May – Jun 2023

European Adventures

Feel free to follow along as I spend two weeks in Europe. Read more

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Day 5
Monday, May 29, 2023 at 11:11 PM
🌙 17 °C
Altitude: 276 ft
France Paris 14 Observatoire 48.834481, 2.32364448°50’4” N 2°19’25” E
2 2
Pt. 2 of Paris
May 29, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌙 17 °C
This is a summary from part 2 of Paris but I'll make separate posts about our hotel, dinner, crêpes, and The Louvre!

-Our first crêpes together.
-The Obelisque (the tall pointy tower) with the Arc de Triomphe in the distance.
-A statue in the Tuileries Garden that had a pigeon perched atop it's head. 🤣
-Me arriving at the Louvre.
-Me at the Eiffel Tower (we decided not to go up because we both could barely walk anymore and I heard on good authority that it is extremely overrated). Instead, we sat in shade near it and reviewed our fake identities and stories we will use when someone tries to con us again.
-We had a lovely dinner at Cocotte. Funny commentary to follow ...
-Video of some street dancers.
-This was the first moving mannequin I've ever seen (and then we saw multiple!).Read more
Traveler this is cool
5/30/23Reply
TravelerThank you!
5/30/23Reply
Traveler that is crazy
5/30/23Reply
TravelerI thought it was pretty cool!
5/30/23Reply
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Day 6
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 8:08 AM
☀️ 12 °C
Altitude: 276 ft
France Paris 14 Observatoire 48.834496, 2.32365248°50’4” N 2°19’25” E
Good Morning from Paris
May 30, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
Good morning from Paris!

The A/C is broken in our hotel room so we had to leave windows open. Did I mention that window screens are not as popular in Europe? Don't worry... We are on the 5th floor. Let's just say, sleep wasn't the best because we were melting. 🥲

Thankfully, we are headed to the breakfast buffet. ❤️🥐Read more
Travelerhello from Missouri
5/30/23Reply
TravelerHiiii!!
5/30/23ReplyTranslate
TravelerWhat about the bugs?
5/30/23Reply
TravelerI asked that SAME question. Apparently the bugs aren't as bad over here when in the city? Not sure. It also doesn't get as hot here either.
5/31/23Reply
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Day 6
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 10:30 AM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 253 ft
France Catacombs of Paris 48.833748, 2.33229648°50’1” N 2°19’56” E
Les Catacombes de Paris
May 30, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
The Catacombs were one of the most beautiful, morbid, haunting, and powerful things I've ever seen. Lucie helped translate many of the writings but some were also in Latin so those will be googled later (I have probably 40 more pictures).

Regardless of the time that has past, I felt it distasteful and disrespectful to pose with the remains, as these were humans who lived, breathed, and loved. As the audio-guided tour explained to us, the conditions in which these people came to become part of the Catacombs was more out of necessity than many realize.

And to the people who have desecrated some of the bodies with vandalism: 🖕🖕🖕

p.s. Around 6 million people are buried in the Catacombs.Read more
TravelerNot sure I can like this one.
5/30/23Reply
TravelerWow that is wild
5/31/23Reply
TravelerIt may be one of the most interesting things I've ever done.
5/31/23Reply
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Day 6
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 12:49 PM
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 128 ft
France Issy-les-Moulineaux 48.828507, 2.26273448°49’43” N 2°15’46” E
2 2
Pt. 3 of Paris
May 30, 2023 in France ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Part 3 Paris photos!

