Google's first European Ski trip - Courmayeur, Italy.

We flew into Milan, and then took a two hour bus ride to the Italian alps. Courmayeur was such a charming ski village and Mont Blanc was stunning. We had lunch on the mountain at a small, family run restaurant where I had my first taste of grappa. The views from the deck were magnificent!

In typical Google fashion, there was a huge party on Thursday night. Italian wine, apps, a laser show, and a funky cover band...what more could we ask for?

Galway Get Away

Ireland is known for their Bed and Breakfasts. We visited Galway, a univeristy town on the west coast of Ireland and stayed at Asgard Bed & Breakfast. It was a charming B&B walking distance from Galway's city center. Veronica Morris and her staff were so hospitable, we were treated to a full Irish Breakfast in the morning - I passed on the blood pudding.

Galway is full of cobblestone roads, shops, pubs, and restaurants. The perfect weekend get away!
We also visited the Cliffs of Moher, which are breath taking.

St. Paddy's Day Weekend

Lauren and Stacey visited during the week of St. Patricks Day. It is madness in this city! Celebrations began on March 16th (St. Paddy's Eve?) and continued all weekend. There are sooo many pubs in Ireland, but on Paddy's day they are all packed. I have never been in a bar with more people, or for so long! We were at the pubs from noon to well over midnight. Thank god that Paddy's Day is only once a year.

The parade was a treat for us Americans. It must have been 40 degrees out, but the scantilly clad dancers still did their thing!

Glendalough - The Valley of Two Lakes

Just an hour outside of Dublin are the Wicklow mountains where Glendalough, a monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century can be found. We spent the day there hiking around the waterfalls, churches, cathedrals and old gravestones. These pictures don't do Glendalough justice!

Weekend in Cardiff, Wales



Neha and I visited Anshu Didi, Sunil Bhaiya, Udita, and 6 week old Meher in Cardiff. We were spoiled with home cooked food and ginger whiskey! Udita is a witty 7 year old who loves puns and has an adorable Welsh accent. Meher eats, sleeps, and spends most of her day being cuddled. I had not seen Anshu Didi for over 15 years...it was great to see her and meet the extended family!