I am actually, at this moment, in Malena's sweet apartment in a little funky neighborhood in Berlin about to grab a cafe and fall asleep in the park. BEGIN.

Berlin is an incredible city that is nothing like I imagined it to be. I feel like it's a little known secret of a fun, little, funky capital. There is music and musicians galore. Art and graffiti on every wall, door, car, and floor. And people can still smoke indoors. Ok, well that last part stinks (quite literally), but the rest is pretty great.

I met my wonderful roommate/older sister Malena at the train station.

She greeted me with her new, sweet red bike and took me on a tour of the town...

And quite a little funky city it turned out to be. Young people everywhere, musicians jamming away on the streets, and little bridges to take a seat and catch the sunset. It has an extra little dose of energy that is clearly felt by everyone around.

I must admit that we spent most of the time doing what Malena and I like best: drinking coffee, talking, and grabbing the UV waves (with sunscreen of course!).

From one cafe to the next, we hoped around the beautiful neighborhoods of that lovely city, occasionally stopping for a nap in the park. We even swang on the swing-set just in front of the Berlin wall, while listening to live music in a beautiful large park full of artists. They really have done a fantastic job turning a wall of fear and separation into a field of union, laughter, and music. It is quite an extraordinary thing to see really.

Slowly but surely my short trip in Berlin came to an end. I said my sad goodbyes to Malena, knowing full well that we will meet again someday soon, and headed off for my last plane trip, my last journey, and my last little memory of what this great year has been.

And, POOF, I am back home.

A great year, an amazing journey, and a field of memories.

Thanks for joining me everyone. I might just keep this bad boy around for a bit more, because truthfully, its just fun.

Thanks!

Cristina

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So the clever Bernardo thought it best to put on all of her clothes, or as much as humanly possible...

7 shirts, 1 dress, and 2 skirts later, I cleverly sneaked through the weighing station with my journal tucked into my back, Animal Farm peeking out from my sweater, and a cute little book on funny French stereotypes just above the waist. Oh and a winter coat in 80 degree weather.

Victoriously, I made my way towards the metal detector only to hear the ding,ding,ding ring in my ears. Oh no, not now I thought!

Well the airport lady was not too impressed by me. She pointed seriously to the four angled specimen protruding from my belly and declared loudly "what is that?!" Oh ya know, just a book, that's totally normal right? Now she thought for sure that I was some type of overweight terrorist. "Go over there, and please remove some clothes...please remove some more."

Oh the horror! Here I was stripping off layers and layers of clothes in front of a packed airport. Everyone was looking at me like a giant weirdo. "How much clothes do you have on??" she asked. Oh ya know just enough to keep 10 children warm in 20 degree weather.

In the end she let me go, and I finally made my way to the plane, giggling to myself, and wishing I had someone, anyone to tell the story to...

love,
Little B

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Yet, off I go. Berlin is next, and sadly, last on the list. I am off to visit my long-lost German roommate/sister in her new European home.

Then 3 days later, and voilà, I will be home.

So now, I must display to the world, the wonderful city that is Toulouse... La Ville en Rose (The Pink City).

Maybe now Manny will understand just why the Toulouse Opera CD is not white and black but a lovely shade of pink...

I believe I see a theme forming here...

I just noticed P is suspiciously wearing pink as well. This I repeat, was not planned, and yes, I am dating a boy who wears pink... :p

So yes, I finally found my beautiful pink city. And I get/got to ride a free bike around it all day long. Oh how I do love France.

Bisous! à mardi!

Cris

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I will translate it to French...if I EVER learn it.

10. The streets are made for people, not cars
Pedestrians have the right of way here...ALWAYS. If you are going to hit by something, it's probably a bike.

9. Wine, anywhere, costs less then soda
2 euros for a glass? Heck I'd rather have Rosè then shell out 3 euros for a coke.

8. The French mother/mère, is a work of art
She cooks like a pro, cleans like a machine, and dresses like a Kennedy. Ok at least my French mom

5. 7 year-old girls are more stylish than me:
Embarrassing but true. I think kids take Stylish Dressing-101 as enfants.