-The stairwell in our hotel
-Our breakfast buffet (and fresh squeezed apple juice... I had 3 glasses.)
-I found out that there was a train gate named after the Queer icon, Josephine Baker, just down the street so we visited (yes... I had to buy tickets just for this picture lol).
-We went to the Catacombs and it was way more intense than I was expecting. Pictures to follow....
-The RER we are on has cherubs on the roof.
-Enjoy this video of the way the hallways are laid out in the hotel we stayed at and how the lights are at each door for you to turn on the lights in the hallways.
-I have determined that everyone in Europe can either juggle, play the accordion, or both. I have yet to see someone do it simultaneously though. This was fantastic entertainment.Read more
TravelerSounds like I need to move to Paris to find an instructor for my accordion. Very cool experience. Those hallways are something.
5/30/23Reply
TravelerUh... Moving to Paris... I wouldn't recommend. I think you'd actually have a terrible time with that. 😅
5/30/23Reply
Traveler So, you finally found an Accordion teacher for your madre?? Lol
5/30/23Reply
TravelerShe seems to think so lol
5/30/23Reply
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Day 6
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 2:00 PM
☁️ 21 °C
Altitude: 463 ft
France Palace of Versailles 48.80443, 2.12028548°48’16” N 2°7’13” E
The Palace & Garden of Versailles
May 30, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
I took SO many pictures.... The Palace was gorgeous (crowded, but gorgeous). The painted ceilings were captivating and mesmerizing. I can't say enough how pretty they were. Those statues.... I could care less about though. 😅 The garden was okay! Our feet hurt too much to get very far beyond the main entrance. 😭Read more
TravelerBeautiful! Can you imagine how those artist painted that ceiling.
5/30/23Reply
TravelerI thought the same thing. I said that to Lucie and she goes "Well, it's not like they have anything else to do. What do you think they should've done? Watch Netflix?" 😂😂😂
5/31/23Reply
TravelerLol
5/31/23Reply
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Day 6
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 5:00 PM
☁️ 22 °C
Altitude: 236 ft
France Magenta Railway Station 48.879608, 2.35740548°52’47” N 2°21’27” E
La Ville D'Aulnay for Dinner
May 30, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Dinner was delish! 😍
TravelerThe food looks delicious. I love French food.
5/30/23Reply
TravelerI didn't eat french food at all (other than crêpes and croissants lol)
5/31/23Reply
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Day 6
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 8:41 PM
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 308 ft
France Ressons-sur-Matz 49.525132, 2.71893349°31’30” N 2°43’8” E
Pt. 4 of Paris
May 30, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Final photo collage of our Paris adventures! I'll be posting individual posts for some of the specifics highlights. :)

-Visited the Palace of Versailles (these follow up pictures are going to be mind-blowing).
-Sneak peek of the Garden of Versailles
-We may or may not have eaten Italian... For the third time... While there. 😅
-These are our faces when we finally board our train!
-These are our faces when we finally leave the train station 50 minutes late.

See you tonight, Belgium! Tomorrow: Luxembourg, with a stop in Germany and France!Read more
TravelerWhy are you eating Italian food while in France? Your Mother is confused.
5/30/23Reply
TravelerIt was completely unintentional but the French food didn't seem as easy to come by (nor did it seem as good). I guess I just really, really like Italian food.
5/31/23Reply
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Day 7
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 11:51 AM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 463 ft
Belgium Brussels South Charleroi Airport 50.442124, 4.45188150°26’32” N 4°27’7” E
Change of Plans...
May 31, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
There's been a change of plans! Today is a "rest and recovery" day.

We will do our plans tomorrow instead and then I'll go to Amsterdam solo on Monday for a day trip.

Here's a picture of the delicious breakfast Charlotte made!! P.s. it was my favorite crêpe yet!Read more
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Day 7
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 5:08 PM
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 335 ft
Belgium Faculté Universitaire Catholiques De Mons / Site Charleroi 50.407918, 4.44157550°24’29” N 4°26’30” E
What you've waited for... French food.
May 31, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
We went out and about in Charleroi and went to this bistro attached to the mall, called Char Le Roy, for a light lunch. Yes, it took us going to France and returning to Belgium to finally eat French food that wasn't a stereotypical crêpe and croissant.

I introduce to you... Croque monsieur and croque madame. It was tasty! But... In the US we call them "hot ham and cheese" 😅. There is the addition of the egg for the croque madame though, which isn't something I've had before! The Belgian beer is Charlotte's favorite fruity beer.Read more
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Day 7
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 11:40 PM
🌙 17 °C
Altitude: 463 ft
Belgium Brussels South Charleroi Airport 50.442101, 4.45193650°26’32” N 4°27’7” E
Good night!
May 31, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ 🌙 17 °C
Good night, sleep tight! It was a good day.

