Archives for August 2014

Magical Morocco

August 26, 2014

Guys, this is a long one. But this trip was one of the highlights of my traveling life and unlike any place I’ve been to before, so I’m not about to skimp on pictures or words. It was my (and Ben’s) first time in an Islamic country, too, so it was extra unique and interesting for us. I hate the word unique, but that’s the best word I can think of to describe it.

At the Chellah in Rabat.

We were very, very lucky to have connections in Morocco that made our experience there even more amazing. Our family friend, Kent Crookston, has lived, researched, and taught in Morocco for many years (everyone we talked to who knew him says he’s a legend there) and was able to put us in contact with some of his friends there. In Rabat we stayed with an awesome LDS couple who work for the U.S. Embassy, and we absolutely loved them. Kent also put us in contact with a couple, Julie and Zach, that are about our age and are working there for the Peace Corps.

Madrid Day Trips: Segovia, Cuenca, Alcalá

August 12, 2014

Segovia

Ben and I have both visited Segovia before, so I thought I’d start out with some throwback pictures.

Little missionary Ben + Elder Scott at the Segovia Cathedral, 2009.

Study-abroad Nat + roomie Carson, 2011.

Ben + Nat, 2014.

Living Luxuriously in Madrid

August 6, 2014

The next few days we spent in Madrid were with my parents and some family friends, the Grays. Matt played on the men’s volleyball team for the Allianz olympics with my dad, so he and his wife, Erin, joined our fam for our first leg in Spain. From Zurich, we all took a train to Basel and then flew from there to Madrid. Because we were traveling with jetsetter Dave Sandberg, we got to stay in hotels that are way beyond our budget and way nicer than anything we’ve stayed in the rest of our trip.

There is no other word to describe our first hotel other than incredible. It was a Westin and its location was absolutely perfect. About a block from the Prado and the Parque del Retiro.

This fuente de Neptuno was right outside our window.

Ben and I slept on the rollaway bed and the couch, respectively. And respectfully.

Another incredible buffet breakfast. This was my oxymoronic selection one morning—green juice and churros con chocolate + other fried, sugary delectables.

Taken from my phone. But you still get the idea of how crazy luxurious this place was.

Switzerland Part 2: Zurich with Family

August 2, 2014

I’m way behind on blogging, and being without internet for three days hasn’t help out with that. So without further ado, here is Part 2/2 of Switzerland.

The view from our Airbnb bedroom.

After a few days on our own, we met up with my parents, who were staying at a Hilton by the airport. My dad’s company is a huge international insurance company, and every four years they have an Olympics. My dad was playing on the USA’s men’s volleyball team, so we went and watched the finals. We got to their hotel early that morning and mooched off of the buffet breakfast for the Allianz Sports group.