European Fling

 Well, I'm back home but wanted to tell of the last day we had in Italy.  Ann took us to a ceramic manufacturer in Nove.  They make items for Lenox and Tiffany.  I got 2 hand painted ceramic tiles of scenes we visited.  Then on to Grappe de Bassano where we walked across a wooden bridge that had some original Roman stones.  Much harder to walk on than cobblestones.  Had a lovely view of the river while we walked through the town.  Our last stop was Marostica.  There is a lower castle and upper castle.  In the piazza next to the lower castle is a large chess board that was designed for a game of human chess.  Apparently, the princess had a couple of suitors and the king announced that the winner of the game would win his daughter's hand.  Now they have a game in odd numbered years where the "pieces" are dressed appropriately, e.g. knight with horse, etc.  Saw posters with pictures and what fun it must be.  Drove to the upper castle since none of us felt up to climbing the hundreds of steps up the hillside.  However, I did climb the steps up to the parapet and got a great view as my reward.  I wonder how many feet it took to wear down those stone steps...

We cooked a dinner for our hosts that night and enjoyed the evening.  Their landlady yelled at them for making their guests cook.  We certainly didn't mind and hopefully enjoyed the food as much as we enjoyed the wine.  

We flew into Heathrow on the 23rd and got through customs and the airport in record speed.  We stayed at the same hotel in Paddington.  It was so nice to be in a place where we were familiar with the area.  Had dinner and lunch the next day at Planet Organic and then hauled our suitcases on the express train to the airport to fly to Philly.  Actually got to take off my wool scarf when I got there since it was in the 70s.  I flew to Denver the next day after a 2 1/2 hour delay at the airport. Well, it's Philly after all.  It sure was nice to be greeted by my son at the airport.
What experiences I've had.  I had so much fodder for writing that I shouldn't have trouble coming up with something for my writing class.  I could do a whole essay on bathrooms through Europe.  I learned so much.  Not just history, but how Americans are perceived and how we are SO behind on recycling and global warming issues.  Europeans don't work themselves into the ground.  They take vacations and know how to enjoy life with their families.  It reminds me of the song "Feeling Groovy" - Slow down, you move too fast....
I enjoyed taking all of you on this trip.  When I get my pictures uploaded I'll send the address.  

Life is much slower in Italy.  Have been having a wonderful visit with my friends.  We were treated to a real Italian feast the first night by their landlady.  Oh, my how she fed us and her husband plied us with wine.  We had gnoccii, fish, fried veggies, bbq eggplant, salad, bread and fruit for dessert.  I was stuffed.  Everything was fabulous.  The next day we went to Venice.  We had a gorgeous sunny day but cool.  Went to St. Mark's and saw some beautiful mosaics.  That was the darkest churches we saw.  Not many windows.  It was fun watching all the people in the piazza. Walked up and down the narrow streets to check out all the shops.  The clothes are devine and I wish I had an unlimited budget.  The Italians sure know how to dress.  Everyone has a leather coat and boot.  
The next day we went through the town of Vicenza and also went on to the base when Ann works.  Saw a very old theatro that was designed by Palladio in the 1500s.  It has great accoustics and has the 5 road of Thebes as the stage design.  Steph, you would have gone nuts.  I took a video of the whole place since they didn't allow flash.  We saw a beautiful Baroque church, Monte Berico.  It was stunningly done inside with lots of Italian flair.  The view from outside was panoramic of the surrounding Dolomite mountains and towns.
Yesterday we went to Verona and Lake Garda.  Saw Juliet's balcony and watched as people grabbed the breast of her statue for good luck.  Interesting tradition.  Went to the Arena where the Christians would meet their fate against the lions.  I wouldn't want to be locked up in one of those cells.  Now it's used for concerts.  Then we drove to Lake Garda, the biggest lake in Italy.  It was such a perfect day to walk along the lake and eat outside in the sun.  We even checked out the flea market.  Italians are very laid back except for driving. They certainly take out their aggressions in that area!  I love the relaxed atmosphere and the attention to family (which we've found all over Europe).  
We're off to London tomorrow for the trip home.

