On Sunday, July 15, 2018, my family and I boarded a plane at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and headed to Heathrow Airport to begin our European vacation in the beautiful city of London. This is our first family vacation in Europe and we have a jam packed itinerary. We arrived safely after a long flight.
I invite you to follow me on my journey throughout Europe as I document highlights in my travel blog. Follow me on Facebook for photos and tidbits I will post throughout my journey. See you soon, mate!
Back home!
July 30, 2018
Back in Houston, Back to work & Happy to be home! First of all, a big thank you to everyone who followed our adventure through Europe and offered advice or well-wishes. I've never done a travel blog before so I hope you enjoyed it. If you're planning your first trip to Europe and want to get the best bang for your buck, my advice is to go with a good tour company. We saw 9 countries in two weeks with Trafalgar Travel and they ran us hard, as promised, but made sure we visited the places you'd expect to see. We also bypassed the loooong lines of other tourists at popular places like the Colosseum, which saved us hours. Our tour guide Sarah Clapton had it all covered. Everything from where to find the bathrooms at each stop (and how much they charged) to a warning about dog owners in Lucerne who don't always "pick-up" after their pets (she was right!) She also made sure we knew the history of each place before we arrived there. If this rookie had tried to plan this vacation myself, our family would have missed half of the incredible things we did. If you were impressed by the pictures over the last 2 weeks, credit goes to my chief photographer and youngest daughter Hayley. She did a great job!
A little about the photos. Family pic from a gondola in Venice . My daughter Hayley was our chief photographer. Hanging out on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. Tour guide Sarah Clapton keeping us in line. Driver Willem. I still don’t know how he maneuvered that giant coach down those narrow streets.
July 27, 2018
European Vacation
Day 13: Paris
One last day in Europe and we used every last minute! I understand now why so many people love Paris. There is a special vibe there that I didn’t get any place else we visited. It’s hard to describe but Parisians definitely know how to enjoy life (even in 97 degree heat) We started our last day with a stop at the Eiffel Tower. I’m glad we made time to see Versailles - pretty impressive hunting lodge! We made a quick stop at the Louvre. After our farewell dinner, a boat cruise on the Seine. We ended the night back at Eiffel Tower to watch it sparkle. A perfect way to wrap-up two weeks in Europe. Already thinking about a return visit.
A little about the photos. Arc de Triomphe: Napoleon ordered it built in 1806 but died before it was finished 30 years later. The monument celebrates those who fought and died during the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. Gustav Eiffel built the Tower for the Paris World’s Fair in 1889. He had an apartment/office at the top. Seven million people now visit each year. At more than 1000 feet, it’s the city’s tallest structure. From the second level, you can see the long shadow cast over the Seine River below. Versailles: King Louis IV turned his Dad’s hunting lodge into a palace. Golden gates, golden roof. The extravagance is amazing. Inside Versailles is even more impressive. 2300 rooms, more than 700,000 square feet. This is the hall of mirrors, used to sign the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War 1. Looking for my doppelgänger at The Louvre. 35,000 works on display. Another place that would take a week to cover properly. The star attraction. Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa 500 years ago - now probably the most famous painting in the world. 6 million visitors see her each year (protected behind bulletproof glass). You can walk right up to Venus De Milo: Ancient Greek sculpture from about 100 B.C. Cruising the Seine, we finally saw Notre Dame. Finished in 1365, the Medieval Cathedral is considered one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture. Next time I want to see inside.
July 26, 2018
European Vacation
Day 12: Paris
DAY 12. Long drive from Switzerland into France today but we saw lots of beautiful wine country. It seemed like every place had a recognizable name: Burgundy, Chablis, etc. Tonight Paris and the world’s oldest cabaret - Moulin Rouge! They’ve been packing houses since the 1890s for this elaborate song and dance show. No pictures are allowed inside unfortunately. We have another busy day tomorrow. Versailles, Louvre, Eiffel Tower and a cruise on the Seine.
