The second half of our European adventure began after our river cruise. We stepped off the boat in Basel, grateful for the memories we’d made and excited for what was next. From there, we made our way to Bern. The highlight was attending a session at the Bern Switzerland Temple, the very place where my parents were sealed over 60 years ago. Being there, I felt such a profound connection to my mom and dad.
Standing where my parents stood...
I love the temple of the Lord!
Ian and Alicia
From Switzerland, we boarded a train that carried us over the majestic Alps and into Italy. The scenery was almost unreal... but I couldn't get good pictures through a window on the train. I loved the snow-capped peaks, rolling green valleys, and tiny villages tucked into the mountainsides. And as if the view wasn’t enough, I had over four uninterrupted hours to write poetry. (April is National Poetry Month, and I had set a goal to write a poem every day of our trip... and I did.)
(If anyone wants to read my poems, let me know.
I'll either post them here or send them your way.)
Our next stop was Milan, where we visited the awe-inspiring Duomo di Milano. I can honestly say my breath was taken away. No picture could ever prepare you for the scale and detail of that cathedral. It was beyond majestic. We explored every part of it, including the rooftop. And while the views were incredible, I also discovered something new about myself: I’m scared of heights. Still, even with a racing heart, I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. It was magnificent in every sense of the word.
WOW!
Up on the roof...
Up on the roof...
Still on the roof...
Spectacular!
Our besties!
Milan was amazing!
From Milan, we settled into an Airbnb in Florence. And from there, we took the quick trip to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. I was surprised by how amazed I was... Pictures truly don’t do it justice. Seeing it in person, tilting so dramatically, was really cool! We continued on to Lucca, where every street seemed to hold another beautiful church or historic building.
It's really leaning....
More in Pisa
Silly husbands!
Orange Trees everywhere
In Lucca
Our final full day was spent in Florence, and it was nothing short of incredible. We could have easily spent an entire week there and still not seen it all. One of the most unforgettable moments was standing before David by Michelangelo. There’s something about seeing it in person—the size, the detail, the perfection—that leaves you in awe.
It was amazing to see the veins in his arms and legs.
I can't believe this was carved from one GIGANTIC block of stone.
We spent the rest of the day walking… and walking… and walking—over 12 miles in total—as we tried to soak in everything we possibly could. We wandered through gardens, explored churches and cathedrals, admired the charming houses perched along the Ponte Vecchio, and stopped for an authentic pasta lunch in the cutest little restaurant. Every turn revealed something beautiful, something historic, something unforgettable.
The houses are behind us...
One of the gardens
Wysteria Tunnel
A castle for my grandson
I want Scott to plant these sweet flower bushes in our front yard
An UPRIGHT piano
So unique
So unique
Florence
My favorite guy!
By the end of it all, we were completely exhausted—but in the best way. There was a moment of stress in Florence as we worried about whether Ian and Alicia would be able to make it onto the flight home with us, but everything worked out. We all boarded the plane, hearts full and suitcases a little heavier, and made our way back to United States.
It was an amazing trip filled with beauty, meaning, laughter, and just enough adventure to keep things interesting. And while we were definitely ready to come home, Scott and I already miss Europe, and hanging out every day with Ian and Alicia. What a wonderful trip!
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