pensieve.me

London's Beautiful Westminster Abbey

The Collegiate Church of St. Peter, Westminster, aka Westminster Abbey, coronation church since 1066.   

Even if you knew nothing about its impressive history, its magnificent architecture would bow your knee in praise to the Creator who gives men the mind and vision to build such a vessel for worship.  

 

We passed Westminster Abbey several times during our 25th anniversary visit to London, and everytime my heart leapt in adoration of its beauty.  My appreciation and love of architecture has sprouted and bloomed while living in Europe; I find myself wanting to study and learn and know more than I ever knew was knowable. 

 

Their website tells me Westminster Abbey has hosted only sixteen royal weddings in its long history, the most recent of which is Prince William's and Kate's.  I assumed Prince Charles and Lady Di had married here as well, having forgotten they chose St. Paul's Cathedral since it could seat more guests and allowed a longer procession through London's streets. 

We were blessed with two days of blue skies and one of clouds, fog and rain, and I was intrigued to observe how different the same buildings presented under such contrasting canvas.  The weather made a difference in more ways than one.

We happened to be in London for Remembrance Day, the equivalent of the U.S.'s Veteran's Day.  Beyond the miles of parading military personel, including the Royals in motorized caravan, a lovely commemoration was the red poppy everyone wore on their lapel.  National pride can be a beautiful thing.

Thousands remembered in front of Westminster Abbey, a reminder to the high and dreadful price of war. 

 

More posts to come...London is a beautiful muse.

: : : : : : : : : :

Be sure to visit my other London posts:

• Gorgeous doors of London

 

25 Years and Fanciful London Doors

Based on how old I feel, to be celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary I must've gotten married when I was 13.  In fact, if it wasn't the case the year following my silver anniversary I'll be celebrating my golden birthiversary, I'd swear it.

In lieu of exchanging gifts (and to take advantage of the closeish proximity of living in Germany), my husband and I decided to make memories.  In London.

I had no idea how much I'd love it.

I know for many people, London is at the top of their Travel Wish List; but for some reason, it wasn't on mine.  I'm not a Royal watcher, I didn't get up at dark-thirty for Kate and William's wedding (though I have to admit I watched Di's and Charles' back in the day), and I couldn't have cared less about seeing Big Ben or Westminster Abbey or the Tower Bridge.

What the heck was wrong with me?  It was frickinfrackin spectacular!

It only took a walk a few hundred yards from our hotel and I was smitten--London's Natural History Museum was ~that close~ followed by the Victoria and Albert then Hyde Park and Harrod's and Piccadilly Circus AND OHMYWORD WHYohWHY had I not been doing everything I could to get there?!

Ignorance, in this case, was not so bliss.  It was kinda stupid.

Anyways, in upcoming posts I'll share more of our sights, but for now a series of doors on a solitary street, somewhere between King's Cross Station (where Harry Potter would crash through Platform 9¾ to catch his train to Hogwarts) and the British Museum.  I was drawn to their color and whimsey, not just in the painting of wood but also in the patterned tiles leading to entry.  

 

Sometimes basic black isn't basic at all.

 

I absolutely LOVE the tile in this one, complimenting the coral door and avocado trim. And the yellow leaves need to remain there all year!

Checkerboard tile makes me wanna sit and play. Simple and striking.

Isn't it amazing how a subtle rotation of the squares turns this from checkerboard to houndstooth? J'adore!

Understated color; overstated tile or just right?

 

They've got sunshine...on a cloudy day...

 

This one conjured thoughts of Tin Man. It almost scared me as much as flying monkeys.

Again, basic and black and OH so beautiful!

Thanks to my friend Lisa for inspiring me to share something as simple as this.  The doors she photographed are much more diverse, likely because they weren't all located on the same street!  

If you have a favorite, shout it out in comments!

I'm curious if one is more popular than the others.

Wanna guess what mine is? 

 

Ten helpful travel tips

After you've researched your destination, the next step is planning your stay.  I'm a big subscriber to 

If you don't know where you're going,
how do you know you've arrived?

and in travel I've learned the hard way-- 

better plans make for better trips.

I'm not saying a daily, detailed itinerary with all time accounted for is necessary; rather, that you've evaluated the information gathered during your research and you have a good idea in advance how you'll spend your time.  