7. People actually say Oh lal a...ALOT
Though it is usually in lower tone and sounds like Ohhh la la.

6. Cafè, Jacque
My most favorite afternoon activity. Jacque (like backgammon but better) and cafe, though truthfully i drink tea, but shhh it doesn't rhyme.

5. Bikes are freeeee..well almost
Ok this is the best invention ever. For 10 bucks a month you can take out a bike one place in the city and return it to another. Truly genious.

4. French men:
They are well-dressed, well-educated, well-mannered, and still believe in romance...what's not to like?
See exhibit A:

3. The FOOD:it's no wonder 'cuisine' is a French word
Fresh, flavorful, and ohlala delicious, I just have one word: YUM.

2. Le Vin IS the best of the world. They weren't lying.
And they drink it with every meal! Though never too much, just enough to make you smile.

AND drumroll please...

1. Lunch NEVER ends:

First it's the entree, then the main course, then wait...the cheese. Yes they have it for dessert here. And just when you thought you couldn't eat anymore, they bring out a mouth-watering dessert. And wait, wait, wait..then there is #6 cafe/jacque which comes right along with,yes, more chocolate. All and all it a good 3 hour practice. And every bite is delicious. How do they stay trim Anita asks? I HAVE NO IDEA.

Bisous from France,

Cristina

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Everyone who has ever met him, loves him. He is the smartest, funniest, and most loving man I have ever met.

And he looks like Jack Nicolson - or so he likes to say.

Thanks Dad for encouring me to explore the world and all of the beautiful things it has to offer. Without you, I could have never bought that ticket! I remember you distinctly telling me: "Beba you have to go on this trip. It is an adventure of a lifetime." And yes Pops... you were right!

So santé to my Pancho (mais pas des pieds)!

The best Cuban Pancho in the world!!

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So as you can see, we didn't actually get to see him at first because he was getting changed. Apparently, they change his outfit every week! I had no clue.

When the cape was finally taken away, we got to see a little sculpture with a white hat and a shirt that said: Every Drop Counts. It was for a nonprofit that brings water to under-developed countries. Very clever.

Unfortunately, I have no picture. Only a video that refuses to load itself to my page. So you guys will have to use your imagination on that one, I apologize...

I did, however, get to see Jenneka Pis pee., for real. Check her out!

All together, we had a wonderful weekend in Brussels. Our lovely host Mathieu:

And his wonderful girlfriend Marielle:

We arrived to the most delicious French meal I have had (ok well truthfully EVERY French meal is delicious) and we passed the night doing what French do best: playing very fun card games and drinking delicious wine!

Then it was off to Brugge, a lovely little Belgian town:

Where we got to taste world famous Belgian Waffles:

Visit a beautiful old monestary:

And drink delicious hot chocolate, NOT! Oh please Bernardo, don't drink it, donnnn'ttt...

Yes, that drink and that drink alone made Pierre and I both very, very sick. Not sure why...but we are guessing it was the milk!

Once we recovered from our hot chocolate mishap, it was time to see the sights of Brussels. Like Charlie's favorite beer, Delirium Tremens:

and Gabrielle's:

Then a little tour of some of Brussels fantastic architecture (for you pops!)

Marielle, a history of the arts major, was kind enough to give us some lessons:

Now the story behind this next building is that the architect, when he noticed his masterpiece was misconstructed, committed suicide.

See if you can tell why:

Glad my Dad never did that! But all and all, we had a wonderful little tour of Belgium's great offerings with even better company.

Though I will not lie, when Pierre said : "Aren't you glad to be going back to Carcassonne's warm weather?" I said YESSSSSS...

hehe

bisous,
Cristina

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Both he and Arnaud, who just recently finished their global wine tour, were interviewed in this very house and cast on France Television 3.

