Being an international jet setter, Zev insisted on visiting 2 continents during his winter holiday. We got home from the US on Tuesday, had a nice long sleep and woke up bright and early to catch our train to Scotland. As usual, Zevry was a champion traveler, and was generally really good on both 5 hour train rides.
As you get close to Scotland, the scenery from the train is spectacular – lots of farms and rolling hills which give way to cliffs and an amazing view of the North Sea. …

So with a day to spend in Antwerp, we tried to hit all of the big sites. We started off the day at the Grote Market which is the most colorful and lively part of this northern city.

The statue in the middle of the square is of Brabo, a legendary Roman soldier who freed the city from the giant Antigoon and then threw his severed hand into the river. Sounds like someone needs to be cut off from the fruity beer… Anyway, the statue spills right onto the cobbled square, …

After our unbelievabe waffle experience, we were feeling a bit parched and decided we really needed hot chocolate. It was a cloudy, drizzly day – perfect for warming up in a cozy room with something warm to drink. We found our way to a place called De Proverie. Joanne ordered a cappucino, and John, Michael, and I ordered hot chocolate. After a few minutes, the waitress brought me what looked like a big cup of pure, melted chocolate. I was half thrilled, and half dreading the fact that I was …

On Wednesday we went to Bruges, and I found waffle nirvana. Words cannot explain how good the waffle was. I almost don’t even want to attempt to describe it, but I will do my best. First of all, wipe out all concept of waffle from your mind…  these aren’t waffles like you get at your local breakfast place, and they are certainly not Eggos. And for those of you who have your own waffle iron… I’m sure your waffles are great and all, but…no. These doughy bits of heaven were …

Ah the mystical Stonehenge. What is it? Pagan playground? Crazy calendar? Super sundial? Or just a device for me to string together crappy alliteration so that I feel all those years of school served some actual purpose. Well either way, I can say I am here to report that it is still a mystery after the Suttons were there. Sadly due to graffiti you can’t get anywhere near the stones. That kind of sucks but you can still get close enough to realize that you have no idea how they …

Saturday morning got here WAY too early. Our flight left London at 6:15am, and since we flew on RyanAir (which only allows EU citizens to check in online) we had to be at the airport by 5am. The earliest train to the airport left the city at about 4:15am, and we were on it! We left the apartment at 3:30 or so we were tired before we started! It was actually kind of surreal to be walking in dark and quiet in a city that is always so busy. We …

(tip of the cap to Melanie)

Jen and I and the Pope. That’s right. We took on the country of 900 people and so much artwork that they put it on the ceiling…

First, I’d like to say that the Sistine Chapel was all that it was cracked up to be. Anybody who would paint standing up, looking up 18 hours a day for 4 years gets major props, but then to see it was pretty spectacular. There were no pictures allowed in the Chapel (although it didn’t stop some ding dongs) …

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Just another reason to love Jennifer.

When we were in Barcelona we went to Guell Parc. Outside the park there was a Gaudi inspired turtle person taking pictures with people. When it was my turn, I walked up and the turtle person put a bike helmet on my head and held out her hand. I thought she wanted to shake my hand until she said, “The coin please?!?”  At this point I had to stop everything and rummage to find a coin for her… I swear I was really going to give her  acoin when the …

I realize that it is a little sad that i am just finishing up my Barcelona posts 7 days before we leave for Italy, but some of us are super busy (aka watching 6 Feet Under episodes after work when I should be blogging).
Tuesday we met up with John and Joanne again and decided to take another crack at the Picasso museum.

John learns the museum is open!

It was pretty fantastic; everything divided up into phases and periods of his life. I personally was also quite glad to be in out …