Sunday, August 17, 2008

The Baldwin European Blitz


As most history buffs know, the blitz was a tactic perfected by the Germans during WWII. The revolutionary concept in warfare called for "lightning warfare" instead of slugging out in the trenches reminiscent of the hell that was WWI. It involved fast maneuovers, intense action against an unprepared enemy, and a general romp through the countryside on the way to the enemy's capital.

Since my brother has been in town, we've adopted this concept and have applied it to travel. I must be in the blood since my parents did the same thing when they were here. They did something like fifteen cities in twenty days. Jen and I did the same thing when we were here vacationing as poor college students. Intense!

Here's a sample agenda from the last few weeks:




Thurs to Sun: Paris

Mon to Thurs: Misc Germany

Fri to Mon: Amsterdam/Leiden

Tues to Fri: Misc Germany

Sat: Wittlich Pig Burners Festival

Sun to Tues: Garmisch/Bavaria

Earlier I mentioned this blitz tourism was intense. I meant exhausing.


On a personal note, I've really enjoyed all of the visitors we've had this summer. Seeing Europe with friends and family is a terrific way to see new places. As for those places we've already seen, we feed off of the excitement of our guests and it's like we too are discovering it for the first time. Here are some pix of places we've been in the last few weeks:


Kiss at the Seine


Jen and Mandi at Eis Dolomiti in Landstuhl

Julia, Emma, and Mandi at Cologne


Bruthas in Paris



Thanks to my brother Daniel for these pix. Lucky for us he was bit by the photographer bug.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Vin & Versailles (oh yeah, Paris too)

Bonjour! Spent the last weekend in Paris and made our way out to Versailles. Rather than throw away 50 euro in admission to this grand palace, we decided to admire the amazing architecture and the sprawling palace grounds. What really made this experience special was that they played classical music throughout the entire gardens and allowed the patrons to enjoy some wine while admiring the grounds. After spending 13 hours of slogging around Paris, it was just what the doctor ordered.






Atop the Eiffel Tower



Speaking of Paris, we ventured out with my brother Daniel, sister-in-law Mandi, and niece Emma. Had a really good time and did much of the usual Paris circuit: Notre Dame-Crepes-Eiffel Tower-baguettes-etc. The highlight, without a doubt, was going up 400' to the observation deck of the tower. We really lucked out. It had been gray and gloomy all day...until we started up the steps (yep, we bypassed the crowds and took the stairs). By the time we got to the deck, the clouds had parted and the sun finally made its glorious presence felt. The picture simply doesn't do it justice.

Sleepy Baby on the Seine Cruise


The night ended with a cruise down the Seine. This was worth every penny! We witnessed Parisians at their best while cruising down the river. We saw everything from romantics making most of the night, stumbling drunks who partook in too much vin, and couples dancing under the stars. Oh yeah, the architecture wasn't too shabby either. After spending over two years in Europe, I've noticed that we pay less attention to the buildings and more attention to the people and their culture. That's where Europe really comes alive.