Germany

From the Netherlands, we traveled about 3 hours along mountainous roads to Heidelberg, Germany. Most can agree to describe our short stay in Germany as a sweltering hot castle-hopping experience. For a city that is generally mild in the summers, our tour landed us on a few of the hottest days of the year in Heidelberg. And during our time in this beautiful country, we explored a few of Germany's most famous castles. 

The quaint city of Heidelberg prides itself in its traditional, non-industrialized aesthetic charm. Years ago, the town square banned the coca-cola umbrellas that patio cafes sported to more natural looking umbrellas of earthy shades. It's a small, but profound difference that preserves the authenticity of German city life, the independence of family business, and the beauty of the town. Heidelberg also prides itself in not only being a popular tourist spot, but a intellectual center of research in many fields of science.

A few hours drive from Heidelberg is the site of the Neuschwanstein Castle, supposedly the castle that inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle. A nineteenth-century Romanesque Revival palace, this castle minimalist exterior housed an equally appealing ornate, lavish interior. 

This view from the highest tower of the Neuschwanstein is a magnificent one. From here, you can see Hohenschwangau Castle in the distance.

Netherlands

Leaving Brussels, Belgium in the dust, the next destination was the Dutch-speaking Netherlands (Holland)! We were lucky enough to be able to visit a few of the major cities-- starting off with the Hague. An hour bus tour afforded us only a glimpse of the beauty and importance of this city. 

The Hague

Simple Cafe Decor (Hague)

Next stop in the Netherlands was the capital city of Amsterdam. What struck me was the modern vibe of the city-- as proven by the endless rows of contemporary restaurants and shops. Perhaps the greatest highlight of our afternoon in Amsterdam was the tour we took of the Anne Frank Museum-- a museum in the exact location where the Franks were sheltered during World War II.

Fair and Fair (Amsterdam)

Jewish Gold Star (Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdam)

The last city we visited during our stay was the small fishing village of Volendam. It was a much-needed change of scenery from all the large buildings and busy city-life to a quiet village spotted with beautiful boats on the still waters surrounding the main road. 

Belgium

Beginning the Europe trip with France, a major iconic European country, left us with little expectation for our next destination, Belgium. Who's ever heard much of this country past it's chocolate and waffles anyways? However, after a short 3 hour drive from Paris, we were surprised to find ourselves in Brüges, a beautiful quaint town that seemed to be pulled right out of a fairy tale story. 

This town was a treat after the hustle and bustle of Paris. Small pedestrian-only streets lined on both sides with both traditional and modern shops alike, made Brüges the laid-back shopper's dream. For those who preferred a long walk, the canal flowing right through the heart of the city was a beautiful backdrop to an afternoon stroll. We were sad to leave after spending only an afternoon here.

It was hard to believe that this tiny country could hold any more surprises, but the bustling capital, Brussels, proved us wrong once again. The poised city was not only a seamless blend between modern and traditional as most European cities are, but also a learned one, with its multiple Spanish and Dutch roots weaving together to form the Euronation capital. Undoubtedly the most "human" of all the tourist cities in Europe, Brussels remained to us as a strong reminder  that Belgium will always be remembered as the mixture of the impossible; a reality taking place in a children's book. 

Midnights in Paris

At the height of 2013's summer, two of the Coffeestrokers were whisked away on a two-week long adventure across 6 European countries with their high school marching band. This is the first post in a series we will call "European Travels" where we will share with you a few glimpses of the beauty of Europe. We hope you enjoy living through our camera lenses, just as much as we enjoy reminiscing all the amazing memories this trip brings back to us.

La Defense

Our introduction to Europe begins nowhere else than in the magnificent city of Paris, France. Just one step out of the airport, and you know you are the city of fashion, architecture, and most importantly, baguettes. The heart of Paris is riddled with numerous pastry shops, or "patisseries" that draw in customers, dazing at the rows upon rows of perfect macaroons in every pretty pastel shade possible.

Morning Pastries and Goodies

Snacks in Versailles

Patisserie

Everybody knows that France houses not only some of the best pastries in the entire globe but also the iconic Eiffel Tower. This "modern" landmark in the midst of ancient Paris was not always welcome with open arms, but now it's an accepted fact- there is no France without the Eiffel. What we didn't know, however, was the hourly burst of colors and flashing lights from the tower, entertaining us from all the way from 8pm to the early hours of 3am.

Perspective is key.

Along with Paris itself, we explored many other French commodities such as the Louvre and the Arche de Triomphe. It was so fascinating to experience a city rich and seething with history at every corner; there was a visible, stark, difference from the United States that can't even be described, but whatever it was, it would be forever engrained in our hearts. 

Versailles Palace

Versailles Palace

Arche de Triomphe

"A Toutes Les Gloires De La France"

Luxembourg Garden

France, this isn't the last time you'll see us.