e and D&D 4e in Europe!

I had a great trip, but it’s good to be home.  Even if it’s only going to be home for 3 more weeks.  Eek!

Here are some photos I’d like to share from my trip.   One of them even has me in it.  Ok, maybe just parts of me.  Good parts?  Who knows…

We were totally lucky and were in London to see the Trooping the Colour! (Yes, “English” spelling!)  For those who don’t want to click the link to the Wiki page, basically it’s a big parade with the royal family to honor the Queen’s birthday (she has two birthdays, lucky!).  There’s even a MOUNTED MARCHING BAND.  The band geeks among us were drooling with envy and plotting ways to get their schools a stable-full of marching horses.

London is full of buskers, including one crazy guy with googly eyeglasses who sang and played guitar and then would spout vulgarities at you if you looked at him for too long.  There was a cool one down by the water who made sand sculptures.   I liked this one a lot.

I didn’t carry my camera around much in Paris.   But seriously, everyone’s seen pics of the Eiffel Tower, you don’t need to see more!

Switzerland is my favorite country of the trip.  Maybe because it’s right after the hectic 3 days in the traffic of downtown Paris, but Switzerland seems like Heaven to me.   Our first stop was to the picturesque castle of Chillon.

Then it was off to Zermatt, where we got a great view of the Matterhorn.   I made it into an even better view for my geeky readers.

Next it was off to Seefeld, Austria, where I had the cutest little hotel room.  I am standing as far back into the corner as possible to take this picture.

While camped out in Seefeld, we took a day trip to Venice, Italy.   Here are some views from the famous Rialto Bridge:

…and…

It was a really, really hot day in Venice.  I had a tasty Ritter bar with me that I had eaten half of while we were in Seefeld.  (Note presence of e’s thumb, complete with dirty fingernail. Ew.)

…but by the time we left Venice… it was no more.

Oh well.  It was good while it lasted.   Finally, I leave you with the view from my seat on the coach.

I had a blast in Europe.  My students had a great time and met lots of new friends.  I managed not to buy too much (with a move coming up, had to be frugal!).  My light packing was a GREAT advantage as I never had to worry about checking luggage under plane or coach for the entire trip.

The best investment for the trip?  My Camelbak.  Being able to fill up with water in the hotel in the morning and not have to purchase drinks all day was a blessing both in saving time and money.   For those traveling ANYWHERE, I recommend it heartily.  (In Europe, sometimes you pay upwards of 4 USD for a tiny drink, with no refills!  My students were shocked.  I simply smiled and sipped on my water.) You look a bit goofy sipping water through a hose attached to your back, but you’ll laugh all the way to the bank.

Oh, and if anybody knows if Heaven is anything like Switzerland, I’ll convert to whatever religion I need to be to go there.

I’ve missed you guys!  It’s good to be back!