A star was truly born. Check it out for yourself:
(and practice your French while you are at it)

You can learn more about their trip and catch some terrific photos from around the world at: www.vinsdesglobes2008.com

And as for me, well, I am just lazily learning French and playing ALOT of backgammon with the famille Caizergues. I will humbly admit that I have beat the house champ, Fanny, three times in a row now :p

Here are some good 'ole family pictures of our Saturday tournament. I , of course, had to introduce an extra level of competition to our afternoon repetoire. And the end result: I lost by a landslide. Even 16 year old Manon kicked my butt. Way to go Bernardo!

Let the games begin:

Manon vs Cristina

Pierre acts too cool for school:

And well Fanny... just who is Fanny?

You be the judge!

Bisous from France,
Cristina

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The 27 to 23 victory came after 60 minutes of a hard fought battle. Pierre emerged victoursly with 4 amazing, show-stopping goals, one of which the lovely Cristina Bernardo caught on tape.

So-ahem, ahem-drumroll please....

He runs, he passes(not), he shoots, he scores!!!!!!

And did it all thanks to me!

Please hold your applause for end of the match.

Bisous,
Cristina

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Montpellier, right drop on the coast of Southern France, is rumoured to have 360 days of sunshine a year. And in my experience so far...that just might be true.

Pierre, Fanny, and I took a little day trip to the famous little city, and the sun was shining away it's pretty little face. We took a few hours to explore it's well-known little winding streets:

and even stopped for a fruity colored drink at the city's central stage: the Plaza of Something or Other.

The plaza eerily reminded me of the many Spanish sites I had seen before.And I admit I was pressed for a response when Pierre asked "so how is France different from Spain?"

But then you hear the accordian sound, see a stripped shirt go past, and catch an "oh la la" or two, and puff you are back to Southern French reality. Ok maybe not the "oh lala" part...but I did have an almond croissant and man was it lovely.

Next it was time for a french snack at this lovely cafe:

Though we didn't actually stop there, I just took a lot of pictures because I loved it :P

And off we drove back home. Pierre, Fanny:

and I:

And caught a glimpse of this for Tongoat:

bisous from France,
Cristina

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I awoke to fresh croissants and un bol de cafè au lait, then was off to the open air markets with the family Caizergues.

And boy oh boy was it fun. Jean Caizergues knows everyone in town, everyone! And I got to meet them all. We walked from stall to stall as Manon helped me learn all the important French vocabulary: carote, orange, kiwi. Ok, ok I know they all look the same, but they are pronounced quite differently/difficultly, ok?

Then I had a wonderful afternoon with my new French little sisters. Meet Fanny:

et Manon:

They are both so sweet and took me on a little tour of the town. We went shopping, got our haircut, and Fanny even did a bit of makeup for me... one eye green, and one eye...pink. Thanks Fanny!

We had so much fun, and though language is still an obstacle, those girls sure are great at helping me learn. Though they still have a giggle or two when I try to pronounce Rrruuee. Rue. Street. That "u" sound is just not natural!

And they even told me I could be the trois soeur (third sister). How cute! Two little sisters?!? My dream has come true :-P

Bisous,
Cristina

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25 hours later, I landed in Barcelona, where I met this fine young gentleman:

And we stopped off first in the glourious Lloret Del Mar in Costa Brava, to have yummy tapas of mejilliones y tortilla de patatas.

Next we were off to Dalis famous museum in Figueras, Spain.

We thought we were lost when I looked to my right and spotted this:

Giant eggs, giant eggs, I shouted. To which P responded "thats it!"

Finally we arrived at this lovely house:

With a beautiful garden:

And fresh and delicious pommes:

On day 2, we hopped onto Pierres fabulous red moto and set off for the famous Carcassonne castle, which makes the city the oldest Medevil city in all of Europe!

And I even got to hold it in the palm of my hand...

As we entered through the castle walls, I was wowed by the plehtora of little cafes, bars, and small wondering streets before us. P informed me that this little closed-in-city, though it houses no permanent inhabitants, is the heart and soul of Carcassone day and night life come spring. I, clearly hope, that will begin...tomorrow.

After doing what the French do best - eating crepes and drinking cafe- we headed back for an end to a perfect French day: a three-course hand-cooked meal with a delicious glass of Shiraz-Viognier.