We went shopping, had tasty food, and did a puzzle. There was also a CATastrophe. Here's a fun challenge... Who can tell me what is happening in the first video?Read more
Travelerwell a creature I think it is a dog has something he is draggin and made a heck of a jump from the stairs to your table . Dang
6/1/23Reply
TravelerVery close!! It was a cat stuck in a paper bag, freaking out (running up and down the stairs and all over the upstairs room). The 3 legged cat got spooked and lept onto the table we were actively eating Chinese food and doing puzzles on. It was a blood bath. But instead of blood, it was sweet and sour sauce. 😂 The dog did a bad job of keeping her siblings out of trouble. Haha
6/1/23Reply
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Day 8
Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 10:13 AM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 528 ft
Belgium Fleurus 50.474619, 4.55922650°28’29” N 4°33’33” E
Luxembourg... Take 2!
June 1, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
We are on our way to Luxembourg. During this trek, we will be touching ground in Germany, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

Some highlights to expect...
-Pictures in all 4 countries in honor of Uncle Paul.
-Lunch in Luxembourg.
-Visiting my great great uncle, James (Jim) H. Goehl, in the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial where he was buried after dying in Europe during WWII. As far as my grandma and I know, I may be the first relative to visit his final resting site. It is an honor to visit and pay tribute to him.

*Side note: I have been feeling a bit under the weather so I took a COVID test just in case and it's negative. We think it's partially the "traveler's flu" and the pollen season. I've never really reacted to allergens all that badly in the states but Europe is next level. I had some warm water with lemon and honey and took some medication to soothe my throat. I shall power through! Too many non-refundable adventures await. 😅Read more
TravelerGet well. Those hotel windows and allergens might not have gone well together. Drink lots of water. Love you!
6/1/23Reply
TravelerYou got it! Love you too.
6/1/23Reply
Travelersorry to hear that you are having allergy like problems
6/1/23Reply
TravelerBetter to be allergies than the alternative though!!! I'll make it through. :)
6/1/23Reply
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Day 8
Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 11:47 AM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 974 ft
Luxembourg Strassen 49.61175, 6.0820949°36’42” N 6°4’56” E
Made it to Luxembourg!
June 1, 2023 in Luxembourg ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
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Day 8
Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 1:10 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 797 ft
France Cité Émile Huchet 49.121895, 6.7164549°7’19” N 6°42’59” E
James (Jim) H. Goehl
June 1, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
James (Jim) H. Goehl: My great great uncle and a WWII soldier killed in action on January 3rd, 1945 at the age of 25.

He is buried next to the grave of an unknown soldier in a beautiful spot of the cemetery.

In the guest book, I left the message: "This visit is in honor of my great grandfather who never had the chance to say goodbye. ❤️"Read more
TravelerThat makes me tear up !! So happy you could do this . Love You
6/1/23Reply
TravelerLove you too, grandma!
6/1/23Reply
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Day 8
Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 2:28 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 505 ft
Germany Krekel-Berg 49.485177, 6.37525649°29’7” N 6°22’31” E
Remembering Uncle Paul
June 1, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Today I wore a shirt that says "F.R.I.E.N.D.S don't let friends fight cancer alone" on the front and then Uncle Paul's name on the back.

I hope he would proud of me for maximizing the number of countries I went to today for him. I think he would be proud of my "thinking smarter, not harder". I wouldn't be able to take this trip without my Uncle Paul so this trip is dedicated to him!!!

*Pics from Luxembourg, Germany, and France and the pic I posted earlier was in Belgium!Read more
TravelerAmazing on the day you brought him "along for the journey" you made it thru 4 countries. That counts for at least 4 laps (if not more LOL). He'd be stoked over the "compartmentalizing" to get "maximum value". Thank you for sharing part of your journey with him ❤️❤️
6/1/23Reply
TravelerThat's what I was thinking too!!! It was great to have him with me for the ride. :)
6/2/23Reply
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Day 8
Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 3:30 PM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 1,040 ft
Luxembourg Luxembourg 49.611247, 6.12954249°36’40” N 6°7’46” E
Late lunch at La Boucherie
June 1, 2023 in Luxembourg ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Even though I got the wrong order, it was still delicious.
Travelerthose are interesting boards of food
6/1/23Reply
TravelerYep! It was a variety platter of meats and small things to snack on. :)
6/1/23Reply
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Day 8
Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 5:34 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 889 ft
Luxembourg Merl 49.603506, 6.08058349°36’13” N 6°4’50” E
Luxembourg photos!
June 1, 2023 in Luxembourg ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
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Day 8
Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 10:41 PM
🌙 15 °C
Altitude: 463 ft
Belgium Brussels South Charleroi Airport 50.442125, 4.45189950°26’32” N 4°27’7” E
3
Dinner and bedtime!
June 1, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ 🌙 15 °C
Yet another delicious dinner made by the talented Charlotte. Time for bed! Tomorrow we will be exploring Brussels but taking it pretty easy before our weekend in Vienna, Austria!

