.  It wasn't :) A very beautiful view and I am glad I did it!

We took the elevator down to the first  platform where we were at and then walked the rest of the way. I counted about 53 flights of stairs. 

We were all glad we waited in line and went to the top!

Headed back to our luggage and walked fast to the train station because we were pushing it for time. 

Yes, this is a selfy. 

The train ride was awesome. It was muh easier than flying and really relaxing. 

Only about an hour ride to Brussels. 

We found our hotel so quickly (compared to Paris). Much nicer than I was expecting. 

Went out to just find a place to eat since we hadn't eaten since 11. Of course, we all had to find the perfect place. 

It was bizarre because it was 8 pm and it was hard to find a place serving food. Usually people eat about 9 pm so it was a little early and not many of the restaurants were displaying their menus. 

Europe is so relaxed! We tried to get a table outside and asked how long the wait was to eat outside and the waitress had no clue, like that was a crazy question. We walked around a bit longer and really wanted to go back to the other restaurant with the outdoor seating because it was a beautiful night. We ended up back there and had the best burger and beers (hoogarden). I thought of you, mags :)

Went to another beer spot and I had a bregwood uk. Punk ipa. It was delicious

I loved being in Italy and France, drinking wine, but I am LOVING the beer in Belgium.