Category: Europe
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Germany – The first day in Anywhere
We have a routine the first day. Whether it’s a cross-country move or international relocation, the first day sets the tone. After struggling through a night of jet lag, unfamiliar beds and feeling our way to the kitchen for a stomach-in-the-wrong-time-zone induced snack, at some point in the morning everyone is finally awake. Some semblance…
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Part IV: Cochem Castle, Cochem, Germany
Cochem Castle is a neo-gothic castle located along Germany’s Moselle River. It is superbly preserved and worth the winding detour off the autobahn. The joy of such an architectural highlight is in the details. ****************************************************************** Do you have a photo you would like to share as part of the Eye-Catching Architectural Detail series? Email it to me…
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October 31 – Halloween pales in comparison
On 31 October 1517, one man took a single brave action and changed the course of western civilization. After a series of significant events and after careful study of the Bible, Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. The wooden entrance of that church has since been replaced…
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Part IV: BRUGES, Belgium
According to the venerable Rick Steves, Bruges is a “heavyweight, sightseeing destination, as well as a joy.” And if Rick Steves says it, it must be true. Over the course of two days my friend and I experienced this joy on bike and on foot, doing what we like to do when visiting any European…
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Part III: Fowl BRUTALITY in Lyon
While perusing the wares at the weekly international textile fair along Lyon’s Saône River, Little Man (11 months) let me know he was overdue for a feeding. Hubby took the girls exploring along the river walk while I found a bench in the shade. I got comfortable and baby started eating. . . and then…
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Part II: Beauty’s BOLLENE (or what it means to be French)
Mention any small, provincial town in southern France and we’re game to visit. The girls were content with our hotel in one such village, Bollène. They were content until the morning after our night in the ancient structure when we told them this was actually Belle’s village – a poor, provincial town in France. Then they were…
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Part I: Surprised by BOUNTY
The first time I experienced this bounty I was hiking an ancient trail alone in the hills above Genoa, Italy. The trail started near my youth hostel and I simply happened upon it while taking a walk that balmy fall evening before sunset. I was surprised when I espied numerous ancient Roman ruins in the…
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Happening Upon Solidarity – Stuttgart, Germany
One Saturday last month we walked down Koenigstrasse – King Street – in Stuttgart, Germany. Koenigstrasse is Stuttgart’s Michigan Avenue or Champs-Élysées of shopping and people watching. We were reliving memories of years gone by, years when we had only one baby. Now we have three children and they each needed a fresh German pretzel…
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Indelible Scars- Verdun
In-del-i-ble (adj): not able to be forgotten or removed One hundred years ago the Great War – the war to end all wars – began. Years of carnage and devastation followed. I have seen the scars. Millions upon millions were killed. This war reached the furthest corners of the globe. I once visited a military…
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World Cup ready dessert OR Dessert fit for Berlin
It’s the little things that trigger happy memories – memories of family togetherness during travels or times living abroad (or in another state). Little things like dessert. World Market does it to me every time. For a minuscule obligatory donation, I return home with an edible item that will trigger smiles, laughter and stories of…
will travel with kids 