European Holiday Adventure...

Germany

Wow. Can't believe its January 2013. David and I just got back from an amazing European holiday. We spent 2 weeks with David's family in Germany, France, Luxembourg, and Belgium. What an eye-opening experience.

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany

We spent Christmas and New Years in Germany with David's family... 300+ games of cards, addicting caramel popcorn that Momma and I couldn't stay out of :), movie marathons (Avengers, 007, Ironman etc.), One Direction (that's for you Madison ;)), driving on the autobahn, crazy fire works, shopping, cookie decorating, new foods, and great company...

(more photos to come...)

cheese rolls, pizza on tortilla dough, doner- kebaps
(David's all- time favorite...he's still talking about them)

Yep. These two crazy nuts found the explosives. Yay fireworks! Gotta love these boys. :)

PARIS, France

Paris was breathtaking. I've never seen anything like it. Photos can't begin to capture the beauty and detail that is apparent to the naked eye. The fashion, the architecture, the bustling people, (and the TRAFFIC, holy cow, don't get me started on the driving skills of native Parisians haha CRAZY!), the intricate aspects of the statues, the history, the lights, Paris is heaven on steroids for any art lover. 

We stayed in the Marne La Vallee Holiday Inn, I would definitely recommend it...though wherever you stay, be sure you know how to navigate the Subway system. Dad did an awesome job getting us to the center of the city and back without any problems. I also highly recommend the Red Bus tour... Imagine sitting on an open-top bus and taking in the sights without wearing out your shoes (and still having the freedom to hop on and off the bus to walk around at the attractions the interest you.)

We visited the very tippy top of the Eiffel Tower, walked around the Louvre courtyard, saw the the Arc de Triomphe, toured the Notre Dame Cathedral, ate at the Christmas markets...there were so many things to see. It was a wonderful day!

The Eiffel Tower

The Arc de Triomphe

Even my adorable redneck husband enjoyed Paris.

Notre Dame Cathedral... it's 850 years old!

You can't go to Paris and NOT ride le carrousel.

Can't say I really cared for French cuisine. Though there was this adorable little cafe inside the mall next to our hotel, it had the BEST sandwiches, good pastries and fresh squeezed orange juice (to die for!). Also, McDonald's is EVERYWHERE, just be aware, you will never get ice in your drink...you order a large soda, they give you a medium Coke with no ice haha...medium is the new large (the French are smart people). The bread in Europe makes up for the lack of soda choices. It's yummy, even at McDonald's!

               
                Breakfast and lunch at the CdB Neofood Cafe!
                               

LUXEMBOURG

officially known as "the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg"(wow, what a name for a country)...

On our way to Belgium, we drove through the tiny land-locked country of Luxembourg. To this day, all I know about Luxembourg is that Texaco gas stations are popular with the locals. In fact, I do wonder if anything else exists in Luxembourg. I commend Luxembourgians and their fine taste in soda, this seems to be the only country in Europe that stocks my favorite beverage, yay Dr. Pepper. This stuff is basically impossible to find in Europe, unless of course you have an incredible mother-in-law that buys it at the AF base for you :). I'm SO lucky.

We definitely heart Luxembourg.

I have found you at last!! 

While venturing inside the Luxembourg Texaco, I found the cutest baking set with silicone molds and all. So yes, I will soon be filling our little apartment in Utah with the decadent smells of European pastries...as soon as I learn to read recipes...in French. They also stock Lays potato chips, though not in any of the usual flavors, try Heinz ketchup, pickle, and barbecue ham. I admit I cringed a little. They did have some fun cookies that Madison and I found called PiM's...AKA chocolate and raspberry deliciousness. David and Brett found a chocolate 'energy drink' called Cecemel an no offense to anyone who loves the stuff, but it tasted like chalk powder with a little sour milk mixed in it haha :) Good times.

Texaco in Luxembourg

BASTOGNE, Belgium

I really liked Belgium. All of the quaint little shops along both sides of the street were fun. There were multiple butcher's shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants, hotels, clothing boutiques, and chocolate shops. It made for a fun day, so much to see and taste.

We ate at the Burger House for lunch.
Here you must eat your "frites" with tiny forks :)

We stopped at one little cafe for hot cocoa and Belgium waffles...

and we also ventured into L'espresso tea room for macaroons :)

                                                             .

Our next stop was Leonidas! The one-stop-shop for famous Belgium chocolate.

I would definitely go back to Belgium.  Bastogne would be even more beautiful during the summer...

 HEIDELBERG, Germany

Heidelberg was beautiful. I most definitely want to go back again. The history behind the amazing castle on the hill intrigues me. We were able to tour around inside the ruins.
The architecture and detail blew me away. 

 Heidelberg Castle was originally built before AD 1214 and later expanded into two castles around 1294. Sadly, in 1537, a lightning-bolt destroyed parts of the upper walls. The structures that we saw were expanded by 1650. More damage was inflicted by later wars and fires. In 1764, another lightning-bolt destroyed some of the rebuilt sections. This castle has had it hard, but I'm willing to bet its seen some pretty amazing things in its lifetime.

We had such a magical time in Europe. I know that might sound a bit cheesy, but it's the only way to describe our combined experience. Touring Europe and visiting other countries has always been a dream of mine (bucket list material!!) and thanks to my wonderful family it has finally come true.