Five Tips for Planning Your Trip

1.  Involve your co-travelers in making decisions.

The people you're traveling with, be it children, spouse or friends, will better enjoy their time if they're actively involved in the planning.  I've been surprised to discover the things I've most wanted to see or do don't always line up with my husband and/or kids.

2.  Take advantage of Trip Advisor, Viator and Booking.com.

These sites have reliable information and ratings by other customers JUST LIKE YOU; plus, it's also possible the sites will save you money.  We've used them in choosing specific hotels, buying tickets and narrowing down what to do.  

For example, when we've located a great hotel deal on booking.com, we cross reference it with Trip Advisor reviews; what people have to say--good or bad--will impact our choice.

3.  Familiarize yourself with public transportation.

Especially in larger cities, public transit really is manageable. Reviewing subways and bus lines in advance minimizes the intimidation factor.  A quick google search will provide this information (or if you've purchased guidebooks, they're likely to have a small one).  You'll save money over taxis and time over walking.

4.  As soon as you arrive and drop off your bags, if it's available, invest in a hop-on/hop-off bus ticket.

A friend recommended this to us in Paris, and I strongly recommend you do this first thing; making the complete bus loop helps tremendously in orienting yourself to a larger city. To me, the benefits far outweigh the cost.  Often, it's very cheap to add the second day and if the stops are where you want to go anyway, it's win-win.  

5.  When possible, buy advance tickets.

Have we done this?  No.  Have I wished we done this?  Time and again. 

Buying advance tickets will save you time and money if the destination is at the top of your list (be sure to check Viator.com for discounts).  Lines are often long at top tourist sites and no one wants to waste valuable time. Also, if the place doesn't take e-verification and your hotel doesn't have printing services, you'll be glad to have tickets in hand when you arrive.

Be careful buying advance Theater ticket through "discount" agencies; often, they offer no savings at all.  When possible, buy those directly from the box office.

6.  Remember the downside of travel guides.

If Rick Steves, Fodor's, Frommer's or DK Eyewitness Travel Guides suggest it, everyone else and their brother will be doing it, too.  The tips are typically sound and good advice, but you aren't the only one taking it.  Don't be afraid to take the off-beaten path; little known secrets will be treasures from your trip.

7.  Pack your suitcase.  Then take half the stuff out.

Mercy.  Someone teach me this one!  You will NOT need most of what you want to bring; this goes for backpack contents when flying, too.  LESS is always the better choice.  

I was most impressed with my sister and brother-in-law who came for a two-week visit this summer; both of them brought only a carry on bag and backpack!  Their light load made it much easier to navigate their three-city trek through Italy after their visit with us; if only I had that gene.

8.  Always, always, always bring at least a light-weight rain jacket with you!

I'm convinced all of Europe likes to make fun of tourists by tricking us constantly with weather changes.  The forecast rarely matches the actual weather; and, I kid you not, on multiple days where sun was forecast with ZERO PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN...it rained.  Even if your morning is bright and sunny, take rain gear or be prepared to buy it.  

Mark my words...this point will be the most important travel tip you'll take away from my series.  You'll be thinking, "I can't believe I didn't take Robin's advice," when you're sloshing though that unexpected rain shower.  

 

One of my favorite pictures from Paris--my daughter was sneaky with this one!

9.  Money

Though we have a local bank account while living in Germany, we've found the easiest and CHEAPEST way to get Euros is by using our American debit card at most any local European ATM machine.  When you arrive at your destination airport, you're going to need the local currency of the place you're visiting if they don't use U.S. dollars (snacks, taxis, shuttle services, bathroom, etc.).  Before you leave home, the least expensive way of doing this is through your local bank (beware--not all branches will be able to accommodate your request), but there'll be a fee.  If you wait until you arrive in country and exchange dollars at the airport, you're going to pay a higher fee.  

We've visited France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic and have always been able to withdraw cash from their local ATMs.  

IMPORTANT:  Many restaurants and smaller hotels will take ONLY CASH; but for those times you'd prefer using a credit card, be sure to call before you leave home to have it released for International use!!

10.  Electronics and appliances

At a minimum, you're going to need adapters; if you use rollers or a flat iron, you'll likely need a transformer.  You can't count on your hotel to have either (though many will).  Remember, too, that if you're traveling with family, you'll need several adapters; otherwise, you'll have to take shifts during the night to plug in chargers :).