Et voila! My first day in France was complete!

Bisous from Carcassonne,

Cristina

it is between Toulouse qand Montpellier...

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However, no peanut butter sandwich this time. A. I am still sick from the "food" they gave us on the plane, and B. well, Aussieland has it's fair share of my favorite afternoon treat.

But yes, I digress, I am on my way to France! I still can't even believe it. I never thought when I began this trip that I would end up flying in to Barcelona International by end of Februrary. On the - get this- exact date I flew there 3 years ago. I guess Europe truly does call my name.

Sadly, I am leaving Australia earlier than planned. I will miss their beautiful weather and friendly faces. The 117 degree weather days and the "g'day mates", and "goodonyas" of yester-year. (is that two words?)

I will, however, NOT miss their complete lack of toilets. I mean seriously, not even cafes that serve tea and coffee can give ya a restroom?! And perhaps the slight oversight that Australians do not have half-size feet. Apparently everyone is a size 8 shoe or 9, born to perfection.

So 15 hours from now, I am due to arrive in Barcelona, God willing. Then it's off to Carcassonne to apprendre le francais and meet the lovely Caizergues famille. I truly couldn't be more excited. Je suis tres contente!

I promise that with free internet galore, I will be writing more often yet again. And I hope to post some old and new pictures very soon.

Until then, a bientot! et bisous from Asia,
Cristina

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Last Saturday reached a quite smoking -and I mean that literally- hot 117 degrees. It was, in fact, the hottest place in the world that day. The WHOLE WORLD. Nutso.

Of course, me being the smartest girl to have lived, decided nothing was too hot for a displaced Cuban girl, and opted to WALK one hour to work. Yes, yes, turns out, I was the only person walking beside the river. And I must say, I was none the better for it. My hands actually started to go numb. I didn't even know that was possible! And the wind, that was the worst. It was like a hot steam engine blowing endlessly on your face. Ugh

But I am glad I lived to see it, and happy I survived through it. Without even a drop of sweat. Oh right, thats because it evaporates when it's that hot.

And true to form, Melbourne's ever changing climactical mind, the next day dropped over 40 degrees. Sunday night was uh, ya know 70 degrees. 117 to 70...Crazy.

love,
Cristina

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First and foremost...Coconut has returned!! After returning home for Christmas to recount tales of negative 20 degree weather, she has finally come back to her real 'home' :-P And none to soon. We are all so happy to have our blonde ball of curls back, and I think she is oh so happy to sleep on the couch everynight. hehe

Another momentous occasion has passed in my absence. OBAMA baby! We couldn't be happier over here on the other side of the world. People ask non-stop about him and our hopes for him. I tell them, over and over again, that there are many. I couldn't be more proud of our country! Go America...we are popular again! YES.

I should also mention NADAL. Oh yeah baby. He has taken home the Australian Open title to Coconut's dismay. But Caitlin and I were all to proud of our young Spainard. The whole lot of us spent a wonderful day at the games. And even got to see James Blake's first win. Que chulo! I kept yelling that I went to JamesBlake High School. But he didn't seem to notice me much. I mean come on! He has his own high school. Basically.

Internet is quite slow here and a little bit expensive, but I promise to upload some new pictures soon. Until then, besos from DOWN UNDER...

love,
Cristina

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Feliz ano nuevo everyone! This year has started off wonderfully, with a new baby Bernardo to add to the mix. Isabella was born on Christmas Day itself, and is our lovely Rosie B's first baby girl. I can't wait to meet her!

The girls and I celebrated our first Christmas/New Years in style in our new apartment in Melbourne. Check out the beautiful Ikea furniture!

More to come on our ongoing adventures. Until then, Happy New Year!

love,
Cristina, Caitlin, and Kate

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So Merry Christmas from Melbourne! It is sunny and warm here, and feels absoultely NOTHING like Christmas. Hehe. The girls and I hosted our first Christmas Eve dinner last night, with guests from all over the world. We even invited the couple who want to buy our car! It was a wonderful time filled with chicken a la Cubana, stuffing, mash potatoes and the like.