PHOTOS: https://on.khou.com/2LzAcLG
A little about today's photos. Paris’ newest concert hall. I just liked the look of the building. I haven’t seen a lot of American classics in Europe but my daughter snapped this quick pic in Paris of a 60s Corvette headed our way. Here’s the outside of the “Red Windmill” at Le Moulin Rouge Cabaret. Last place to take a pic before walking into the Moulin Rouge showroom. It’s 11 p.m. and Parisians are just getting started.
July 25, 2018
European Vacation
Day 11: Lucerne
What a day in Lucerne! We rode a train 7000 ft. to the top of Mt. Pilatus Pilatus, then took a cable car and gondola back down the other side. We saw the famous “Swiss Browns” and walked a ton along the lake and shopping district. I love how clean and well-run everything is in Switzerland but let me tell ya, it’s crazy expensive for everything! About ready to wrap-up our journey. Last stop in Paris tomorrow.
PHOTOS: https://on.khou.com/2LOQXyM
A little about today's photos. Steepest cog wheel railway in the world. They started this train ride in 1889 but it still runs smooth as silk. Gotta love Swiss engineering. Here’s the trip back down Mt Pilatus. I don’t like heights but this did not bother me at all, for some reason. Maybe I was too busy admiring this gorgeous view of the Alps to worry about how high up we were. “Swiss Browns” are grazing all over the hills above Lucerne. When your country is known for cheese and chocolate, you need lots of dairy cows and this breed is one of the best milk producers in the world. Did I mention chocolate? How about a flowing wall of chocolate? I’ve never seen so many shops selling it. Most of the others sold expensive watches. Some stores had both. Lucerne’s famous Chapel Bridge across the Reuss River. It’s the oldest wooden footbridge in Europe- built in 1333. Most of it survived a fire in 1993. The stone tower over my shoulder was once used as a prison and torture chamber. Swans swimming everywhere on Lake Lucerne and they’re aggressive too. They’ve been known to take a sandwich right out of your hand. We love Switzerland but I’m shocked by how expensive everything is. This is our $75 sandwich/soda lunch at a roadside self-serve place. Nothing fancy. 4 people. $75!
July 24, 2018
European Vacation
Day 10: Switzerland
Short post today because we spent most of it on the road from Florence to Lucerne, Switzerland. We passed by a super famous guy’s house, had time for a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne and learned a little bit of history. Tomorrow we get a cable car ride into the Alps and hopefully lots of chocolate!
PHOTOS: https://on.khou.com/2JREAjD
A little about today's photos. Check out Lake Como in Italy. We drove by and my wife made me take a picture because George Clooney lives down there somewhere. Lake Lucerne is beautiful, isn’t it? Switzerland has 26 Cantons (territories) each speaking either Swiss or German, French or Italian as their primary language. Most Swiss speak all 3 and English too. Oh, they let me play Captain for a minute on our lake cruise. I didn’t hit anything! Some lakeside farming happening here. I’ll look for the famous Swiss brown cows tomorrow. This dying lion carved out of sandstone is a memorial to the 760 Swiss mercenary soldiers who died protecting French King Louis XIV during the French Revolution in 1792. Dedicated in 1821, today a worker is cleaning it. A statue of Jesus watching over Lake Lucerne. Eat Mor (Swiss) Chikin Chick-fil-A.
July 23, 2018
European Vacation
Day 9: Rome
One more morning in Rome - just enough time to visit a Vatican museum, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. I’m posting some pictures but please don’t think they capture the grandeur of what’s actually there. Just amazing. My family and I arrived in Florence in the afternoon. This is Italy’s artistic capital. Michelangelo lived here. Da Vinci began painting the Mona Lisa here. We ended the day with a home cooked dinner at a 800 year old olive oil vineyard in the hills above Florence. Pretty good day, huh? Off to Switzerland tomorrow. Enjoy the pics!