Make sure you bring along battery chargers for phone (did you get a temporary International plan?), camera, laptops and tablets; bring extra memory cards.  

Your turn:  Questions?  What tips am I leaving off?  Your suggestions might be fodder for an upcoming post!  

And thank you, always for sharing and Facebook likes--it lets me know you're reading (and I'm grateful).

Five (more) great things to do in Berlin

(Continued from Why I loved Berlin (and why you should add it to your Travel Bucket List) ~ Click to see more great ideas and pictures!)

6.  Jüdisches Museum
(Berlin Jewish Museum)

See the red logo at the top of the sign?  My word, if you look at an aerial view of the Jewish Museum, you'll discover the logo IS the museum!  Brilliant, zig-zag design from architect Daniel Libeskind; the museum's exterior, interior and flow from room to room are all art themselves.  Remarkable.  

Housed in two buildings, Libeskind's and the original Berlin Museum, 2,000 years of Jewish history fills 161,000 sf.  Entering through Berlin Museum's baroque wing, visitors can only access the new section through an underground passageway.

We toured for a few hours; too long for my teenage children, not near long enough for me.  

 

The Torah

 

 

Circumcision bench and tools of the trade...

 

O u c h...

Waaaaay before Hitler......

The Jüdisches Museum is huge and interesting and educational and amazing; go for a few hours or for the day, but GO if you're in Berlin.  

 

7.  The DDR Museum

Billing itself as "One of the most interesting museums in the world," I'd have to agree.  Hands-on, interactive, and accessible to young and old, the privately-funded DDR Museum provides a glimpse into the daily life of a former East German (Deutsche Demokratische Republik=DDR).  You'll open cabinets and drawers, listen to recordings, and handle vintage artifacts during your visit, truly causing you to enter the exhibit.  The DDR Museum would be a WONDERFUL learning opportunity for school-age children, but I was absolutely fascinated.  Another plus?  It's small compared to most museums.

Contents of one of the drawers that explained toys for young children

 

8.  Reichstag Building

First opened in 1894, the building suffered a fire in 1933 and fell into further disrepair post-WWII.  After Reunification, the Reichstag was renovated and re-opened in 1999 to house Germany's parliament.  A large glass dome was added that offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding Berlin cityscape, but you have to register to visit.  We didn't; here's the link so you can!  I think it's probably worth it.

 

9.  Berlin Cathedral

It was pouring rain when we arrived at Berliner Dom AND there was a service going on; so we saw it, appreciated it, and moved on quickly.  The building has seen several incarnations both in denomination and architecture, but it's impressive and beautiful and worth your time to explore.  And on a sunny day, I bet the pictures turn out better :).

Beautiful architectural detail

The rear view is as love as Berlin Cathedral's front view.

We're SMILING because the rain finally stopped!! Perfect photo op with Berliner Dom in the distance.

10.  Sony Center at Potsdamer Platz

Retail and restaurants in a modern setting, the Sony Center at Potsdamer Platz was within walking distance of our hotel.  We didn't spend a lot of time there because we were interested in a more historical tour of Berlin, but it was nice to find a spot to grab morning coffee and it gave us our last meal heading out of town at Billy Wilder's.  If we had a few more days, I'm sure we would've learned it inside out.

________________

A future Berlin post will include street scenes that didn't fit my top ten and the top places I'd like to visit if we ever have opportunity to return.  But next up, I think we'll take a look at more travel tips, and then......I'm in the mood for love.  Paris anyone??

 

 

 

Dance like no one's lookin' (and they did!)

 

Out of Germany's 16 states (or Länder), I am most thankful my husband's job brought us to the Free State of Bavaria (Freistaat Bayern).  Located in Southeast Germany, it is the largest state in the country, and (as far as I know) the most beautiful.  Think scenery from the Sound of Music and you'll understand (Austria shares its border).

Bavaria's culture is rife with tradition.  Attend any festival and you'll see - and hear and taste and smell, and maybe even touch - in an instant what I mean.  Just wait until I publish my Oktoberfest post!

Today while I'm still narrowing down what to include in my Berlin Top Ten list, I thought it'd be fun to bring you DANCE.  

Schuhplattler

In Bavaria, you never know when you're going to run into a performance.  The other night when we were enjoying dinner at a nearby monestary restaurant, we heard it before we saw it.  Following our ears, we happened upon a small band of brothers performing the Schuhplattler for a private party; they didn't mind our intrusion so we were treated to dinner and a show.  Originally a gesture of courtship, Schuhplattler involves men (typically) in a synchronized series of hip, thigh and sole slapping in rhythm to the music.