Now we are off to the beach for Christmas day. A local group is throwing a BBQ and cricket day at the beach for foreigners. Should be a good time.

We miss all of you terribly! The Christmas season really does do that to people. So please spend it wonderfully together, and think of us occasionally :-P

Feliz Navidad y Profite du jour Presente,
Cris, Caitlin, and Kate

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So the ladies and I have spent just over a week touring around this lovely city they call Sydney. The Harbour, as everyone will tell you, is just gorgeous. Amazing red and orange colored houses line the cliffs overlooking the beautiful blue water and captivating Sydney Opera House. I could spend hours of my day just sitting their enjoying the view. Kate however could not, sitting outdoors makes her antsy ;-)

Yet us ladies our torn on our next move. Turns out everyone wants to be in Sydney for Christmas/New Years, and what jobs there were, seem to have just dissapeared. Granted we didn't look very hard, but we haven't gotten even one call back. Not one! So we are thinking about Melbourne, everyone says its just lovely. Hmm, time well tell. Any input is greatly appreciated :-)

Besos from Sydney, I will leave you with some lovely shots of this amazing city...

-Cristina & Crew

p.s. Dad, I took these pictures for you!!!

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The drive in was just stunning, amongst rolling hills and giant cliffs. A slight fog surrounded the wondrous horizon as we approached, but quickly vanished to reveal a stunning city set behind a shimmering river, as we crossed over the Harbor Bridge. It truly was a sight to behold!

Now it is time to find our bearing. We booked a hostel tonight in the center of the city, and as such, we begin our quest to find a place to live, a job to support us, and some friends to make the trip worthwhile.

Wish us luck!!

love,
las chicas!

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So what began as a lesiurely afternoon game of cards, turned into a 6 hour escapade of 18 rounds of cards. Caitlin and I taking the final lead and winning by a mere 20 points over 500.

As the clocks ticked 11pm we realized that indeed we were now officially old ladies drinking white wine, playing Spades, and all the happier for it. Oh how time does change us...

Off to celebrate Thanksgiving in el norte, and the other national holiday...Caitlin's Birthday!

besos,
Cris & Crew

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Even amongst torrential downpours, we fell in love with the town's two winding streets filled with cafes, hippie shops, and unique little restaurants with names like "Why Not?".

The town peaks at Cape Byron where a lovely lighthouse rests on top of a large hill overlooking the land. There are beaches on either side, each with picturesque white sand and clear, blue waters and waves the size of avalanches. A surfer's paradise this place is, and quite nice for the rest of us too...

We are planning on staying here just a bit longer. The ocean shores are calling our names, and the wonderful vegetarian Indian restaurant is keeping our bellies full. This town has a little bit of everything for somebody, and we are trying to find that for each one of us.

Turns out it may also be a great place to celebrate Turkey Day...

Much love from Aussieland
Besitos,

3CK

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More on that trip to come.

Now we are off to Byron Bay, a beach town known to be one of the best in the land. We plan to hang out there for a few days, maybe take some surfing lessons (yea!) and finally get a little bit of time to just rest on the beach. Ha. I know, I know, but I seriously have only read like 10 pages of Great Expectations in two weeks. I got to get going on that one!

I will leave you with a few pictures of our journey - the winding road, the wonderful animals , and our lovely new car...Rhonda :-P

love,
the ladies

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First was the amazing city of Rockhampton. A city Lonely Planet booasted as quaint with beautiful old-style buildings and a happening downtown area. NOT. All we could find were endless amounts of strip malls that reminded us all a bit of South Carolina and a Subway with no restroom or oil and vinegar (imagine my despise!)