OK, so I didn't get to a working cyber cafe in Prague.  I love that city.  We were picked up by a very outgoing man, Milan, who gave us the nickel tour while he was driving.  We felt very welcomed.  Still evidence of the communist regime.  As we were passing one large buiding, Milan, told us that it was a former KGB spy school for 40 years.  He lowered his voice as if the KGB would still hear him.  The people have such a joy of living that it spreads to everything.  The houses are painted bright colors, there is music everywhere and concerts galore.Very romantic at night.  The view from the Prague Castle square is breathtaking.  There are lots of winding streets to wander through and get lost.  Many cozy places to eat or get a glass of wine.  The beer is fabulous and Moravian wine very good. My niece, Liz, joined us the next day and off we went.  What a treat to have a very experience world traveler with us. She found places we never would have seen.  Rented a car and went to Valasske Klobouky where my grandmother was born.  The town was bigger than I expected.  It took a lot longer to get there than we thought and most places were closed on Saturday afternoon.  But we walked around and got a feel for the place.  Itàs very close to the Slovakian border in the White Carpathian Mountains.  Lovely scenery.  Spent the night in Velehrad, a quaint town in a pastoral setting.  The next day we went to Telc along the back roads.  It was a beautiful day in a beautiful country.  Would go back in a heartbeat.  The last day we spent in Kutna Hora which is about and hour ride from Prague.  Went to an ossuary where we saw the bones of 40,000 bodies either arranged in piles, forming various designs on the walls of the church or formed into a chandelier.  Didn't do much for me.  I did enjoy walking through the cemetery.  You can learn so much.  The graves are very well tended and the majority have flowers in the form of potted plants.  The ones that have been unattended have covered over with thick growth of ivy.  It's as if nature reclaimed them.
So, here we are after a flight to Milan.  We go by train to Vicenza tomorrow to stay with a friend of mine.  Hopefully will be able to catch up with the journal then.  
Liz, I hope all the bottles made it in tact!

Took an easy day to rest up before travel.  Last night we had a beer (Duval-it means devil) at the hotel.  Talked to a guy from Charleston, SC who was here on business.  He designs and installs IT networks.  We chatted for about an hour and we even got on the subject of macrobiotics (how could that happen).  So Loretta and I gave him good authors to read to get some research done.  It was an enjoyable exchange to end our day.  
Today we walked to the Royal Palace and on to a park to eat lunch.  It was very humid and chilly today - no sunshine.  Walked around the Grande Place shops to see if we wanted to take anything home and then back to the hotel.  Off to dinner soon at The Marakeesh.
Impressions of Brussels-frontal assaults walking down the street from people bumping into you; wondering if the cars will stop at a pedestrian crossing without a light or slowly run you over; running into some incredibly nice people to talk to and to show us where to go; finding it hard to enjoy the art museum because the people stand in front of the painting for a long time peering very close so you (and anyone else) are unable to view it; unable to comprehend how people get excited over Mannekin Pis to the point that a wedding store has him dressed in a white tux while he is peeing in the fountain; seeing a country divided politically between the Flemish and French speaking people (big demonstration here yesterday); people who enjoy their time off immensely with their children.
Off to Prague tomorrow.  Looking forward to seeing a part of my heritage and meeting up with my niece on Wednesday.

Loretta and I went for a long walk to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.  It was about a 2.5 mile walk which took us through a fantastic tree lined park up to the basilica.  The church wasn't too exciting but we were waiting for the Da Vinci expo to open up.  We sat outside in the sunshine on a bench with a fortyish man.  We started talking (his name is Frederic) and discovered we had much in common - eating natural food and reading books like Hidden Messages in Water.  The time flew by and it was time for us to go eat.  He gave us his email and blog address and we each got a hug.  We got his picture with both of us to have as a great memory.  The expo was quite interesting.  Not much in the way of paintings but lots of drawings, including one of the Mona Lisa.  The best part was an exhibit of reproductions of his mechanical inventions such as his helicopter, airplane and parachute.  Wish I had my camera then.  I'd heard so much about them but to really see the finished product was incredible.  Then back to the hotel.  Loretta and I figured out we've averaged about 5-6 miles a day.  I'm going to need a new pair of shoes when I get home!  We took a brief respite and then went to the Grande Place for dinner.  Tonight was Italian, but we walked around and found a restaurant called The Marakeesh for our last night.  Can't believe we'll be off to Prague day after tomorrow. 

