Whirlwind Europe Tour

My Mom and Brother Joe came to visit for about 10 days. Mom was about to celebrate her 80th birthday, and wanted to see some sights of Europe again, and see some for the first time. We visited Paris, Rome, and Berlin, as well as spending some days in Kaiserslautern resting up between trips. It was perfect weather, and a very successful time overall.

Paris

Lorraine American Cemetery, the largest American cemetery in Europe.

First stop was visiting Monet's Garden in Giverny. It was probably the loveliest garden I have ever seen. It was even better than the Keukenhof in Holland (As beautiful as that place is) Giverny is smaller, but just had more variety. Elaine on the porch of Monet's house

Mom & Joe at the Arc de Triomphe

Kent & Elaine there too.

At the Eiffle Tower. Joe & Elaine went up to the second level

Of course, we had to visit the Louvre Museum

And drive by Notre Dam on our way out of town. We did visit inside the cathedral, but you dont get the real view from up close.

We next flew to Rome for two days

Joe meets the Romans

Kent at the Coliseum

Joe visits inside

Mom & Kent at Trevi Fountain

St. Peters Plaza, Vatican City

Then on Mom's 80th Birthday, We took a one day flight to Berlin. She wanted to see the Berlin wall, which we did. She was surprised there was so much NEW buildings. But when you consider 90% of the buildings were damaged in World War II, it is not too surprising.

Berlin

Kent & Dorothy at the Holocost Memorial

Kent at St. Peters Church

Joe at the Brandenberg Gate

Joe at Checkpoint Charlie (mock up)

Some free time around the house at Hohenecken

Mom celebrates her 80th Birthday

Joe defends Hohenecken Castle