PHOTOS: https://on.khou.com/2NHtWy1
A little about today's photos. We only scratched the surface at one museum. The Vatican has 4 miles of artifacts. It would take days to make it through everything. St. Peter’s Basilica. Largest church building in the world. Built, rebuilt and expanded over the last 1700 years. There is so much artistic detail in every square inch, I’m sure I missed most of it. Dome of St. Peter’s: Designed by Michelangelo (he died before it was finished) Largest dome of its kind and the inspiration for many others, including our Capitol in DC. 147 Popes are buried here - most under the church. Only Popes who become Saints can lie in the church. This priest is conducting Mass above the tomb of Pope John Paul II. Michelangelo’s Pieta: His depiction of Mary holding her crucified Son. Michelangelo was only 24 when he finished this in 1499. It’s the only work he ever signed. Swiss Guard at St Peter’s: The Swiss have guarded the Pope for hundreds of years. Because Switzerland remains neutral during conflict, Popes felt their men could be trusted. Requirements? Guards must be Swiss, Catholic and single. Sistine Chapel: No pictures allowed inside, so you’ll have see this Michelangelo masterpiece for yourself. The Cardinals still use the chapel to elect the new Pope. Florence: Once the financial capital of the region, now known mostly for goldsmiths and leather. Lots of history too. I thought this was interesting. Leonardo da Vinci lived here & his family STILL owns the building! They’ve had it since the 1400s. And magnificent churches too. This one is The Church of Santa Croce. Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli are buried inside. Our view of Tuscany tonight from Fattoria Di Maiano. The family showed us how they produce olive oil on their property. I also learned the difference between extra virgin, virgin and regular olive oil. Who knew?
July 22, 2018
European Vacation
Day 8: Rome
On the “Wow Factor” chart - today is a 10+. We started at a 2000 year old Rome suburb where common people lived and worked. The ruins of Ostia Antica tell a fascinating story: homes, apartments, restaurants & a laundromat. We made it to The Vatican just in time for the Papal blessing. Pope Francis spoke from his window to the thousands of us below. Then over to the Colosseum to see how the Gladiators lived (and died) for the entertainment of ancient Romans. Time to rest before a big Italian meal tonight. Vatican museums and St Peter’s Basilica tomorrow. Then off to Florence!
PHOTOS: https://on.khou.com/2uYNIxA
A little about today’s photos. That’s a mosaic in a large public bath. People in Ostia Antica bathed once every several months. Businessmen used mosaics so foreign visitors would know what they were selling. This man was a shipper with ties to Alexandria, Egypt (that’s Alexandria’s lighthouse at the top). Saint Peter’s Square. Vatican City is the smallest country on Earth, only 110 acres. About 800 people live here, including Pope Francis. Each Sunday at Noon, Pope Francis offers a blessing (in Italian) from the window of an apartment to the people gathered below. Today he spoke for 11 minutes. The Colosseum opened in 80 A.D. as a Gladiator arena. 40K slaves worked 8 years to build it. Only part of the building’s skeleton remains today. Most of the ornate marble and limestone are gone. More impressive inside. The stadium held 55k people and your seats depended on your status in Roman society. The ruins in the middle were actually under the arena floor. The animals and Gladiators were kept here until it was time to compete.
July 21, 2018
European Vacation
Day 7: Rome
Long travel day but saw a lot of beautiful Tuscany countryside on the drive from Venice to Rome. We had time for a walking tour which included the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. Then an authentic Italian dinner on the Piazza Navona. Off to the Vatican tomorrow.
PHOTOS: https://on.khou.com/2O7NQ6x
A little about today’s photos. The Pantheon. A Roman temple finished around 125 A.D. This is at least the 3rd version. Two earlier ones burned to the ground. The Pantheon became a Catholic church in 609 A.D. which probably protected it from destruction during later wars. We arrived today just before Saturday Mass. Each Roman civilization is built on top of the previous one. Over my shoulder is a 30 feet hole showing where the city may have started 700-800 years before Christ. Romans used columns like history books. Intricate carvings tell a detailed story of wars won and the men who won them. This one celebrates Emperor Marcus Aurelius - built around 190 A.D. Trevi Fountain: Featured in the movie & song “3 Coins in The Fountain”. People throw about $1M Euros into the water each year (right hand over left shoulder) The money helps Rome’s poor. Trevi took 30 years to build, finished. In 1762. Our backdrop for dinner - Sant’ Agnese in Agone Church and the Fountain of Four Rivers in Piazza Navona. Not sure how I got talked into this Pinocchio photo. We’ll just call it an homage to Pinocchio’s Italian author Carlo Collodi.
