Let the Countdown Begin!

Only a mere 8 weeks until we embark on our journey to Munich, Salzburg and Prague! We couldn't be more excited to discover beautiful landmarks, art, history, architecture, culinary delights, bicycle tours....and of course, beer! Let's face it all three of these cities are known for their brew and we can't wait to wet our whistles.

Bryan and I have a tradition we follow each year in preparation for our big trip abroad. About two months out from the trip, we like to pre-purchase all our train tickets, bicycle tours, museum tickets etc.  Not because you necessarily have to, but because it's fun and begins the official countdown. Okay, so maybe we are over-planning travel nerds. But I have to tell you, there is something really gratifying about getting train tickets to Europe in the mail. It adds a little pizazz to an otherwise dull Tuesday. I mean really, how often do you actually get something exciting via snail mail anymore?

Next, we like to obsesses about the perfect travel duds. And no, I'm not referring to Magellan's in-flight collection available via Sky Mall (or a fanny pack). There are certain things a young urban couple must have to fashionably traipse about Europe in. For Bryan, one year it was blue cargo pants and a Hugo Boss v-neck black sweater. For me, I always imagine myself in some hip leather boots, designer skinny jeans, a cool fitted jacket and a fashionable scarf. We'd scour malls, cool indie shops and one year even the army navy store searching for the perfect pieces to trot the globe in. So what are the hot in-vogue outfits we end up with? T-shirts, sweaters from our closet, regular ol' jeans and a couple of pair of Pumas. After going on a few trips abroad, we've both come to realize that we basically end up wearing the same thing everyday. In fact, in a good majority of vacation photos from the last three years, I have the same thing on: a paperboy hat, grey sweater and one of two favorite scarves. If it weren't for my constantly changing hair color, you'd think it was one long continuous trip! So this year, instead of conceptualizing cool outfits, we are going with what's in our closet and setting our sights (and money) on a good travel backpack. If you have any suggestions, please tweet them our way (@a6packofstories). That's not to say I'm not still thinking about those perfect leather boots...

So after the train tickets are purchased and the outfits are planned, next we like to get the passports out for display. Not like placed on a pedestal inside a glass box or anything; just out in plain sight. We usually put our passports and all our tickets on the breakfast bar about two weeks out from the trip. Okay, I guess we are nerds. However it's a little something fun to remind us that a trip of lifetime is just around the corner. A little motivation to get through those last couple of work weeks and closer to vaycay bliss.

Alright, so now you are up to speed on our OCD and slightly narcissistic vacation rituals. If you don't have any of your own, I suggest you pick some up. If you already do, share them with us! Maybe we can add them to ours.

So in case you are wondering, if my feet could stand it and our budget was limitless; this little number  would be my dream travel outfit: http://bit.ly/nhLdC0. However, let it be known that even if I was "blow my nose in money rich," I would never spend $750 on a scarf. Holla!

Bottoms up!
Jessica

The 7th Floor

Ever been to one of those exclusive LA clubs where there is no sign and you walk in and everyone is cooler then you are? That is exactly how I felt when the silver doors of the elevator opened up and I walked into the 7^th floor at the Guinness Factory, a place so cool it doesn’t even have a name, they just call it the 7^th Floor.  Okay so they call it the Gravity Bar, but doesn’t that sound so much cooler!

I went to the Guinness Factory not really knowing what to expect, but I walked out with a sense of history and a great appreciation for what was quickly becoming my favorite drink, Guinness. On the way inside the place it just seems like an old brick building but as soon as those entry doors part way, you are immediately swept into the Guinness experience. You go up to the counter and buy a ticket like you are about to go on the most fantastic rollercoaster you can think of. First you proceed through a maze of history about where the dark rich Guinness came from and how it was made. The part I think I remember most were the old bottles displayed, and it was at that time you truly get a sense of the history in your glass. I also remember the instructional video of how they use to make barrels to transport the Guinness. Around every corner you are slammed with amazing stories that truly bring a pint of Guinness to life.

