European Summer

In the process of packing for our trip to California, it dawned on me that I hadn't posted about any of our summer trips! It's been a busy few months filled with visitors and adventures. We can't believe we are heading to the States yet again-- this time for my brother's wedding. It's sure to be an awesome time, but I want to update you on our awesome summer time first! Here's a photo compilation of our very busy (but amazing) European summer:

C toasting our trip to Lithuania (gorgeous country)

One of several amazing cathedrals in Vilnius, Lithuania

Hill of Three Crosses; seven Franciscan monks were allegedly crucified here.

 

Our first rijsttafel (Indonesian variety of meats and veggies) in Den Haag

The International Court of Justice, Den Haag

We ended our weekend in Den Haag at the beach-- it was perfect!

Palacio Cibeles, Madrid

Our birthday paella at La Barraca, voted best paella in all of Madrid!

Edificio Metropolis, Madrid

C took us on an amazing trip through Portugal; this was our first port tasting in Porto.

Sunset view from our dinner table in Porto

Hanging on a boat tour in Porto

Crazy mosaic streets in Lisbon

Walking down Rua Augusta in Lisbon-- so colorful!

Next stop: Lagos, Portugal. This was 10 yards from our hotel.

We later went kayaking through the rock formations in the distance-- so fun and beautiful!

Final stop in Portugal: Faro

We posted up on a semi-deserted island. It was heavenly!

Kelsey and Phil came to visit!

My parents came to visit!
My dad, Uncle Carlos, and C at one of our favorite bars in Brussels

 My mom and Aunt Lori

 We took them to Paris...

...to Normandy (boys & their toys)

C and I on Omaha Beach, Normandy

 We took them to Germany (here's Cochem castle)....

Dad and my "other brother", Keith.

C and I in Ghent

My new friend Stevi; I met her and her husband (Luke) in the airport. Yay for American friends in The B!

 

 

Oktoberfest in Munich

 

Inside the Ochsenbraterei tent; they roast an entire ox ALL day for us drunkards to feast on.
 

Entering Dachau concentration camp, just outside of Munich.

Arbeit Macht Frei: work makes you free.

 

While C worked in Pinto, Spain, I went and explored the path of Don Quixote.

This little peanut came with me (and threw rocks the whole time).

We sat front row at a Real Madrid game in Valencia, Spain!

We biked through Valencia with our friend, Dave.

Standing under the bell atop the cathedral in Valencia.

Got to see my former London roommate, Eric, and his girlfriend in London.

 Amazing day on Mermaid Quay in Cardiff, Wales

 

The Millennium Center in Cardiff: "In these stones, horizons sing".

Lastly, WE GOT ENGAGED! It was a perfect proposal in our favorite part of France-- couldn't be happier!


Ciao!
B + C