Return of the Redeye

I've returned from Europe a wiser, heavier (seriously, who could eat that much pasta and gelato and not gain a little weight?), sleepier (still getting up at 3 AM wide awake ...), and creatively charged individual.

From the glitz of Paris to the rolling hills of Tuscany, I've seen, heard, and experienced so many beautiful things over the last couple of weeks.  I could probably fill this blog for a year with accounts of doing/seeing things that I'd previously only been able to dream or read about.  I won't do that, but here are a few highlights.

I heard the water lapping at the sides of a gondola in Venice ...



























 I studied timeless works of art at the Louvre ...




















I had dinner in front of the Eiffel Tower as it sparkled ...










View from the top






















I walked amongst the early marvels of modern civilization in Rome ...
























I spent time in perhaps the most resplendent manifestation of faith to ever be constructed, St. Peter's Basilica ...


































I heard the church bells of Notre Dame ...


   
























I drank wine in a 1,000 year old castle/vineyard ...























I strolled the gardens at Versailles ...




























I stood in the shadow of Michelangelo's David ... 

Sadly, they didn't allow photos in the museum.   :(   Incidentally, a guy collapsed right in front of me while I was admiring the statue.  My wife had to do her doctor thing, but that's a story for another time ...

There is just so much to share.  The above are a few of the hundreds of photos I took on our trip (excluding David in cutoffs ...).  I'll post more in the next few weeks.  I was so inspired by all of the art and ancient beauty that I wanted to share a little of that with all of you creative folks.

Speaking of which, I'd like to say one BIG thank you for all of the comments on my automated posts while I was away.  I'm just now starting to catch up on all of your blog posts, and I have to say that you've all been very busy.  I'm reading some great stuff!

Truly hope you've all been well.

-EJW-

10 comments:

  1. C'est magnifique! I'm so happy for you... that you got to experience those most amazing, artistic, culturally astounding experiences. Everyone must do it. They enrich your lives beyond your imagination.

    And just think how much richer your writing will be now. Fabulous!

    BTW I have pics of David and the Mona Lisa... and a few sneaks of The Sistine Chapel... ;)

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  2. Glad to hear you had such a great time. Thanks for sharing your pics with us. (I really like the David in Blue Jeans!)

    Welcome home!

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  3. Your David in blue jeans ... reminded me of a friend who demanded of the Vatican guards: "Remove the fig leaves!"

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  4. @ PK: I'm such a rule follower! They were being very touchy about the photos ...

    @ Mary: Thanks! As much fun as I had, I'm glad to be back.

    @ Kay: I'm sure the guards didn't smile at him. They're not the most jovial of folks. :)

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  5. Wow, I'm just a tad bit jealous of your European escapades. :)

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  6. Those are amazing photos and can't wait to see more. I am so happy that you enjoyed yourself while you were away and hope that you and your family got a much needed vacation. We did miss you while you were gone, but taking care of you is much, much more important.

    Breathtaking, just breathtaking. Someday I will see it myself. Thanks for the post.

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  7. I hate you. lol.

    Wow! That trip looks awesome. Serious green eyed monster over here!

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  8. Wow, those are stunning photos. I'm glad you had a good time--and I'm so jealous! I will travel one day...

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  9. What an awesome blog!!! How could we have never come across each other? I see a ton of my blogger buddies have stopped by! Obviously I must now follow!

    Love the photos! Especially the cut-offs, clear classic, lol.

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  10. Oh man. These picts remind me of my trip to Europe so many, many years ago. Thanks for sharing the awesome picts! Your trip makes me want to go back again. So beautiful!

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“Much unhappiness has come into the world because of bewilderment and things left unsaid.” ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky

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