Greece 2011

Off we go to Greece for a cultural weekend in Athens, a getaway trip to Santorin with the Uth's and to meet up with the Italy crew in Thessaloniki for Eleftheria and Leftheris' Big Fat Greek Wedding!

Athens: a trip to the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and the Original Olympic Stadium

What an amazing place! Santorini (Oia is where we stayed) was EVERYTHING you can imagine. Oia is known for the best sunsets and they did not disappoint. Our resort was right on the northern tip of the island with an amazing view. We had small cave houses to hideaway in and spent the days shopping, swimming in the sea, "hiking" up and down the cliffs, sailing, massages and enjoying the most delicious mediteranean meals. What a great time we had with Shereen and Henrik!

there is a reason I love turquoise


I adore this picture of Ricardo

this was right after our "Titanic" pose moment

and after a wonderful break to the islands, we were so excited to meet up with Ele, Katia, HC, Henning, Banu and finally meet Leftheris before the big day


Ele the morning of

The Riches all dolled up! Ele and Leftheris were married at the Greek Orthodox Church behind us. A beautiful ceremony- For the ceremony, the bride and groom entered the church first, going straight into the ceremony and all the guest coming in behind. What a different experience from the Protestant and Catholic weddings we've been to. The service was mostly words that came out thru song, changing of the halo rings and circling of the pulpit. It was so interesing to see a new tradition take place.

EME reunion w/ Katia, Shereen, Henning, Fede, Banu and friend


The Newlyweds at the outdoor dinner and reception- a perfect evening and a great way to wrap up the week in Greece

Happy Birthday America!

Home for the holidays! Summer holidays!! July 4th at the Richards- an annual tradition.

Jack, Lynn, Addie and Ricky- we missed you guys.

the "kids"

enjoying some time off


and the fam

Our House......

We are loving our new pad!! Now accepting visitors for the fall!

a view of the courtyard

still some work to go, but a nice cozy start

the office, which is wayyy nicer than the previous couch location!

Ricardo's music room

our kitchen, which gets fully utilized (every 2 weeks when i'm home)

our dining/living room with a view of the city and mountains

and now on to our most favorite parts! the lounging area

and rooftop terrace (with baby pool and all!)

We grilled this weekend on my new birthday Weber (thanks dad!)

and well- it's just 2 of us, but we went a little crazy!

Blooms and Friends

Looking back on the springtime, a few fun memories to take along.....

a view from the Garden of Engberg

and a nice BBQ with friends from work. Nothing like Denmark in the spring and summer!

what a suprise when I returned from the honeymoon- the guys couldn't make the wedding, so we celebrated with wine in the cafeteria! and some awesome scandinavian decor for our new house! w- Johan, Denis and Thierry


Marga and Natalia threw an amazing 20's theme birthday party in Madrid!

Boda de Maria y Asier

The Wedding of Maria and Asier in Bilbao

Ricardo walking his sister down the aisle, a beautiful bride and an amazing fiesta with dinner and dancing and a suprise concert from Love Division!

Honeymooners- Part II

after chasing destinations in New Zealand, we're off to Fiji for 5 days. 100% Relaxation.

We flew into Nadi, the main island- here's a little view from the sky

The first few nights we stayed at the Radisson Resort on the main island. Fancy dinners, walks on the beach, afternoon massages... the usual ;-)

we then took a 5hr ferry to the Yasawa Islands- close by they filmed "Castaway" and "Blue Lagoon". The Fiji waters were crystal clear and just the right shade of Turquoise

the Blue Lagoon Resort was run by locals of that island who performed local song and dance one of the evenings

we spent our days snorkeling around the coral reef right in front of the resort (from land it just appeared to be dark coral spots- but just below the water were such bright colored fish and plants everywhere) and then lounging around in the hammocks

this is one of the sights from the movie "blue lagoon", once we were in the main cave (seen here), you then had to dive under to get to the other parts- about 5 seconds underwater and total darkness as you arrived on the other side- we were a bit nervous!

on our last day we attended a hurch service- there are apx 100 people on the island, predominantly Christian and we went to a Methodist serive led in the local language- quite a different experience

one last walk on the beach and it was time to set sail! we were not ready to leave at all!!

and one final amazing sunset in Fiji before flying back home as Newlyweds!

Honeymooners- Part 1

While I was busy planning a wedding, he was busy planning a honeymoon trip. As we both are quite busy traveling during the year, we thought we'd do something to make it extra special- a suprise! Ricardo was able to keep the secret all the way up to our 2nd flight and then it was revealed- 2 wonderful weeks in New Zealand and Fiji!

It all began in an RV! 8 days driving the North and South Island, starting in Auckland. We had plenty of room to sleep, eat, shower (though we stayed "mostly" in camping areas and were able to use their facilities).

first stop Rotorua to see the volcanic fault line- bubbling mud and active geisers.


our plan was to cross to the south island straight away, the weather would say otherwise. due to strong winds the ferries were canceled, and though a big hiccup in our travel plans (new flights, return the RV to a new location.... a few good things came from this- 1) we were able to see Auckland in the daytime from a beautiful lookout, 2) we were able to visit a nearby wine village of Martinborough, 3) we had a day/night to relax a bit and 4) when we finally made the ferry- the weather was incredible- sunny and blue skies and by far the most amazing ferry ride you would ever imagine- rolling hills, green mountains- everything you think of NZ!

here is a view from the ferry across Cook Strait.

on the drive to Christchurch we stopped to see the Seals sunbathing along the coast.

and an impromptu stop to take a whale watching flight. we were clearly on our honeymoon! =)

we drive alot on this trip. and while we spent quite alot of time in the RV, the sights we passed were unbelievable. the scenery continued to change and change. here we were toward the southern tip of NZ, almost to Milford Sound when we passed a lake reflecting the mountain.


Milford Sound- Fjordland National Park- where we took a cruise to the Tasman Sea


The following day we took a bus to the park, boat across the lake, bus thru the mountains and then arrived at Doubtful Sound. One of our most favorite parts of the trip. Surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, the boat cut off the engine, everyone was silent for a few minutes and it was one of the most peaceful moments I can recall.


we then began our track back stopping at the Petrified forest, Waterfalls and several look out spots along the way.

A great start to a new life together. Next Stop- Fiji.