EU Trip - a 9 day blast!

Highlights:


Got back from a great albeit short romp in Europe, 9 days total. The big shame was that Fred couldn’t go as our business become quite demanding prior to departure requiring him to bail at the 11^th hour. Perhaps just as well…I think the sleep deprived schedule would have done him in! We’ll have to arrange a full length getaway to the EU that allows leisurely enjoyment of each site.

After attending Albert and Andrew's wedding in St. Albans (20 miles north of London), I hit Rome, Barcelona (& Montserrat), and Liverpool then the Peak District to climb for a day. I got back Monday wonderfully tired and jet lagged.

I loved Rome and with blind luck got a hotel in the less touristy but nonetheless interesting part of town. Found several great ristorantes in my “hood” by seeing where the locals hung out. 3 days was not enough for me. Just as I was getting into the swing of things in Rome, it was time for me to head out to Barcelona. It’s touristier than my last visit 15 years ago but the new work on Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia was fascinating particularly in contrast to the many classic cathedrals of Rome. On my second day in Barcelona, I decided not to fight the throngs of tourist (high season for travel) and headed out to Montserrat for a day trip. The crowds thinned considerably especially on my hike to the highest tower, Sant Jeroni. Then to cap of a wonderful holiday, I ended with a visit with our friends in Liverpool who took me out climbing the next day at the Roaches in the Peak District. It was a perfect climbing day, starting off with a fun boulder problem and ending on a grit stone classic, Valkyrie,…good leads John and Paul!! It was an action packed 9 days and I met some great folks along the way.

Of course, being me, I took plenty of photos. The above slide show has the highlights. The word links are to the full album versions for those with more time and inclination…i.e., warning - lots of photos! Select “slideshow” if you’d like to view full screen. Enjoy!