A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of traveling to Europe with my friends Christy Owen and Melissa Linthicum. I met the two in London where our adventure began. Prior to seeing Melissa at the London Heathrow airport, I sat next to the British musician Craig David’s bodyguard and was introduced to him right after we arrived. I had a great time talking to Craig on our long stroll through the Heathrow airport to the luggage center. Right after finding my bags, I spotted Melissa waiting to greet me at the beginning of the arrival meeting area. Despite my jet lag and hunger, I was thrilled to see her and couldn’t wait for our adventure to begin. Here we are shortly after at the playhouse watching Billy Elliot.
*
Here are some fun pictures of us in Rome. We had a fun time ROAMING the beautiful streets of such a historical place. Here’s us at the coliseum.
When we were about ready to leave the Coliseum, Christy mentioned she wanted to get one last look on or way out. The second we all agreed and headed to get our view, she ran into some old friends from her college Azusa Pacific. It was such perfect timing seeing they were on their way out too. It was then that they invited us to the 5:00 mass at St. Peter’s church at the Vatican.
Here they are singing. It was such a coincidental treat for Christy to see her old colleges and her choir teacher…
I think the Mamertime prison was my favorite part of the trip. Just knowing that both Paul and Peter sat in this jail cell made the Bible seem more real to me.
Us at the Spanish steps after we enjoyed a wonderful pizza and calzone dinner.
Michelangelo’s beautiful Sistine Chapel.
A wonderful view of Rome from the Vatican Dome…We had to walk 323 steps up a long claustrophobic hallway to get this view...but it was worth it. The guy with us was named "Vee"-a Serbian boy who wanted to come along with us on our tour of Vatican City.
Us at the Trevy Fountain throwing a coin in with hopes of returning to Rome...
After Rome, we stayed with a very distant cousin of mine whom I never met. Luckily we found him at the airport after a half hour of searching. He (Mark), his wife and 6 month old baby were very very kind to open their humble abode to a bunch of strange American girls. Not only were they hospitable, but they were also very generous and trustworthy to lend their car and cell phone to us during the 3 days and nights we were there. Christy did a great job driving us into downtown Paris despite the one night of getting lost for 2 hours. Luckily the cars in Paris drive on the right side of the road and not the left. It was way better than taking the metro.
Here’s us at the Eiffel Tower and the beautiful rainbow that encompassed both sides of it.
After Paris, we stayed at the house of another distant cousin of mine. This time it was on my Dads side. Her name was Debbie. She cooked a delicious Indonesian dish for us which was a favorite highlight of mine!
Biking in Amsterdam was scary, but I somehow managed to only crash one time.
*
Here’s me at the Anne Frank House.
Here's My wonderful Dutch-Indonesian famiy...My cousin Debbie and her daughter Chantel and granddaughter Secress. We stayed at Debbie's house in the city of Hoorne and she was very very very hospitable. We have a lovely stay with her and so much fun!!!!!!!!
Overall, the Lord has blessed us with such an incredible European adventure that was safe and fun!!! I had such a great time!!! Thank you Lord!
Holland 2 005 Holland 2 033 Holland 2 051
