September 2008

"By all these lovely tokens
September days are here,
With summer’s best of weather
And autumn’s best of cheer."
- Helen Hunt Jackson, September, 1830-1885

It's hard to believe that another summer has come to an end but it's true. We've been looking forward to Dad and Kathy's trip since spring and hoped that two weeks would be enough time to give them a proper tour of 3 or 4 major cities in central Europe. Originally we were thinking of taking them to see Vienna, Budapest and Krakow but Berlin's draw was just too much for Dad to pass up.

I can't say I blame him, Berlin is one of my favorite cities in the world. It offers so much more than just WWII and Cold War history, although those are great to experience, and it's citizens offer up such an intoxicating mix of contrasting cultures and lifestyles that always keeps me wanting more with every visit.

Vienna is a special place as well. It offers a lot of attractions, the Habsburg palaces, the state opera house and other classical music venues, and who could forget the world-class art museums. Our friend Benjamin once said, "visit Berlin for the people (and food); visit Vienna for the architecture (and coffee)." He's right on both accounts.

At the end of the two weeks, I asked Dad and Kathy which city they liked best. Their answer: Prague. Enough said. I love my home town.

Until next month,

-Britt