 

 

Goaßlschalzn, Goasslschnoizen or plain old' Bavarian Whipcracking

Tad's employer treated us to a monestary and brewery tour shortly after we arrived last February; I had no idea what to expect, but the entire evening exceeded expectation and introduced me to a culture I would soon learn to deeply appreciated.  I was amazed by this groups synchronicity--who knew cracking a whip could be so entertaining?

 

 

That same night, just a little fun with the Oompah Band.  How can you not love a lot of brass and some good ol' accordian...?

 

 

I've already written about the Schäffler (and how lucky I was to see it when it's performed only every seven years!), but no German "dance" post would be complete without it.

 

 

And last, but no where near least, this precious gentleman entertained us for quite a while during our local Fall festival; he was having the most fun of them all!

 

 

 

Are you beginning to see why I love this place?  

Stay tuned for more adventures :).

 

 

 

Why I loved Berlin (and why you should add it to your Travel Bucket List)

A crucial reality you have to come to come to terms with when traveling abroad is you can't do everything (I bet Rick Steves would back me up on this).  Accept this and you'll better enjoy what you do have the time and money to do.

Berlin is the perfect example; we had less than two days to squeeze in as much as possible.  Even if we had two weeks, I'm certain there would still be things left undone.  It's not easy to choose from the hundreds of pictures I've taken, but here's my attempt to share my favorite

Top Ten Things To Do in Berlin

1.  The Berlin Wall

Important, impressive and unexpectedly moving.  So much so I've already devoted an entire post to the Wall (be sure to click if you haven't, there's a good chance you'll see the Berlin Wall like you never have before!).

 

2.  Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate)

During our visit, Pariser Platz was partially blocked for the grandstands and screen set up for public viewing of the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship.

Located in Pariser Platz, the famed Brandenburger Tor is a first-visit must-see.  Designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans in the late 18th century, it was later topped with the Quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses driven by Victoria (the Roman goddess of victory).  Throughout its history, the Brandenburg Gate has been a symbol for peace, victory, political party and reunification.  

It is where in 1987 President Ronald Reagan declared "General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

And, lastly and perhaps infamously (at least to Americans), it's where David Hasselhoff sang "Looking for Freedom" in 1989.  

 

3.  Holocaust Denkmal
(Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe)

"...the design represents a radical approach to the traditional concept of a memorial..."

Located between Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz and designed by New York architect Peter Eisenman, the Holocaust Memorial is a field of 2,711 stela set on undulating ground, the same length (7' 10") and width (3' 1") but with varying height. Though very different, its lack of convention reminded me of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and when I read Eisenman's words, I better understood his vision:

"The enormity and scale of the horror of the Holocaust is such that any attempt to represent it by traditional means is inevitably inadequate ... Our memorial attempts to present a new idea of memory as distinct from nostalgia ... We can only know the past today through a manifestation in the present."

 

4.  Checkpoint Charlie

The photos of soldiers above and to the right are contemporary art; “Ohne Titel” (light boxes), Frank Thiel, 1998.  Said the artist, "...these portraits translate the omnipresent sector signs of the past – 'You are leaving the American/British/French sector; – into picture form. They are likewise a reference to the historical moment when Soviet and American tanks faced off against each other right here."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Outdoor exhibition at Checkpoint Charlie

Now, THIS is a fantastic way to teach history in school:  a larger-than-life gallery of photographs and text of important events.  I'm borrowing a photo from the Berlin.de website that shows you what I mean; I'm kicking myself for missing the opportunity to take one.

It's right beside Checkpoint Charlie, impossible to miss.  I wanted to read and memorize every word.  Many of the images chosen for the exhibition are familiar, which makes this incredibly engaging.

 

Soviet and American tanks face off against one another, October 1961.  (On display at Outdoor exhibition.)

 

__________

Yikes--this is getting long.  To make it easier for you to read (and for me to compile), I'm dividing my Top Ten Berlin list into two posts.  Be sure to subscribe in a reader or by email if you haven't; I've already begun the next list and you're going to want to see where we're headed!