Next was the lovely town of 1770. Yes a city named after a number. One of the only ones in the world I believe. Many backpackers before us had highly recommended the place, booasting a cool vibe and magnificent views. Upon arrival, we realized it was little more than a marina with a shop or two (neither of which were open!). Nonetheless, we managed to find one restaurant open past 9pm, in the middle of reconstruction. But "no worries mate" we found a toothless Aussie all to eager to give us dancing lessons involving all the construction moves: hammering, plastering, you name it... Go Kate on that one. She rocked the house. (pics to come)

But mostly I've been pretty proud of us. We slept 4 in the station wagon (me and caitlin balled up in the back) and managed to hike down most of the coast without a hitch. Unless you count Coconut's $150 speeding ticket. Ha. Heavy footed that girl is, I tell ya.

I did, however, realize I am a horribe left-side-of-the-road driver. Actually the girls had to tell me that after I nearly killed 2 bikers. Its actually quite harder than I imagined. Your body just naturally starts gliding to the left. And come on man, we are driving a boat!

After an unsucessful 2 hour attempt to find jobs in Brisbane, we are heading back up the coast tomorrow to see Steve Irwin's Zoo, Rainbow Beach, and Frasier Island. I'll do my best to update it as we go along. Until then, besitos to all and go OBAMA!!

love,
Cris, Cait, Kate, and Coco

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We got a car. Hoorah! We may have bought it from a sketchy, weathered, drunken old man with a long beard, but hey it runs. And it got us down 8 hours to the Whitsunday Islands (at 3am!)

And now we are here, yet again for me. The pictures show it all. I just can't seem to get enough of Whitehaven Beach. It's every bit as beautiful as the pictures show...and then some. And Coconut wasted no time in getting to know the joys of its crystal blue water...

And the beauty of the sea:

Whilst Caitlin dazzled us as Catwoman...

But luckily we still made friends:

And the four of us - wait make that 5 (we kidnapped our lovely little German brother Dominik for the ride) - had a wonderful holiday in heaven...in my haven, Whitehaven beach.

The END.

love,
the gals & random German boy who likes to wash dishes

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that I loved sooo dearly...

And say hello to a traveller's life once again.

We did this first in style on Halloween night. Dressed as homeless superheroes -superMAN, supergirl, and random asian superhero in sunglasses- we took to the streets of Port Diggity Douglas. Our new favorite hometown beach. The results, I must admit, were quite...amazing :-P

Now, it is time to begin our journey. Red Ford Falcon in hand (hopefully), we depart tomorrow for the Whitsunday Islands, Great Keppler Island, Frasier Island, Brisbane, Byron Bay, and finally Sydney in hmmm 10 days. We shall see how that all works out.

Big besos from Australia,
Cristina, Caitlin, Cnuts, and Kate

whoa that is a lot of C sounds...

A goodbye kiss from Caitlin:

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So I have almost reached a record 3 months in Aussieland. Many people keep asking, how is Australia? Is it everything you imagined? Well the long and short of it is: yes and no. Ha. There is much to be said...

Sometimes its easy to forget I am on the otherside of the world. The big cars, strip malls, and McDonalds on every corner often makes it feel a lot like home. But digging deeper (or rather looking up), you find there are quite some differences. The mountains for one. The glorious, sky scraping, untouched mountains pertruding from the clouds. Those are quite unique. And the gorgeous beaches with no giant hotel blocking the view also take you to quite a different place.

Then there is the people. They may look like Americans, but don't be fooled. How ya going and g'day mate, aren't exactly American colloquialisms. Overall I have found Australias to be quite a friendly bunch. And they all seem so happy. Most of them live on the beach or very near it (which to me IS exactly why they are happy). Like Costa Rica, everything is "no worries" and if you tell them "have a good day", they don't say "thanks", they say "I will." Guess it's just a given here...

And everything is bigger and brighter in Australia. We are living in the oldest rainforest in the WORLD and these species really make you think they grew up in the stone ages. Moths the size of footballs, lizards as long as a baseball bat, and turkeys who run around like they own the place. I often feel like I'm truly in a movie. A modern day Jurrasic park with big, scary snakes. I dreamt about one the other night, and literally saw one the next night. Scary.

So overall this place is quite lovely. I like it quite a lot. Wouldn't say love, but hey, I've only seen about 1/50th of it. So give me a few months...

love,
Cristina

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