Went on a bus tour to Bruges and Ghent.  Ghent was first and not much available to see.  Very quaint old town of now about 250,000 people.  The big industry had been linen until England made it cheaper.  Of course, Belgium is known for its lace which is beautiful.  When we went past one of the churches we noticed that all the statues of the saints had masks over their noses.  We wondered if it was a quiet protest to air pollution.
Bruges was a delight.  So much medieval architecture.  St. John's Hospital has been around since the 1200s.  I didn't know that hospitals existed then.  There was a lovely convent  that in its heyday had nuns that could leave if they wanted or get married.  Now it's an order of the Benedictine nuns.  We went to the market square and had time to sit and watch the people.  Everyone travels by bike so the square was packed with them.  You see women in 3 inch heels riding a bike.  The women dress quite chic here (and London as well).  I was in slacks and a sweater set and felt sloppy.  Oh well,  The prices in the stores that I see as a tourist are outrageous.  The clothes and shoes are stunning.
This didn't post yesterday so will add Antwerp.  Yes, we got to see lots of diamonds.  Went to Diamondland and got a tour showing how diamonds were polished and about the 4 Cs - carat, color, clarity and cut.  Then we went to their showroom so we could buy some.  I came out empty handed.  70% of the trade in diamonds takes place in Antwerp.   Also went to another cathedral.  This one had 4 paintings by Ruben that were nice to see.  The maket square was nice and I enjoyed watching all the people. No organ grinder but a man playing a clarinet and tamborene.  He was quite good.
Some interesting facts: Antwerp has a nuclear plant that supplies 60% of energy for the city; About 1000 companies are linked to the diamond trade; The new justice center has these "sails" on the buiding that are really large vents.  In the summer they can be opened and less airconditioning used.
 Not sure what we'll be doing tomorrow.  Will write when I can

I should have brought a pedometer to see how far we walk everyday.  Saw the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudule.  Lovely stained glass windows in a gothic and romanesque architecture.  The saw the Museum of Musical Instruments.  It was a free day so lots of kids.  Still it was a great display and even had some dancing to accordian music.  Then off the the museum of fine art for an exhibit of Rubens - only natural since he spent time in Antwerp.  Quite extensive and lovely to see.  I am always amazed at such talent.  Had a cup of tea in the museum cafe.  Only asked for hot water since I had my organic tea and I was given a piece of chocolate to go with it.  Well,  of the macro diet for that.  I have never taken so long to eat and inch by inch piece of dark chocolate.  When you hear that Belgium chocolate is the best, believe it.  It didn't melt in my mouth, it gently evaporated. Mmmmmmmm.  Then off to find a pub for the beer research.  Last night was Laffe and today was a dark beer that was quite good.  Oops, I forgot the name.  Hmmmmm.  Then we went to the supermarkt (yes, that's how it's spelled) to pick up some veggies, hummus, and couscous so we can eat breakfast in the room.  The breakfast served here is a combination of western and Chinese.  Very interesting.  White rice porridge just didn't look to good.  Hope to go to Bruges the day after tomorrow.  I've decided that when I do my writing class I should do an essay on the bathrooms in different countries.  Brussels doesn't believe in public toilets and many times you have to pay in restaurants.  Plus they are certainly not comparible to London's.  Enough for now,  Time to put my aching feet up.

P.S.  Anyone going to Europe needs very good walking shoes.  The cobble stone streets are h__ on your feet!!

This will be quick since I'm getting charged.  Crazy trip here.  The hostel we were going to stay at was so small that Loretta got clautrophobic and we ended up in another hotel.  I'm pooped from lugging my suitcase around.  The train ride was great.  No warning of going through the chunnel - just there.  And then we popped up in Calais.  I feel so continental!  We are at a Chinese hotel that is very peaceful and has lots of lovely objects in the lobby to see.  Also has an attached restaurant where we ate dinner.  MMmmmm.  Rather salty but delicious stir fried tofu and veggies.  Then walked to the Grande Place.  I was beautiful at night.  So much gorgeous architecture.  We went to a pub run by a Greek and had Leffe beer (dark).  Thought it might help with the salt from dinner.  So we are going to orient ourselves more tomorrow and figure out how to get to Brugges and Ghent.  Later...

