 |
| We had a marvelous European trip Fall 2022. Since returning from our mission in 2018....we have managed a trip to Europe in 2019, 2021 and 2022. We missed 2020 because of Covid, and the 2021 trip was cut short when we needed to return to the US b/c of Mom's death. But for 2022 we had 7 glorious weeks together in places that both Tom and I love. And we love being together, so it was perfect. We flew in and out of Paris, a city that dazzles and never disappoints. |
 |
| We went from Paris to the French Riviera for a week. We shared Debbie Evenhands apartment with Ric and Charlotte Walton. What a blast we had. Fun to explore, eat chocolate mousse, gaze at the views over the water and Menton from the deck, take the bus all along the coast, walk on the cape, and a favorite day was renting a boat together (picture below). We were lucky because we had another week to stay here after visiting Brussels and Rome. |
 |
| Brussels. Home sweet home. So many memories. Fun to visit with friends, connect with members of the church, go to dinner with the Casares family, and of course hang out in Leuven. Tom sitting in these chairs where so many family photos have been taken over the years. |
 |
| Just an awesome shot of Tom as we strolled the streets of Leuven |
 |
| We literally visit Domus every. single. trip to Europe. It's a must. The spaghetti bolognese or the Uitjsmeiter? Both. Duh! |
 |
| Then off to Rome for 3 weeks. Lovely, beautiful, enchanting Rome. So fun to stay in our old missionary apartment, and Francesco Conti and his wife Paula had us over for dinner on our last night. This photo is from Bistro Vivi where just the thought of this ravioli makes me salivate! Every day we made a plan of what/where to visit. Seriously Rome keeps you busy, we never ran out of ideas. We did go to the Rome Temple with Luigi/Louiza De Mateis and Hanim Shakir (twice!) |
 |
| We also took the train to Florence for the day. It's also a great city. Saw the Piti palace for the first time in all its splendor and pomp. |
 |
| Cobblestone streets 100's of years old. We were strictly on public transportation, but an easy task to accomplish in Europe. Seven weeks and never rented a car. Amazing. The history in Rome boggles the mind. Cool to think about all the people that have passed this very spot on the Appia Antica. |
 |
| Tom said this was his favorite day. A boat all day on the French Riviera with friends. I also liked renting bikes in Rome. Both Tom and I feel so ALIVE when we are in Europe. Not just living, but full out stimulated and awed each day we were there. Our goal is to go each year. I hope we can keep it up, at least a few more years while we have our health! |
