European Vacation 2008 - corncobb

Back to the USA

corncobb — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

After a great trip it was, alas, time to return home. The flight from London to Chicago was a bit better because we had been upgraded to Economy Plus, some additional legroom. Plus, the flight wasn't very full, so we were able to spread out. The flight from Chicago to Colorado Springs was much more cramped, but by that time, we were too tired to care.

Mark and Alison picked us up at the airport, everyone had a good nights sleep, and we're back at it today. We will begin posting photos tonight...we couldn't post on the road, we didn't want all the photos on my computer, we weren't sure how we'd get them back to the home machine. But we'll download tonight, and I'll begin posting, I promise.

London Day 3

corncobb — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Had another great day in London today...Trafalger Square, Covent Garden, the Dickens House Museum, topped off with another outstanding dinner...we're seeing a lot, having a great time...

We're going to visit Windsor Castle tomorrow, lot's on the docket...back in touch soon...

I'll try and get more info on day 2 tomorrow as well...

London Day 1

corncobb — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We arrived in London this afternoon, and to our surprise, the hotel had sent a driver for us...here we are, ready to head down and board the tube, and here's a driver with our name on a little board, ready to take us to our hotel...we were quite pleased!

Our hotel...the Park City...is by far the best we've stayed in on the trip, though it's not the most expensive. The rooms are large, the beds are very comfy, we're very happy here.

We had dinner tonight at the Seashell...according to our driver, our concierge and the cabbie, it's the best fish and chips in London. I'm no expert, but I can tell you, dinner was fabulous!

We returned, had a quiet drink in the bar, and are about to turn in. We have just one full day with Stu here in London, and we're going to see a lot tomorrow. I'll have a lot to report tomorrow, no doubt...until then...

Brussels

corncobb — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our day in Brussels was hectic...we just had about 24 hours to see the sights, so we got on it quickly.

Brussels seems to have nothing but churches, chocolate shops and restaurants/cafes! The selection was endless, and we enjoyed looking around the Grand Place and the vicinity. We did find some awesome chocolate, and we had one of our best meals of the trip last night...

Our hotel...the Hotel Atlas...left a bit to be desired, so if you're coming here, scratch that one off your list. Really, that's been our first hiccup, and that was minor.

We meet Stuart tomorrow afternoon at the airport to fly to London...more then.

Maastricht Tour and shopping

corncobb — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Got up early today, and saw much of this wonderful city...Liz led the walking tour this morning, we visited the site where the first bridge was built by the romans across the Maas (or the Muese), we saw several churches that were built in the 11th century...in addition, we saw the original city wall. Very cool.

Then, the shopping...this city has, by far, the best shopping I've ever seen. And, we saw it all. And, even though we visited every shoe store (there are hundreds), Liz didn't find any boots she loved, although I can tell you, she tried. Still, the shopping was impressive. Their local market was today, and many of these villagers must sew...probably 20% of the booths were selling fabric, notions, etc.

Had a great dinner tonight at a local seafood spot...Stu invited his friend Shey Wiley, we had a blast. We're leaving in the morning for Brussels, we'll give everyone a shout from there...for now, Happy Thanksgiving!

Maastricht

corncobb — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We arrived in Maastrich this afternoon...one of the most beautiful cities we've seen, anywhere. The city has the best shopping district we've ever seen, it's a very clean, bustling little city, lots of great restaurants and sights.

Tomorrow, we'll visit Stuart's school, and we're doing a walking tour of Maastricht, so we'll have lots more to talk about.

Amsterdam

corncobb — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Today may have been the most fun we've had. Woke up, had a great breakfast (Kelly loved the ham and cheese sandwiches) and set out for the rijksmuseum. It was fabulous, even though it was in renovation. The Rembrant's were spectacular. We then visited the Van Gogh museum, it too was splendid.

Then,we stopped for lunch, and that's where the excitement really started.

After ordering, Jerry went to the bathroom. When he returned and pulled out the chair, he startled a cat, who promptly bit and clawed, thankfully only at his jeans! It gave all in the restaurant a start, and Jerry swears it was a bobcat or mountain lion, but all is well, and everyone has their limbs.

We visited the red light district, did some shopping and had a great time riding the canal bus throughout the city. This was our only full day here, and we made the most of it, we had a lot of fun.