 I have been up and down more stairs than the average person does in a month.  We went to St.Paul's Cathedral and I bravely went up the 163 concrete circular stairs in a confined space to reach the Whispering Gallery.  It was worth every step.  The beauty of the dome at that level was even more apparent.  Yes, I had a very tight grip on the railing as I walked around the gallery.  On the way up there was a window that indicated you were above the dome over the high alter.  Coming down you got to see up close some of the mosaic work.  It was stunning.  They haven't had a dean in 6 years and tonight the new one is being invested.  They were getting ready for the event when we were there.  Some royalty is supposed to attend.  There is a big monument for the Duke of Wellington.  Currently, there are only 2500 people allowed in the cathedral.  At the Duke's funeral there were 13000.  It tooke 60 years to complete the monument.  Also a figure of John Donne who was not only a poet but dean of St.Paul's for awhile.  I also viewed the American Chapel which honors the Americans who fought WWII from England. Went down to view the crypt but it felt too heavy after awhile and we left.  Then on to the Tower Bridge.  Of course, it was raining.  Something about us going over bridges in the rain....  Didn't get to see the bridge go up but saw the mechanism.  Whew!  Then went to London Tower and saw a few of the buidings one of which held the royal crowns.  You should see the size of the vault.  They have a people mover going past the crowns so it doesn't get too crowded.  So much richness and beauty.  I found out that the St. Edward Crown weighs about 5 pounds.  So after the coronation the queen puts on the Imperial Crown which weighs a couple of pound less.  Also saw some of the armory and just can't understand why people insist on using such brutal force.  Didn't stay there long.  Everywhere we went we climbed more stairs.  I should have very strong legs after all this.  Loretta and I are off to Brussels tomorrow afternoon.  We're relaxing a bit in the morning before we get some lunch at Planet Organic.  Sooooo London has been a huge success in our book.  Got to see almost everything we wanted, ate good food and totally fell in love with the city. Don't know when I'll be able to write again.  Talk to you from Belgium!

IWasn't able to post last night since the computer was in use by many people so this may be quick.  Took the bus through Picadilly Circus and Soho to see Buckingham Palace.  First, Picadilly is named after the "picadils" in collars.  The walk to the palace throuogh the park was very prettey.  Hugh gates with lots of gold ornamentation.  We had an hour before the guards changed so we went to the Queen's Gallery which has an extensive art collection.  There were so many beautiful paintings and also some gifts and purchases on display.  A whole area was designated as Faberge gitts/purchases to the royalty.  Stunning!  Then off to see the guards.  We were a little late to see them enter but saw the relieved group be escorted out by the horses.  Very formal.  Then the band played some regal music and we sat in the park to listen.  We burst out laughing when they went from regal to playing "New York, New York."  It sounded so out of place!  Then walked to Trafalgar Square which was quite crowded.  Not as many pigeons as I expected but there were signs everywhere saying not ro feed them.  We were hungry at that point and had lunch nearby.  Wonderful healthy food - miso soup, taboule salad and hummus wrap.  It was very fresh and tasty.  We waddled across the street to the National Portrait Gallery.  These portraits were paintings, sculptures or photos of famous Brits.  Wow, an incredible display.  Saw picutres of Darwin, the Bronte sisters, Joseph Conrad, many prime ministers, artists, actors, etc.  One of my favorites was the portrait of Jenny Lind.  What a beautiful woman.  Also liked the one of George Eliot(Mary Ann Evans) and Sir Alexander Fleming.  There was one woman noted for being the first womas to be Chair of Morbid Anatomy at the Medical School.  Interesting designation for pathologist.
Then next door was the National Gallery.  This was a labrynth of Rubens, Rembrandts, Da Vincis and so much more. Very, very impressive.  The rooms just went on and on.  I teased a security guard that they don't want you to get out of the maze.  It was a challenge to find our way out.  
Had to do a little R&R at a local pub then off to Chinatown.  On Sunday they have quite a todo there.  Loretta introduced me to red bean moon cakes.  I am a fallen angel.  They were soooooo goooooood.  We went back to get more for our train ride to Brussels.  Also had dinner at a restaurant there - tempura vegatables and tofu with miso soup and salad. Yummmmmm.  Off to the tower bridge and St. Pauls today. Will try to write tonight.

