Europe is Wonderful After All These Years

This set of lessons describes our trips to Europe in the spring of 2023 and the spring of 2024. They were very different trips, though some of the same countries were visited - just different parts. The first trip encompassed Vienna, Rome, and Florence. The second trip - with me driving - included Zurich, Lucerne, Como, Milan, Bolzano, Innsbruck, and separately, Prague. I wonder if we will return to Europe again for a third trip...

The Stylish Heart of Austria, Vienna

Published: 2023-06-09

Our first stop in our Europe tour was Vienna, Austria. We chose Vienna primarily because of its musical history, particularly the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. I was happy to return to Vienna after all these years, as it is not that far from Burganland, which is my mother's ancestral home.

Firenze for the First Time was Well Worth the Wait

Published: 2023-08-18

Florence, or if you are Italian, Firenze was a city that I had wanted to visit for a long time. I missed it on my very first trip to Italy in 1982, and it took quite a long time for me to finally make the trip to Italy again.

Pent Up Demand to Visit Rome Almost Overwhelming

Published: 2023-10-27

The last time I visited Rome I was taking a summer break from college, and had a full beard. Almost fifty years later, it seems like it was just as I left it. Hope you like crowds! It was like everyone in the world who was waiting out COVID was with us.

Road Trip Europe 2024 Part 1 - Zurich, Lucerne, Como, and Milan

Published: 2024-05-17

For this year's trip to Europe we decided to rent a car. Our route starts with Zurich, Switzerland. Next is Milan - with a quick stop at Lake Como. Then we'll stop for lunch at Verona on our way to Balzano. Next is Innsbruk, and then back to Zurich. This leg of the journey is featured in Part 2. Lastly, we'll fly to Prague; not part of the road trip per se, but probably the destination I most look forward to visiting.

Road Trip Europe 2024 Part 2 - Bolzano, Innsbruck, Zurich

Published: 2024-05-17

This is Part Two of our road trip in Europe. Our route continues in with a stop for lunch at Verona on our way to Balzano. Next is Innsbruk, and then back to Zurich.

The Captivating Beauty, Historical Depth, and Cultural Richness of Prague

Published: 2024-06-02

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is often referred to as the "City of a Hundred Spires" due to its stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture. Nestled on the Vltava River, Prague boasts a rich history that dates back over a thousand years, making it a treasure trove of medieval, Renaissance, and modern history and culture.