Tips for traveling abroad

As I've considered the topics I'll cover in my 31 Days in Europe series, it occurred to me how a few simple tips will maximize any travel experience--whether it's domestic or international.  I'll be interspersing these posts among the more exciting destination pieces, and I hope the information will make a helpful difference in your experience.

Travel Tip #1:  Research!

Travel isn't cheap.  Often, your destination is once in a lifetime.  It just makes sense to learn as much as you can in advance to maximize your experience and fully appreciate all you're going to see.  Three suggestions:

1.  Invest in travel books.

If you're spending an extended amount of time in a new country, it's not just helpful, it's essential, to get a book on the country.  However, if you're spending time in a specific region, it's more helpful to buy one devoted to that area.  We really like the DK Eyewitness Travel books ~ 

The Germany book, left above, has been helpful in planning overnight trips, while the book on DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Munich and the Bavarian Alps--focusing on the area we're living in--has been perfect for day trips.  

Family and friends (I'm looking at you Lora, Christi, Charles and Stephanie...!) swear by Rick Steves' travel guides.  We've also been happy with Fodor's.

Travel books are more than worth the $15-20 you'll spend buying them, a small investment with a great return.

2.  Poll your friends.

Because for so many years I was scared to fly, coupled with the expense of a family of five, travel to Europe was never on my radar; consequently, I must have turned a deaf ear to any talk of it.  

I was amazed at how much insight my friends provided in how to plan for both general travel, specific destinations and Must See and Do's.   Sharing their personal experiences made a significant difference in our choices.

3.  Scour the internet.

In a world where it's so easy to reach for your computer or smart phone to research everything, there's a reason I put this as my last suggestion (but I'd wager it's the first choice for many).

You're going to miss some wonderful less-traveled roads if the internet is all you rely on.

Sure, you might find some, too, but the tips and suggestions from friends and travel guides are the things that have added the most to our travel.  What to eat, the first thing to do upon arrival to a new place, pitfalls and touristy things to skip, these are the things that have proved invaluable in our travel.

It makes sense, especially where friends are concerned:  our friends know us.  Travel books are fairly objective.  But the returns on an internet search are based largely on smart SEO which may or may not lend itself to what's best for you.  

Of course I google the spots we're going to every time, but I don't rely on that information only.

Next travel tip will focus on planning, for which research is only the beginning.

Your turn:  What about you?  What other means of research do you recommend for those traveling (especially internationally)?  

Note:  Affiliate links used in this post.

Berlin, Part 1 (spectacular Wall pictures)

Berlin is a city with a divided past.

Living as an expat in Germany has flung wide History's door and left me wishing I had paid better attention in World History.  The little I remember is disgraceful and I suppose I'm trying to make up for lost time by learning...well...everything now.  I've tapped the fire hydrant, pressed my lips to its mouth and I'm gulping 'til my eyes bulge like baseballs.

Ignorance aside, standing in the presence of spectacular architecture and art, walking in the steps of heroes and villians and everyman from centuries past, you can't help but be moved...

astonished...

humbled...

inspired...

fascinated.

Berlin eclipsed expectation.  

It's an important city whose history wasn't confined to state or even country.  The decisions made by its leaders for her people affected the world.  

My next post will share my Top Ten must-sees for Berlin tourists, but today I wanted to highlight the iconic Berlin Wall, its fall synonymous with the end of Communist reign in Germany.  To see it, touch it and meander its stories alone is worth a trip to Berlin.  Add it to your Bucket List.

Obviously, this is a picture of a picture; it's part of the display near Checkpoint Charlie. More on that in my next post, though.

 

Yes, Berlin is a city with a divided past, but thankfully her present tells a much different story.

Interesting Berlin Wall Facts:

• The Wall dividing East and West Germany (and East and West Berlin) was constructed overnight on August 13, 1961 by the German Democratic Republic (GDR).  
• The "Eastern Bloc claimed that the wall was erected to protect its population from fascist elements conspiring to prevent the 'will of the people' in building socialist state in East Germany;" in reality it was to prevent defections of East Germans to West.  Over 2.7 million people had defected prior to the Wall's construction, crippling the East German economy and undermining political gain.
• Construction of the Wall took place in different phases over the course of 19 years.  Early itinerations of barbed wire gave way to reinforced concrete. 
• Initially the Wall was 87 miles long; eventually it was extended to over 100.
• Its fall began on November 9, 1989 after Hungary opened its borders to East Germans; demolition wasn't completed until October 1990 completing reunification and establishing Germany as one country.
• Graffiti was only on the West German side.
• Accounts vary for the number of East Germans murdered trying to defect to West Germany; sources suggest over 80 and as many as 200.  Countless more were imprisoned for attempting to or helping others escape.

