Time to Go Home, After 500 Days in Europe

Farewell Europe.  We're going home.  We have LOVED living here, but it's time to go back to our familiar lifestyle.

Through the magic of the blogosphere, I haven't been completely candid about how long we've been here.  We've actually been in Amsterdam for quite awhile.  When I looked at the calendar, I suddenly realized we've been here about 500 days.  And that's a long time to see and do lots of new things (although maybe not long enough to learn a new language - my dutch lessons didn't go well!).  It feels like we've packed a lifetime of experiences into those 500 days.

So you won't hear as much from me in the next couple of weeks, as we pack up and head back to Maine.

And of course, we'll get SoPo Cottage started up quickly.  We've got a couple of projects on the docket.  The first one is ready to go and we'll be getting started in January.  It's going to be an exciting one, with an unfinished second floor that is just begging to be living space.  Hope you'll follow along on our next adventure.

But in the meantime, here are a few of our favorite memories from our ex-pat life.

Sail Amsterdam - once every 5 years, Amsterdam hosts the biggest nautical event in the world with hundreds of ships from all over the world.  We were luck enough to be there.  Thinking about visiting Amsterdam?  August of 2020 would be a good time, when the tall ships return!

Source:  Sail Amsterdam

You can't have a fear of heights for this job!

 Lake Como - it's cheap to travel in Europe and we tried to make the most of it.  Lake Como exceeded our expectations.  What an amazingly beautiful place (I guess that's why George Clooney lives there!)

James Bond fan?  This is where the original Casino Royale was filmed.

Changing of the Guard

Copenhagen - while similar to Amsterdam with its bicycle culture, Copenhagen has its own charm.  We loved the bright coloured buildings and city vibe.

Nyhavn Harbor

German Christmas Markets - while Christmas isn't a big deal in Holland, the Germans take it very seriously and we couldn't get enough of the charming small towns with their amazing handicrafts.

Trier, Germany

And best of all, we loved Living Like Locals - whether we just wandered around the canals or walked a few steps from our apartment to world famous museums, concert halls and fantastic restaurants, we loved the European life.  We really enjoyed our city adventure and all that Amsterdam has to offer.

Will it be hard to leave?  Yes!  But despite all its wonders, it will be good to get back to the good old USA!



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