Back from the European Vacation

Last night I returned from my vacation in Europe with my stepdaughter, R.  We had a really great time, but are both exhausted!

We left just over 2 weeks ago, landing first in London.  Since this is R.'s first overseas trip, I thought the culture shock might be a little less extreme by visting London first.  We stayed with my friend, Catherine, and had a great 6 days recovering from jet lag and introducing R to her first really, big city.  I had fun showing R. around my second home for 2 years, and introducing her to big city essentials such as the tube and how close walking to highlights really is. We walked along the Albert Embankment and Thames walkway, toured the Globe Theatre, explored the Tower of London, went shopping on Oxford Street and Covent Garden, visited the British Museum and did a few of what I still think are the best bargins in London, taking a few of London Walks walking tours.....

Then we jumped over the pond to Paris for a *very* quick trip!  Spent the afternoon of day one exploring the city highlights: the Louvre courtyard (closed the day we were there), the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter, Notre Dame, dinner with my Aunt Anne, and the Eiffel Tower at night.  Day 2 we took the train to Versailles.  I'd never been and it was beautiful!  The Hall of Mirrors in the Palace was stunning!

Back on the Eurostart to London for our last night with Catherine, and then off to Rome for 6 nights.  I'd never been to Rome before, and this was where R. most wanted to come.....it did not disappoint.  Everywhere you turn are some sort of major ruin of history.

I'm still recovering from jet lag back - we flew Rome/Toronto/Ottawa, and it was a looooooong day of travel...so will write more of our adventures and post pictures soon.