Europe 2004

Life Magazine Photo Entry Contest

Fri, 07 Oct 2005 12:44:19 -0500

Life Magazine is having a "Perfect Kiss" photo contest. I submitted three of mom and dad's kiss photos along with this essay.

Traveled back to the states

Fri, 31 Dec 2004 22:00:00 -0500

We flew back to Washington, DC today. Dad's flight was delayed slightly. It's great to be back in the states. I'm spending time up north before I head back to TPA.

Latin square before flying to LHR

Thu, 30 Dec 2004 22:00:00 -0500

Mom, particularly, has fallen in love with the Latin square neighborhood.

The night the lights went out... at the Louvre

Wed, 29 Dec 2004 23:45:00 -0500

Two architectural and monumental landmarks are on today's agenda. First, situated on a Seine river island is Place du Parvis Notre-Dame. The cathedral dates back to X. Inside you can confess in practically any language. Candle lighting is available for 2 euros. That all aside, the place is ornate and garnished with beautiful stained glass windows everywhere. The church has setup a nativity scene. It's the first we've seen on this trip!

Versailles and Hausemann street

Tue, 28 Dec 2004 22:00:00 -0500

Best laid plans are not always fulfilled. We start out early to spend time at the Louvre. Today, however, is Tuesday and it is the one day of the week when the Louvre is closed. Versailles becomes our destination.

Cruising the Seine after killer views at the Eiffel Tower

Mon, 27 Dec 2004 22:00:00 -0500

Travelers relish Paris for the French people, the world renowned landmarks and French pastries! This morning we found our first (of many) French pastry shops and indulged. The shop was located on Rue de Washington. Pastries and sandwiches are this shop's specialties.

Last London Looks then on to Paris

Sun, 26 Dec 2004 22:00:00 -0500

Today Boxing Day is a holiday following Christmas and observed in England, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Its major significance at this time seems to be a setting for the post-Christmas sale. Here our English speaking cultures seem to meet, in the drunken ecstasy of consumerism, buying things with all the fury of past Dionysian Bacchanals.

Christmas at Westminster Abbey

Sat, 25 Dec 2004 22:00:00 -0500

Merry Christmas! London is all but shut-down. There are only a few restaurants open, there is no public transportation and cabbies are few and far between. Attractions are closed.

Christmas Eve tour of London

Fri, 24 Dec 2004 22:00:00 -0500

Twas the day before Christmas... Dad arrived at noon today. His flights were uneventful.

Touring London, We Will Rock You in the West end

Thu, 23 Dec 2004 22:00:00 -0500

Work colleagues suggested that the Big Bus tour was not to be missed. True that as today we took the bus tour and got to view all the major attractions. Also included was a water cruise from the Tower bridge to Westminster. Most of today we spent riding. Taking this tour also helped orient us to where each church, castle, building and landmark was located.

Family Futures Consortium and London tower

Wed, 22 Dec 2004 22:00:00 -0500

Twelve degrees Celsius may not feel warm to Floridians but it's a great winter London temperature. Today it is 12 deg Celsius and it does feel warm. There is no rain all day.

Scottish National Gallery then travel back to London

Tue, 21 Dec 2004 22:00:00 -0500

Before leaving Edinburgh we spend time at the Scottish National Gallery. Entrance is without charge; the main gallery spans about thirty different rooms.

Cheers!

Tue, 21 Dec 2004 08:00:00 -0500

Let's take a few short sidetracks...

Edinburgh Castle

Mon, 20 Dec 2004 22:00:00 -0500

Today we venture out to see the Edinburgh Castle. (1217-1357) After all, this is the premiere destination in Edinburgh.

St. John's cathedral for church then Edinburgh's royal mile

Sun, 19 Dec 2004 23:30:00 -0500

Sheraton's executive lounge provides breakfast. Since this is Sunday we find our way to St. John's cathedral and observe their service. It's a choral matins service. Best described, this service is a singing rendition of old-time catholic aphorisms.