GONDOLA RIDE: https://on.khou.com/2LIPoCw
July 20, 2018
European Vacation
Day 6: Venice
My wife and I have always wanted to see Venice and it did not disappoint. This city built on water has so much beauty and charm, it almost doesn’t feel real. It’s easily the most visually interesting city I’ve ever visited. It also has big problems that threaten its survival. The 1000 year old wooden building foundations are rotting. Venice is sinking as the sea level rises. The city floods regularly. It’s also become too popular. 60K tourists visit every day which has overwhelmed this city of 117 small islands connected by canals. Venice is a must-see. Sad to think it may be gone someday.
PHOTOS: https://on.khou.com/2JQ0rYQ
A little about today’s photos. Cruising the Grand Canal. Gondolas are everywhere and moving silently. Did you know the Gondoliers don’t sing? Luckily, we have a great Trafalgar Travel guide who hired a singer and accordion player for the half-hour trip. Ever notice love songs just seem to sound better in Italian? Saint Mark’s Church: They started building in 978. The remains of Saint Mark (who wrote the 2nd book of the New Testament) are in a sarcophagus - on display inside the church. Small bridges connect many of Venice’s tiny islands. They’re just tall enough to squeeze a gondola underneath. No two canals looks the same. And there are spectacular buildings, hundreds of years old, everywhere you look. The Rialto Bridge: Tradition says couples must kiss while crossing under it (or risk bad luck) — so we did (no pictures, please). This is Elton John’s place (yellow house) Fairly nondescript by Venice Grand Canal standards but I’m sure still wildly expensive.
July 19, 2018
European Vacation
Day 5: Munich and Innsbruck
This is called the “Whirlwind Tour” and I’m beginning to see why. We’re ALWAYS on the move. We hit 2 former Olympic cities today - Munich & Innsbruck. Both are interesting with their own charm. The drive through the forested German/Austrian countryside was spectacular, almost as if the hills were alive.....enjoy the pics. Heading to Venice next for a Gondola ride.
PHOTOS: https://on.khou.com/2LhoHZd
A little about today's photos. Lousy quality on this pic of Munich’s most famous and infamous beer hall - Hofbrauhaus. It was built more than 400 years ago. Hitler gave speeches here to his supporters as he rose to power in the 1930’s. Today, just a lot of people enjoying a beer. Munich Town Hall is a great example of neo-gothic architecture. Only about 150 years old. Someone left this behind in the gutter after a, no doubt, rough evening.
A photo of my family looking over the Inn River - Innsbruck, Austria. Old Innsbruck is historic and quaint with lots of cool restaurants and shops. Wish we had more time in the Austrian Alps. SWAROVSKI crystal is made about 30 miles away. The company’s main store is in Innsbruck. Big crowds here when I visited. They’ll put crystals on just about anything including Froot Loops. Check out the photo of me standing in the doorway. People were either shorter back in the day or I’m now 6’8”.
July 18, 2018
European Vacation
Day 4: Germany
Day 4: Goodbye Amsterdam. We made it to Germany for a cruise on the Rhine River, a great way to see 700 year old castles on the hillsides above. My family and I walked Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university (founded in the 1300s) and a world famous Christmas store. Off to Munich and Innsbruck tomorrow.
PHOTOS: Beautiful Germany
A little about today's photos. We saw castles near St. Goar which were built about 750 years ago. The owners protected traders on the Rhine but also charged tax to pass through. The Reinfels castle dates back to 1245. Today it’s a hotel. I loved this one! A bar in the front of the building and church in the back. You have to walk past the bar to get to church. On to Heidelberg. A tight squeeze with lots of cobblestone.
