I'm Back!!

OK, I know it's been forever since I've updated my blog, but I have a good reason. I've been out of town for a couple of weeks. Then after getting back home, I've had to get caught up on everything that I've missed with work and my extracurricular activities, and I did not have internet access at home. Ack, it's enough to make you need another vacation!

Besides dogs, traveling is my other passion. For two weeks, I went all around the Alps. I spent most of my time in Switzerland and Austria, but overall I hit 5 countries. The mountains were amazing. Overall, I was impressed with how clean these countries were. There was a noticeable lack of trash on the streets, the air was fresh, and the water was so clear. Let's just say that my system was in a shock when I stepped back into the Atlanta airport. The food was amazing, too! I basically ate my way through the Alps. I'm sure I ate my weight in chocolate and cheese. Mmmmm! When in Rome.... The other thing that I loved about being there was all of the dogs. It was great to see dogs out with their owners everywhere. I wish that more places here in the States were as welcoming to dogs. I did see a lot of poodles, too, which was very fun. Here are a few pictures from the trip:

This was in Zurich. I didn't know my dog had his own store. Those crafty poodles!

This was taken at a park in Zurich, overlooking the Neiderdorf neighborhood. I was afraid to sit all the way on the wall because there was a 40-50 foot drop on the other side. As I have determined before, I'm not afraid of heights, I'm afraid of falling!

These are the bears at Bern, Switzerland. Some stupid tourist had just dropped their umbrella moments before.

The Swiss countryside:

The Jungfrau at Interlaken, Switzerland:

This was taken from the train going up the Jungfrau:Here is why we did not get to go out onto the observation deck at the top of the Jungfrau. Check out the completely horizontal icicles! Yes, it was tough to breathe up there. I felt a little light headed, like I had taken too much cold medicine.

More Swiss countryside. Moooo!

This is the view from the top of the bell tower in Innsbrucke, Austria. On the top left, you can see a ski jump.And here is my favorite souvenir from the trip, 2 white porcelain dancing poodles. I saw it in a shop window in Innsbrucke and had to have it. I guess they are waltzing.

This picture was taken from the inside of a gondola that we took up a mountain. You can barely make out the rainbow that followed a short rain.

Pictured behind this church steeple is the highest peak in Austria. It's the one that is often covered in clouds:This is me throwing snowballs off of the high Alpine road. Being from the south, we don't see a lot of snow, so you have to humor me here. Standing behind me (and laughing at me) is a nice Australian man. I've learned that when you go on trips like these, hang out with the Australians and you are guaranteed a good time.Here are the steps of the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, Austria (think "The Sound of Music"):

Same place. Check out the dark clouds:

This is a higher view of Salzburg:This was my hot chocolate from the famous Cafe Landtman in Vienna, Austria. I also shared the plate of cakes with my table. It was just so pretty! I told you I ate my way through the Alps. And here is the Opera Toilet that was in the subway in Vienna. I had to take a picture of it. The bathroom was playing waltzes- it was so funny! You see the craziest stuff when you travel. BTW, it was the Australians who found it first! OK, I won't bore you with anymore pictures. Well, maybe one more. After being gone for over 2 weeks, I was ready to get back home. Teddy was living the high life at his grandparents house and learning all about Yorkshire Terriers. How could I stay gone from this face?