Once you have completed your history lesson you then have a choice, and I recommend you follow my instruction on this one. You have the option of going up to the 7^th floor or taking a pit stop at the 4^th floor restaurant.  There you can enjoy a pint or two of Guinness while dining on the most amazing Guinness Stew you could ever imagine. It was a man paradise of flavor with whole roasted chunks of lams, carrots, and potato in a rich brown Guinness broth. It also comes with Brown Bread, which is basically soda bread, but I have never before or after that experience, tasted bread that complimented a meal so well. Once you have completed your meal stop and learn about how Guinness is processed from start to finish before heading to the Gravity bar on the 7^th floor.

With my belly full of absolute goodness I walked into the elevator and hit the button marked 7^th floor. I truly had no idea what to expect when the doors eventually opened but what I saw was worth every cent of the admission price, which coincidently gets you a free beer when you arrive at the 7^th floor. The steal doors open and you are immediately punched in the face with the most breath taking view you will ever see. The Gravity Bar is a complete panoramic view of Dublin, Ireland and all its glory! So imagine grabbing a seat that gazes upon the entire city while sipping on your free Guinness that is poured every so delicately. A true Guinness must rest 2 minutes before being topped off and served. My buddy and I managed to finagle one extra beer apiece and we didn’t speak a word as we just sat and watched as the word went by beneath our feet. Finally it was time to go and discover more of Ireland, we had reservations at the Jameson Factory! On the way down just before the elevator shut I took one last look, that image is just for me!

Sláinte!

--Bryan

Entrance to the Guinness Factory

About to step off the elevator to the Gravity Bar.

View from the Gravity Bar.

Old Guinness Bottles on the tour.

A Flight of Beers before our Flight

From Haight Ashbury to the Chinese Gardens we wandered the streets of San Francisco in search of hippies. Instead I found out what all the fuss was about; that you could truly leave your heart in San Francisco. In my long list of cities that I have been fortunate enough to see, San Francisco resided on a very short list of places I actually do want to move to. You know that conversation you have after every vacation, where you say "I want to move there!" Well I have said that about every place I have ever been but Vancouver, Amsterdam and San Francisco are the only places where I truly meant it. For three days we got to discover a magical city with so many twists and turns, every district is like something brand new to discover.                                                                                                                                  

We saw everything from Haight Ashbury to Alcatraz. We took a ride on the trolley and saw one of the most beautiful parks I have ever seen. We also discovered a new friend, who I will affectionately refer to as the Stimmer Man. An awesome guy!

My wife and I set out on an adventure to San Francisco to celebrate her 30^th birthday. While we were there we went to an eight table authentic German Restaurant with amazing food called Walzwerk (a must visit place). Everyone in the intimate restaurant sang Happy Birthday to my wife, I will never forget that moment. We were so lucky that we got to celebrate it with such good friends and enjoy beautiful scenery for three straight days. I am having so much fun remembering the trip that I almost forgot to talk about the best part-- when the Stimmer man ran straight into a tree (Ill leave the details for just he and I). But really, that was one of the best parts.  

In our last remaining hours on that cold and rainy Sunday afternoon before our flight we pushed through the doors of the Rogue Ales Public House and enjoyed several flights of beers. A flight of beers is the ability to taste several different beers and then you get to choose the one you like. Or if you are like me, its like a playground of beers and you never have to choose just one! Rogue Beers Dead Guy Ale is one of my favorite all time beers, such a rich flavor packed Ale. Imagine a cold rainy day, with grey skies, and a beautiful woman and that is the beer that comes to mind. My flight consisted of the Amber Ale, Dead Guy Ale, the John John, Marifest, and you have to try Dad’s Little Helper. The public house will offer an amazing atmosphere with even better beers! Do yourself a favor and stop there next time you are in San Francisco.

This is Truly an amazing place to visit, one of the true gems in America. Enjoy it with friends like Wifey, Shades, Biscuits, and The Stimmer Man. Don’t forget scarves and umbrellas. Oh and don’t forget your goggles, if you need a place to score some just ask Shades!

Prost!
--Byran