The weather really improved today.  Actually had delicious sunshine most of the day.  We traveled to the British Library first and went to there treasure room.  Those who know me understand my strong feelings about books and libraries.  I am in AWE of this place.  The whole rrom is nothing but rare or very special books/documents.  I viewed the Magna Carta, a book on flower arranging from the Ikenobo School, the Gutenberg Bible, the Diamond Sutra, many sacred texts from all religions, science documents from Darwin, DaVinci, Galileo, Newton, a draft of the Hallelujah Chorus by Handel, a Beatle's display with handwritten lyrics on napkins.  While I couldn't  touch the books, they have this wonderful computer program that allows you to view the book and turn the pages. Steph, you would have begged to live there!  I have never been so impressed by any library exhibit.  The condition of the books and documents were remarkable.  Some treasures are pulled out to "rest" for 6 months to extend their life.  
Had lunch at the library and then off to the British Museum.  There I saw a piece of the Rosetta Stone and was amazed at how small the print was.  Went through the whole first floor exhibit which included Egyptian, Assyrian and Greek areas.  There is so much to see!  We were worn out by then and checked into a pub recommended by a museum employee called The Shakespeare Head.  After a beer and onion rings we were going to see a movie but couldn't find the movie theatre.  However, we did find the Savoy Hotel and had to go in to see it.  We decided to visit the Ladies Cloakroom.  On the way out, I grabbed a tissue stamped with "Savoy".  I didn't use it. We walked through the theatre district and then to Covent Gardens.  This used to be a big market place and has evolved into lots of retail shops.  Being Saturday, there were lots of street performers.  I felt like I was back on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder. We headed back to the same pub for dinner.  Food is relatively cheap in the pubs and they usually have vegetarian meals.  We had 5 bean chili and rice.  OK, and another pint.  Met a lovely couple from the Kent side of London who were here for an exhibit at the Royal Academy of Art.  We chatted for quite some time and got along so well.  We exchanged info so we could keep in touch.
Everyday I look in wonder at this big city and am stunned at how clean it is everywhere - even the tube system.  The museums are free (well paid by taxes) and everyone invades the parks as soon as the sun comes out.  Security cameras are everywhere inside and out.  
I can't believe we only have a couple of days left.  I definitely want to come back.  
Tomorrow hopefully Buckingham Palace and St.Paul's Cathedral.  I must say I'm getting rather good with the tube system.

Very busy day.  The tube was running again so we were able to take it to Westminster Abbey where we spend quite some time among the 3500 people buried there.  We were stepping on them everywhere.  Many familiar names like Chaucer, Newton, Darwin, etc.  Quite a place.  I asked what you had to do to be buried there.  At first you paid for the privilege.  Then in the 1800's things changed and you had to have done something major for the UK or be a part of the Abbey.  To see vaults that are 800 years old is amazing.  When we got out it was raining so went to a pub called The Sanctuary (aptly named) and had a wonderful lunch complete with lager to ward off the moisture.  It was pouring and windy when we got done but we plowed onward across the Westminster Bridge to go to Dali Universe (an exhibit of Dali and Picasso).  I wasn't sure if I'd like it but found it quite interesting.  We took a couple of pictures of Big Ben and the Parliment buildings since the view is great from the Southern bank of the Thames.  Crossing Westminster Bridge again a few minutes later I notice my camera and case were gone.  Now, my case had a velcros belt strap that also had a snap on it.  I had it wrapped around the big strap of my purse and it was in the front of me.  But fighting the wind so I wouldn't play Mary Poppins with my unbrella took all my concentration and that's all that was needed to nab it.  I know the correct thing is to forgive but I'm counting on fate to give some retribution and have something very dear taken away from that person.  I had hoped to share my trip with you with pictures.  Instead you will have to be satisfied with the telling of it.  Through the rain and wind we walked along the Thames to the Tate Museum of Modern Art.  We spent another 90 minutes there and then had to leave so we could find some respite for our feet.  The museum had some wonderful exhibits and was worth the walk.  It's so strange to see free museums like that. Of course, it was a long way to Westminster Station to catch the Circle Line of the tube. As we passed Parliament, there was a crowd gathered across the street supporting the Buddhist monks in Burma and protesting the killing of civilians and monks.  When we got to the station, we discovered that the Circle Line was "Severely Delayed."  At that point we had no idea why.  We did hear an announcement that it was due to security issues at Paddington (where we were going). Always an adventure.  Then after only 15 minutes it came and only had to stop in between stations for a few minutes.  Then a jaunt to Panet Organic for dinner and a warm cup of tea.  Got back to the hotel about 7:30.  I'm ready for a nice hot shower.  We've got quite a system for breakfast.  We bought oat flakes and use the tea pot to heat water.  The hotel has free apples available so we cut up apples in our oatmeal.  Also do a salad fro our greens complete with brown rice vinegar purchased at the health food store.  Not too shabby.
More fun phrases for you.  "Mind the gap" is written all over the tube line and announced so you don't trip exiting.  The also have written on the edge of the sidewalks to "Look Right" so you don't get run over looking the wrong way. Also saw a very interesting street sign "Hump for 200m".  I almost wet my pants over that one.  
Well, that's all for now.  Tomorrow is another rainy day so I'm not sure where we will end up. 

