European Adventures

Tad & I were fortunate enough to be able to go to Europe for 10 days with NO children in July. Big thanks to Grandma & Grandpa Teeples who braved our three hooligans for a week, and our good friends Juan & Korin who finished up. It was weird and wonderful to be able to sit for a three hour dinner and actually be able to converse with each other the entire time. We definitely missed them, but truly enjoyed beautiful Europe.

Days 1-3: Amsterdam, Holland

The day we got into Holland was the day of the World Cup Final, and The Netherlands (Holland) was in the final. So, needless to say, it was crazy in Amsterdam! There was a sea of orange, as it's their soccer teams' color. Tad and I braved the crowd of 100,000+ fans and joined them in the town square to watch the game. It was crazy and fun! Too bad they lost!

Amsterdam is a beautiful city and is often called the "venice of the north" as it has canals all over. We walked around for three days and were able to see the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum (the worlds largest collection of his works), Rijksmuseum (large collection of Rembrandt and Vermeer), and took a train to the city of Haarlem to see the "Hiding Place" from the book The Hiding Place, which is a must read. Another day we toured a windmill, then went biking in the country side, went to a cheese making factory (Holland is famous for it's cheese), and saw how wooden shoes are made.

Tad & I at the World Cup showing.

The Hiding Place (true story where they helped facilitate hundreds of Jews into hiding during World War II).

This is "the hiding place" through the hole in the wall. A fake wall was built about 18 inches out from the exterior wall and then finished to look like it was the exteriour wall. They could fit six adults standing up. Notice that they entered through a secret door under the bottom shelf of the closet. In fact, six people hid here for over 3 days after an anonymous tip told the Nazis there were Jews living in the home.

It was really quite sad and sombering to see.

Days 4-8: Vienna, Austria

We walked miles each day enjoying the sites and stopping at cafe's to eat. There is so much to see, and all the buildings are unique and beautiful. The main sites we saw were St. Stephens Cathedral, Shonbrunn Palace, the amazing large opera house, Sacher hotel (where the renowned sachertorte is made), and Hofsburg Palace (where we saw the imperial apartments where the royalty lived). One night we went to a Mozart/Strauss concert which was amazing music, but the Viennese don't believe in air-conditioning like we do here! We went on a cruise down the Danube River after visiting the Melk Abby (a monastary). Alas, Vienna is not complete without eating Wienerschnitzel, painfully delicious pastries, and chocolate.

St. Stephens Cathedral

It was built in the 14th century, and houses the coffins and urns of many of the royalty in the catacombs. We took the catacomb tour and were actually able to see the remains if hundreds of people who died from the black plague in the 17th century (kind of gross). Also, Mozart's funeral was held here too.

The state opera house where we saw the Mozart/Strauss concert.

Wienerschnitzel

(huge! Yes, there is a plate under there!)

Shonbrunn Palace

The summer palace of the Hofburg Family

The back of Shonbrunn palace.

Mozart monument, as he was born in Vienna, and performed at the above palace when he was six year old.

Hofburg Palace

Melk

Melk Abby (the chapel inside the monastary).

One of the picturesque towns we passed while cruising down the Danube River. Notice the castle ruins on top of the hillside.

Day 9: Prague, Czech Republic

We took a four hour (each way) bus ride to Prague, and were not disappointed! Prague was one of the only cities not bombed during WWII, so there are some 12th century building still around. The streets are all cobblestone, and the buildings are amazing. The highlights of this quick day-trip were the Prague Castle, St. Charles Bridge, and the clock tower.

A view of Prague.

St. Charles Bridge.

Clock Tower.

Day 10: Budapest, Hungary

On our last day we took a three hour each way bus ride to visit the capital of Hungary. It was definitely worth it, as the view were stunning! Budapest is actually divided by a river into the Buda side and the Pest side. We enjoyed seeing the Fisherman's Bastion, which is named after the fisherman who defended this site in the Middle Ages, the parliament building, Heros Square, and the chain bridge. Wish we could have spent more time here too!

Buda on one side, Pest on the other.

I just couldn't resist this picture! Not sure what it is there for or what it means?!

Fisherman's Bastion.

It reminded me of a sand castle.

View of the parliament building from Fisherman's Bastion.

Chain Bridge.