Europe: Aug. 24 - Sept. 16

Blue and I took the trip of a lifetime recently: three weeks in Europe on a Rick Steves tour. A whirlwind adventure that included stops in The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, The Vatican, Switzerland, and France. A warm, energetic group of twenty-eight, plus our fearless guide Dimitri—always on the go, each of us whisking our carry-on bag and day pack from bus to hotel or vice-versa. Lucky us, with gorgeous weather on all but a couple of days.

My favorite country? Italy. Favorite moment? Sitting one night in a church in Venice, on the third row, when it hit me: Vivaldi in Venice! Such a beautiful church, beautiful night—and, of course, beautiful concert.

Having said that, I loved every stop and have many wonderful memories and photos, as well as a few extra pounds to remind me of them all.