I don't think I'm going to write a story about our trip to Europe because it's just too big. There was just too much awe, excitement and traveling involved for me to even begin to wrap my brain around a little blog post. And I really don't want to write a novel about it.
However, I will say that getting through customs was surprisingly easy compared to coming into the U.S., Canada, or the Caribbean. We kept waiting for them to stop us or ask us more questions, but it never happened! Germany is a really beautiful country in topography, architecture, historical sites and climate. I have German roots, so it felt a little like coming home. We didn't see too much of the Netherlands, but what we saw was pretty and more modern. It felt a bit less foreign than Germany did. The people of the Netherlands were so kind and helpful. I know some of my friends think that's just a stereotype, but I'm telling you, all whom I've met from there in my life have been some of the nicest people. It must be in all that water. I really did not want to come home so soon.
With that said, here are the photos:
On the Left - German countryside. On the Right - the famous canals of Utrecht, Netherlands - dating to the 1300's I believe. Both so beautiful.
Above - Hubs takes shots like the paparazzi as friends and I walk through the night streets. I'm in the middle. That's the best shot you're getting. ;-)
A beautiful view of the Mosel river. Vineyards, fortresses and castles abounded.
On the left an altstadt (old town) in Germany. We're talking 12th century old. On the right, an 1800's fortress overlooking the Rhine.
Pieces of the Berlin Wall. (Not in Berlin)
The ruins of Heidelberg Castle - begun in the 1200's and added to for 100's of years. That tower in the foreground was blown up by the French 100's of years ago. It's called "Thick Tower." The walls in it are 26ft thick. The Castle would have protected the town below along the Neckar River. Nobels would have lived in the shadow of the castle on the other side of a formidable gated bridge that still exists. Peasants would have been on their own on the other side of the bridge. Gotta love medieval times.
By the way, the Rhineland area really resembles Pennsylvania with its rolling green mountains, forests and farms. The towns are very different, but the topography is not. I think now I know why so very many Germans settled in PA. It made me a little homesick. The weather seemed nicer in Germany though. haha.
P.S. I'm going to answer some of the post comments from earlier within the comments.
P.P.S. Hub took most of these pictures and I think needs a few kudos for some good photography with a crappy camera. I'm sorry I didn't recognize you sooner honey! Good job!