We'll do a little more exploring tomorrow, then its on to Maastricht to see Stu and his place of study (?). We'll be back in touch tomorrow.

On the way to Amsterdam

corncobb — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Stuart left early this morning...we thought we'd go back to sleep for an hour or so, but didn't wake up until 10...our activity yesterday apparently wore us out. We're on the train right now from Paris to Amsterdam.

We didn't feel like we got enough time in Paris, but we're probably going to feel that way about all of our stops...we're visiting 5 cities in 13 days, so I know we can't do all of them justice. Nonetheless, we really enjoyed Paris, I know I liked it more than I thought I would. The food was fantastic, and the people were very nice...

We'll be in Amsterdam in a couple of hours, I'm hopeful to get all the Paris photos downloaded tonight. We'll be back in touch tomorrow.

Day 2 in Paris

corncobb — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Day two was packed, we mastered the trains of paris and saw many sights...First, the catacombs. Over 6 million parisians are buried there, and the walls are made of their bones! Incredible and creepy at the same time.

We also traveled to the antique district in northern paris...again, quite a site! At lunch, we were treated to two old women singing along with the piano and accordian players. Our little taste of paris culture.

We visited the Layfayette Galleries last night, their holiday windows are a tourist attraction...lots of animation, puppets, etc. We also strolled around the Paris Opera, a spectacular building.

Day 1 In Paris

corncobb — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Stuart arrived promptly at 11 and we set out for the Eifel Tower...however, the high winds prevented us from going all the way to the top, so we took some photos out front and will do our ascension either later tonight or tomorrow morning.

We spent a few hours at the Louvre...I think you could spend a few days there and not see enough...but we had a wonderful time, saw some incredible art. We had lunch closeby (Stuart had the largest beer I've ever seen), then proceeded to Notre Dame...again, quite impressive, especially since it's been there since the 12th century.

Next to the Champs-Elysees...I know, we're very touristy, but we're only here two and one half days. Very much like Park Avenue in New York, although you can feel the history of the street. And the Arc de Triomphe was spectacular.

Walked back to the hotel from there, we were briefly lost, a couple of times, but made it home safely. Tonight, we're dining at Chez Georges, Ina Garten's (the Barefoot Contessa) favorite restaurant...can't wait.

Everybody is well, Stu's hair is long...Liz likes it, I'll reserve comment. We'll try and get todays photos on the blog tomorrow...Until then.

Paris in the rain

corncobb — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Arrived to our hotel about 8pm last night...a long day, to be sure. We have two rooms on the top floor, Liz and I can see the top of the Eifel Tower from our room...not big, but comfortable. Everyone slept ok, I think we'll be adjusted to the time change by the end of today.

Just had a wonderful breakfast downstairs, the owners of the Hotel Valadon (Victor and Maria) are delightful people. They've advised us to do the trip up the Eifel Tower this morning while it's raining...less tourists to navigate through, so that's what we'll do. We're waiting for Stuart to arrive, he should be here by 11am, then we'll head out.

We'll begin posting photos tonight...we have a full day, so we should have a good many to show you...

London St Pancras

corncobb — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We're at the St Pancras station, waiting to take the eurostar to Paris. The flight was ok, a bit cramped for 71/2 hours...that's what we get for booking reward travel, I guess.

This train station is nicer than any airport I've seen in the US...we're still getting along, although I just realized we're working on 24 hours between showers...hmmm.

OK, we're about to board the train, back in touch later...

Chicago to London

corncobb — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

OK, Chicago's airport could use some decent places to eat...we had to trek over to the Hilton, their place was good...got us in the mood for Europe with the price of their drinks!

Lots of activity for a Wednesday night though...we leave for London in about an hour and a half, eight hour flight. Hopefully, we'll sleep...otherwise, Liz and Kelly will be grumpy.

Liz and Kelly just bought a battery charged ipod charger, that will come in handy. And, they bought a tip that will work with the iphone. Never let it be said that Liz isn't a good shopper.

Next update will probably come from the Chunnel, traveling from London to Paris... assuming we can get internet access underneath the English Channel! Cheerio!

Colorado Springs airport

corncobb — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Well, we're on our way...stopping in the airport for lunch and a few cold beers before departing for Chicago.

We'll try and update as we go today, so far, very uneventful...but, based on past history, that will change!