We made it to London after a great flight.  BA does spoil you with pillow, blanket, socks, toothbrush, and food (not so good).  Once at Heathrow it was an interesting process to enter the country.  Passport control in one area and baggage reclaim in another.  Happily we both got our luggage.  Then on to getting some pounds out of the ATM which is called a cash point.  Took the Paddingto Express from the airport and got here in good time although it was expensive.   I was amazed to see so many people dragging their luggage  behind them down the streets of Paddington.  The hotel wasn't too far from the station and our room was ready when we got there - a very pleasant surprise.  We spent the rest of the morning walking in the area and finding Planet Organic.  Great place to have a macro type meal.  It supplied us very nicely for dinner.  We had a quick nap after lunch and did the local pub scene after dinner.  No excitement there.  Paddington has so much charm.  Most people are very friendly.  Some bus drivers not so friendly.
Today we discovered that 3 of the underground lines were closed because of drivers not showing up to work in protest of salaries.  We had to figure out the bus system and laughed because we kept getting on the wrong side of the road to catch the bus.  We eventually made it to Harrod's and discovered that the only thing we could afford was an apple-cinnamon scone for 35p.  Didn't get it though- too much sugar and egg. Then we went to the Victoria and Albert Museum.  Too many things to see there but put a dent in it.  Had a Chickpea Moroccan pie at their cafe.  It came with delicious parsnip and carrots.  Off to Hyde Park to see the Albert Memorial and Kensington Palace.  The Albert Memorial was quite ornate with lots of beautiful detail. The Palace was very dreary and musty.  It definitely needs a breath of fresh air.  I'm sure those tapestries would love it as well.  Then we walked back to Planet Organic for dinner and back to the hotel.  My feet need revived.  Still I managed to buy a wool scarf since the wind has been blowing a lot from the north.  Loretta was smart and brought earmuffs.  We are layering a lot.
Getting used to different sayings here.  No exit sighs, instead it says "way out."  
Time to rest these little toes.  I'll try to check in tomorrow since there is a computer in the hotel lobby.                                                                                                  

Stepping on to Concourse D, walking past the sports bar, I was accosted by the smell of Philly cheese steaks and the pungent garlic smell of pizza.  Yep, my nose said, I'm in Philadelphia.  The 3 hour flight went quickly with a couple of pleasantly talkative seatmates who knew what good conversation was all about.  Then I was whisked off to Loretta's and stuffed with good macro food for dinner.  OK , so there was a little white wine involved for celebration.  After all, we were beginning our big adventure.  A walk after dinner brought us to the friend that was going to deliver us to the airport on Tuesday.  Ever so hospitible, we were offered superbly sweet cantalope and, yes, more wine.  This time it was red.  Loretta was relaxed so much she was sinking into the couch so we had to get her moving.  A pleasant walk back home revived her.  Waiting for us was Phyllis, another macro friend, after a hard day's volunteer work.  Three women in the room, two of which were feeling the affects of wine.......  It was sooo much fun catching up with each other's lives.  What joy to have fun friends.  Phyllis promised to rescue us should we get into mischief abroad.  Needless to say, it was a late night but I was so glad to have a wonderful visit with Phyllis.  
Lunch today was at Essene and I even got to see Denny while I was there. Here it is almost time to do online check-in for tomorrow's flight.  I keep pinching myself.  Hopefully sleep will visit tonight but I imagine not for long.  Next stop London (that sounds soooo cool).

For those who do't know where Loretta and I are going...

London is our first stop.  We're staying in Paddington (have to see Paddington Bear) which should be great access to the rest of the city.  Then we take a train through the chunnel to Brussels.  We'll do day trips to Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent.  After Belgium comes the Czech Republic.  We'll stay in Prague but do a road trip to Valasske Klobucky (Moravia) to see where my grandmother grew up.  My niece is joining us in Prague for this part of the journey.  Then we are off to Vicenza, Italy to visit a longtime friend and former co-worker.  After a one night stay in London, we return home to experience the joys of jet lag and digest all the wonderful experiences we had.  We'll be gone a month so home will look pretty good.

In the meantime, it's back to getting things in order.  I have no doubt that I'll be debating on what clothes and which suitcases right up to departure time.  Oh, to be Rick Steves and just throw a few things in a backpack......

Hi everyone!

I'm  off to Philly on the 23rd to meet up with my macro friend, Loretta.  Then off to London on the 25th.  Busy getting last minute details taken care of, shopping, packing, cleaning and, yes, must get in one last dance on Friday.  Wheeeeee!