 

Sources:

Ten Facts

Wikipedia

ThinkQuest

 

Burgfest ~ a SPECTACULAR Bavarian Castle Festival

I've taken to calling her Mayberry, this place that has gentled her way into my heart.

There's no Andy or Barney but it's small town and slow and her people simmer friendly and open. I know when it's time to go for good, she'll hold back a sliver of my heart.  How could that not happen when you live in the place fairytales are born?    

Burghausen is home to the longest castle in the world, so it makes perfect sense to have a party that goes on for days.  And based on the crowds and revelry, I think every one of her 19,000 residents showed up or somehow took part in Burgfest 2012, a Renaissance Festival of Epic Proportion.    

 

Burgfest is sensory feast.

Festival eats and drinks, of course, but the scents, sights, sounds and tactile experience filled me to the overflow.  Imagine men, women and children celebrating their heritage fully committed with wild abandon.  In a storehouse of memory, this one dazzles me dizzy.

 

Their commitment to authenticity is remarkable, a romantic depiction of Medieval times.  Puppet shows, live entertainment, reenactments...all made me long to understand the language.  Then again, I understood enough.

 

Children of all ages had a difficult choice to make:  what festival novelties to take home.  

 

It was all I could do not to buy Renaissance clothing (or a COOL bow and arrow)--you know me and my propensity for wearing princess dresses.... If only I had known I needed cash!  (After the fact, I realized I could have gotten a deal on period dress at Amazon.  Le sigh....)

I've never considered going to a Renaissance Festival before, but if they're anything like Burghausen's Castle Festival, attendance is just a matter of time (DO tell if you've been to one yourself). 

Have you subscribed to PENSIEVE updates yet to follow this series?  Tomorrow I'll complete my recap of Burgfest with my favorite discovery of the day:  the thing squeezed my heart so tight I can still feel the hug months later....

Amazon affiliate links used.

PLEASE say you'll join me for 31 Days of Europe?!

If you're visiting for the first time from Nester's 31 Days Linky--I'm so glad you popped over!  And to all readers, now would be the perfect time to subscribe to PENSIEVE if you haven't already (and your Facebook "Likes" or Twitter tweets are like rainbow sprinkles on the icing on the cake).

I haven't been this excited about blogging (ohmyword) EVERY DAY for a long, long time. What used to be my modus operandi has long been relegated to past practice.  I'm beyond thrilled to have a good reason:

My friend, Nester, is making me.

If you've followed my blog for the past year, you're probably a little confused.  Am I living in the U.S. or Germany?  Well, I've been intentionally vague, not thrilled about letting the Scary People know my exact travel plans (which makes me especially thankful for our house sitters who give me much peace o' mind).  

I've been collecting, though...myLANta, I've been collecting. Memories. Pictures.  Experience and experiences.  Holding my three teenage children hostage for two months this summer without cell phones or having to share them with friends--THAT might be the hightlight of all this for me. 

Crazy/wonderful.

Don't believe for a second, though, that it's all good. This is not perpetual vacation; this is daily living...and it can be hard.  

But I'm too full and happy and content in t h i s moment to think on those things, and I want to share the richness and beauty of our experience.

Finally.  

I've taken thousands of pictures and shared very few (save Instagram, where I've been known to share a lot), and Nester's 31 Days kick-in-the-tail is just the motivation I've needed.

Now would be the perfect time to subscribe to PENSIEVE if you haven't already (and your Facebook "Likes" or Twitter tweets are like rainbow sprinkles on the icing on the cake).

In addition to my favorite pictures, 31 Days of Europe will include cultures and traditions, Expat and travel tips, destination recommendations and who knows what else?  I'm not exactly one to write posts in advance...and hopefully you'll even learn a thing or two :).  DO ask questions and if I know the answer, I'll feature you in an upcoming post!

I messed up thinking today was the day to begin posting, but we're only introducing our series; tomorrow I'll begin for real with my temporary home state of Bavaria and introduce you to one of our hometown annual events (and favorite things so far!).  

You don't wanna miss it--it's really something special!