P.s. check out this cool souvenir I got from Luxembourg!Read more
Traveler that is really cool looking
6/2/23Reply
Travelerlove your jar !! Oh Austria is suppose to be beautiful.
6/2/23Reply
TravelerMe too! It's going to be the perfect flask lol. Adam told me Vienna is supposed to be one of the most beautiful places in the world so I look forward to it tomorrow!
6/2/23Reply
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Day 9
Friday, June 2, 2023 at 5:43 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 463 ft
Belgium Brussels South Charleroi Airport 50.442119, 4.45187750°26’32” N 4°27’7” E
R&R&L
June 2, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Today has been full of relaxation, RuPaul, and laundry. I think Charlotte is officially a fan of Drag Race!

P.s. we ended up skipping Brussels lol.
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Day 10
Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 6:39 AM
☀️ 10 °C
Altitude: 561 ft
Belgium airport Brussels-Charleroi 50.468896, 4.46975950°28’8” N 4°28’11” E
Heading to Vienna on 2 hrs of sleep
June 3, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C
Two hours of sleep (but worth it!) and headed to Vienna for the weekend.
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Day 10
Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 9:27 AM
☀️ 15 °C
Altitude: 574 ft
Austria Vienna International Airport 48.117114, 16.56039548°7’2” N 16°33’37” E
Landed in Austria!
June 3, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
TravelerPs. I touched up my face legitimately like 3 times and I look hilarious so I added it
6/3/23Reply
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Day 10
Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11:35 AM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 568 ft
Austria Stadtpark 48.205511, 16.38016548°12’20” N 16°22’49” E
Ducks, Ravens, and Pigeons: Oh My!
June 3, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Chilling in Stadtpark.
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Day 10
Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 12:00 PM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 617 ft
Austria Bahnhof Wien-Mitte 48.20603, 16.38451348°12’22” N 16°23’4” E
Day Lounge for Lunch
June 3, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
When I tell you this was the best damn goulash (gulaschsuppe) I've ever had, I'm not joking. It was so, so good. 😭 It has been my favorite food so far! I also didn't realize it was Hungarian. Lucie and Charlotte said we can go back tomorrow for my "goodbye goulash". 🫶😂Read more
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Day 10
Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 2:30 PM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 699 ft
Austria Stephansplatz 48.208358, 16.37250448°12’30” N 16°22’21” E
Vienna loves love.
June 3, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Vienna immediately shows love to the LGBTQ+ community and we noticed it as soon as we got here. Tomorrow we are going to the Pride Block Party. How cool is that?! PRIDE IN VIENNA!!!
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Day 10
Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 4:43 PM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 659 ft
Austria Gumpendorf 48.189863, 16.33465148°11’24” N 16°20’5” E
Our place for the weekend.
June 3, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
Thank you, Google translate, for helping me communicate with a helpful man in Russian for assistance! Glad we found the place and it looks even better than in the pictures. :)

The last few are images from our trek from the train to the bus stop to the building.Read more
Travelerthey like a lot of fuzzy stuff on all the furniture
6/3/23Reply
TravelerIt's a big trend right now! I kind of like it. :)
6/3/23Reply
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Day 10
Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 6:54 PM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 715 ft
Austria Gumpendorf 48.19366, 16.33356548°11’37” N 16°20’1” E
I schnitzel you not...
June 3, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
I schnitzel you not... I couldn't resist getting gulaschsuppe again. But I paired it with a refreshing strawberry cider from the Netherlands, followed by a perfectly cooked wiener schnitzel & fresh potato salad. It was incredible. 😍 Unfortunately, we didn't have room for dessert like we planned. 😅

Brauhof Wien Fünf Haus: 10/10.

https://www.brauhof-wien.at/biergartenRead more
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