I met Toby representing our H-Town in his H-town. He’s German but forget Dirk Nowitzki. He loves James Harden and the Houston Rockets. Oh..I can’t forget the world famous Käthe Wohlfahrt store. And, everyday is Christmas here. Apparently Germans love Christmas just as much as we do.
Met Toby on the street in Heidelberg. He’s representing our H-Town in his H-Town. You’d think a German guy would root for Dirk and the Mavs but Toby is all-in with James Harden and the Houston Rockets. See why!
WATCH: Video with Toby
July 17, 2018
European Vacation
Day 3: Brussels
Day 3: Good-bye London. Rode the Eurostar train to Brussels. The ride was smooth and fast. Then took a motor coach to Amsterdam - home to Heineken and Amstel Bier. It’s a beautiful city with water everywhere. Also expensive and crowded. We are only here for one day - today. Tomorrow, we are headed to Germany.
PHOTOS: A beautiful day in Brussels
A little about today’s photos: Amsterdam has 165 canals covering 31 miles (more than Venice). Most of the city is at or below sea level. Like New Orleans, keeping the water out is a challenge. Homes along the main canal can cost $7 million dollars per floor! Even floating homes cost at least $1 million dollars.
Space is limited here with almost no parking and very few cars. Everyone rides bikes. Amsterdam has 800K people and 1.6 million bikes. Yes, we WALKED by the “Red Light District.” I also found NEMO! (Which is Amsterdam’s science museum). The modern windmill is much more cost-effective apparently. My family and I ended the day with a Dutch favorite: A stroopwafel cookie. Delicious!
WATCH VIDEO: So, what does Amsterdam tour guide Maya Greenstein from Stromma Netherlands think of Texas? (and other fun facts)
July 15, 2018
European Vacation
Day 1: London
We are surrounded by history. Love the Thames and the architecture. Beautiful buildings old and new everywhere you look. Our tour officially starts tomorrow with more London sightseeing.We are considering a side trip to Stonehenge. Has anyone done it? Do you think it is worth burning a half day?
The photos show our view from the hotel. We visited the Tower Bridge which is relatively new by London standards, built in 1894. We rode the tube and it turns out a lot of the ride wasn’t in a tube at all! We made it out to Wimbledon for the final day. This is as close as we got to watching an actual tennis match. I had to try traditional English fish 'n chips. Honestly, same as I’ve eaten 100x stateside.
People everywhere are watching the World Cup Final. Most of them are very happy French tourists. Check out the 1000 year old Tower Castle right in the heart of the city. It was built to protect the Crown Jewels. We ended the day by crashing a Scottish/Pakistani wedding reception. Bagpipes included. Take that Vince Vaughn!
July 16, 2018
European Vacation
Day 2: London
My family and I hit all the big spots on a sightseeing tour this morning then walked about 6 miles this afternoon. We pulled out the wallets and shopped at Harrods in Knightsbridge, strolled through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and then to Kensington Palace where the “Young Royals” live - Princes William and Harry and their families. Watch for more highlights from Brussels and Amsterdam tomorrow.
Today's photos included Buckingham Palace which is the most visited place in the UK. I believe it - so crowded today! And, the Queen is inside right now. You can tell because her flag is flying above the gates. A friendly “Bobby”. The slang term for London officers comes from Robert Peel, the man who formed the department in 1829. We saw Big Ben covered in scaffolding. Renovations will take another 3 1/2 years to complete.
We visited the spectacular Prince Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens: Queen Victoria built it to honor her late husband in 1861. Check out my photo of a telephone booth. What am I supposed to do with this thing? I am such a big historian and enjoyed my visit to the Abraham Lincoln statue in Parliament Square. Lincoln is one of 6 U.S. Presidents honored here (Washington, FDR, Eisenhower, JFK, Reagan)
July 16, 2018
European Vacation
Day 2: London
The big highlight before we left London was the changing of the Queen Elizabeth guard at Kensington Palace. This is one of Britain's most recognizable ceremonies. All the guardsmen were wearing their bear skin hats, a military band led the old guard away from the Kensington Palace grounds. The new regiment of infantry soldiers was now on duty and in charge of protecting the palace as they've done for more than 450 years.
