Through most cities and circumstances on our trip, I rarely felt uncomfortable. I felt uneasy in Brussels much of the visit, and I will do my best to explain why. The city had an ominous foreboding feeling to it. It was the site of 3 coordinated terrorist bombings in 2016, killing 32 civilians and injuring … Continue reading Brussels, Dinant, and Namur Belgium: An Assortment of Cities and Chocolates
Day 20: Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) It must be a pattern that I disclose my initial skepticism to my readers. Last year, Hannah, once again, caroused me into another of her shows: Downton Abbey. I rushed headlong into it, though. The show was so incredibly well done and raptly drew my attention that we binge … Continue reading UK Road Trip Week 3: Part 2 High Tea at Downton Abbey and Butterbeer at Hogwarts
There are occasional times when moving cities that we must check out early or cannot check in until late. These times are a blunt reminder of the vulnerability that we take on at times during this year abroad. It can be rainy, sunny, developed, or desolate. Cafes may be closed and parks may be dangerous. … Continue reading Guinness and a Prairie Dog: Dublin, Ireland
The initial impression of Killarney was that of a small quiet town that had adapted to tourism over time. Its residents still held the friendly Irish charm, often taking interest in our holiday and asking questions about where we were from, always with a smile. A US equivalent could be that of a place such … Continue reading Country Music and Killarney, Ireland
Honestly, our trip to Manchester started as a mistake. Originally, we had intended to ferry to Belfast or Dublin from Liverpool, a city adjacent to Manchester. During the process of booking Airbnbs and forward travel, we realized a flight was cheaper than a ferry. So, with Manchester already booked, we decided to fly from there. … Continue reading Manchester, UK: A Place to Work
The first day or two were foggy and cold with some occasional rain. At this point, it was late June in the UK, but we were still wearing our puffer jackets, while it was 100+ back home in Houston (40+ Celsius). The damp weather can make it slightly more difficult to enjoy landmarks, views, and … Continue reading Two Harry Potter Nerds and the Quest of Edinburgh, UK
The famed city of Oktoberfest did not disappoint. While we were not there for the storied festivities, we still enjoyed many other aspects of the city. From beer halls to lederhosen, Munich was wonderful and full of the magic I had heard so much about. We watched the figures dance on the Rathaus Glockenspiel as … Continue reading English Parks and Urban Surfing: Munich, Germany
The train to Prague, Czech Republic was gorgeous. On one side, mountainous hills rose from the earth. On the other, the view alternated between a wide flowing river and bright yellow expanses of rapeseed and canola seed fields. Hannah kicked me under the train table more than once to get my attention to look up … Continue reading Nuclear Bunkers and Cathedral Spires: Prague, Czech Republic: Part 1
We arrived in Naples in the evening around 7. We exited the train station and made our way to Pizzeria de Michele, a cheap and renowned pizzeria. On the way, it was immediately apparent that the city had an earthy, gritty atmosphere. Homeless people dotted the streets, laying on twisted mattresses and stained cardboard boxes, … Continue reading Naples, Italy
It is difficult to even put into words how wonderful an experience that we had in Fiumefreddo Bruzio. We stayed with family of Hannah’s cousin, Claire. Denise and her daughter Monica made us feel very comfortable and relaxed the entire stay. Their hospitality and generosity were some of the best I have ever experienced. Denise’s … Continue reading Fiumefreddo Bruzio, Italy
It's A Ritch Life 