July 15, 2016 Just a quick breakfast and bye-bye beautiful Santander.   The kids wanted to ride the waves one last time, so on our way to Oviedo we made a stop at the adorable little beach La Franca – too windy. Ten minutes of a Burning Man worthy sandstorm and we were out! Just twenty minutes more down the A-8 we tried again in Ribadesella – a little better, but still windy. Instead of the beach, we had lunch in townRead more

Biarritz, the ritzy coastal city with a beachy surf vibe, just north of the Spanish border was our final stop in France. The two-hour visit included a ride on the carousel, a mediocre overpriced lunch, a walk along the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Biscay, some people watching (there were just a few enjoying the sun) and the purchase of some board shorts at the surf shop. Adieu France! Another fifteen minutes down the highway and we finally crossed into Spain. So happy toRead more

We rented what has to be the largest car in Europe…a minivan. What else would work for three kids, five bags and any goods we pick up along the way? The European road trip hath begun! We passed the Gucci and Prada outlets on the way out of Italy. Alas…no time. Onward to the beach. Our plan was to try something new in France and experience beach “camping” in a sort of modern mobile home resort. Apparently, these type of “camping” areas can be found all overRead more

Ian’s 12th birthday started off with a two-hour drive to Quarrata for three days of rest. Rome was hectic. We needed a time out…or a Tuscan agriturismo. Aaaaaaaah. Room to roam. And finally, a pool. This place was fantastic. The first night, we had an amazing meal at a lovely table on the patio. We awkwardly watched Germany vs. Italy with the owners of the agriturismo. Good thing they barely understood what we were saying as we quietly cheered forRead more

Rome is huge. Since we’ve been to Rome twice before, Sean and I made our mind up early that we would play it by ear and go with what the kids wanted, and could handle. Three nights and two full days is not much time to conquer this enormous city of spectacle….but we shall try. DAY 1 Morning walk and a 6 person electric bike ride through the Villa Borghese (park). Epic kids tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The sideRead more

Travel day! It started off with a bang when we jumped on the wrong train to the airport. Yikes, that was fun with 3 kids and 5 bags. Figured it out quickly, got off and back on the train heading the other direction. Scratched the train…cab was easier in this case and now we were out of time. Rome awaits! Flying over Switzerland was the highlight of our journey from Düsseldorf to Rome. Fiona spotted the snow-capped peaks poking outRead more

Finally, a train ride…and a very busy day in Cologne to follow. We exited the Cologne main station to a view of this! The spectacular Cathedral…simply unreal. From there we embarked on a lovely day in Colongne planned by our cousin who lives there, Felicitas. Our adventure began with everything you ever wanted to know about chocolate…The Chocolate Museum. We toured through the history of chocolate, all the way from the Aztec chocolate makers to the production of today’s LindtRead more

Today we met Karl at the Rhine Tower (Düsseldorf’s TV Tower). It is the largest digital clock in the world. The 360 view of Düsseldorf was spectacular.  We actually sat in a rotating restaurant upstairs and had lunch…made a full 360 exactly. At lunch, Karl gave us all some special gifts. The kids received €2 coins (so fun to discover foreign currency!). For me, a brand new €25 silver coin that is not actually in circulation. They are aimed at collectorsRead more