I'm just crossing into Austria reflecting on my trip so far... Other than Paris none of the places we visited were really on my bucket list when in fact each place so far has blown me away. We flew Air France from DC to Paris and upon arrival we hit the ground running.  We started at the Arc de Triomphe and the seven roads that converge and drop you off on the roundabout is not for the faint of heart.  After grabbing some pictures and of course making my way to the center of the street to get the perfect shot, I headed down Champs-Élysées passing Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel and other designers to the cutest little cafe with servers of course in barrettes. 
 
​My jetlag instantly vanished as I sat streetside to enjoy a fresh hot Nutella crepe and drank a glass of Chambord with Champagne.  The weather, a stunning 18 degrees Celsius made picture taking of the beautiful architecture and scenery enjoyable.  Side streets led to Lamborghinis and bakeries with fresh croissants and baguettes, and one led to my first view of the Eiffel Tower.  A magical travel memory that will last forever.  
 
After checking into the hotel, we headed to Montmartre (mountain of the martyr) ---known for its artistic heritage on a hill above the Seine River. Complete with an antique carousel at the bottom and 222 steps to the top, the view was priceless and red wine and dinner at the top much deserved.  We walked around the cobblestone streets, checked out the local artisans, took a view of Paris below and made our way to a sunset cruise on the Seine.  It's shocking to think that although it was almost 10 o'clock at night the sun reflected peacefully as we floated down the river past picturesque villages, Notre Dame and of course in full view this time, The 1083 feet tall Eiffel Tower.

After a well-deserved night's sleep, we set out again with the first stop being where we left off the night before: The Eiffel Tower.  It stood majestically above a beautiful park filled with brightly colored flowers and people relaxing on the ground while tourists from all over the world snapped the perfect picture of loved ones or did their best to get a coveted selfie. Although I kept my two feet on the ground, if you're looking to head to the top, be sure your get your tickets ahead of time online as they sell out well in advance.

The bells then beckoned us to The Cathedral of Notre Dame.  The line to get inside albeit long moved quickly and was well worth the beauty we were about to behold. The stain glassed windows, the many arches and intricate artwork left you in awe.  Although still rebuilding after the fire in 2019 if you hope to take a walk through this historic church be sure that you have something to cover yourself as no tank tops or crop tops are allowed and you will be asked to leave the line.

Once again, I was the perfect Paris combo; hungry and thirsty.  Finding the perfect little cafe on the corner, I had the tomato pie with salad, and I quenched my thirst with a refreshing Aperol Spritz.  From there I explored the area known as the Latin Quarter complete with shops and cute parks where locals ate their lunch or walked their dog. Afterwards, it was time to head to my son's first concert with the VA Ambassadors of Music at Paris' La Madeleine, a stunning church known especially its façade of 52 Corinthian columns standing 65 ft (20 m) tall. 

While they rehearsed, I walked through Louis Vuitton and stopped off for a cold water and a chocolate croissant. I was a little peckish but I'll blame my bladder and when you buy something from a cafe you can use the toilet for free-- I like to call it a win-win.  After the amazing sounds of music echoed through the church, we walked to the Louve. l'll be honest I was only excited for the Mona Lisa and prayed the 7% left of my phone would last until we got there.  I do have to have to admit that our small group tour guide gave a wonderful historical overview of The Louve which I found rather interesting.  But alas in all her DaVinci glory The Mona Lisa (only made famous because it was stolen), graced my photo reel with 2% battery life to spare.... It was finally time to recharge and rest up for our next adventure... Switzerland! 

​Rome wasn't built in a day, and it surely takes more than one to explore the Eternal City.  But sometimes a day is all you have.  So, grab an espresso or vino and let me help you explore Rome in less than 24 hours.

This is the perfect precursor to setting sail out of Italy and filled with highlights that will make you forget how tired you might be.   My nine-hour direct journey from the East Coast had me arriving just prior to 9 am Central European time. Customs was painless and our private driver transported us to Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Resort situated above the city with a priceless view.

After checking in we took the complimentary shuttle about 20 minutes into the city to explore as much as we could prior to two previously booked tours. 
​The stop was located near the top of the infamous Spanish steps and stairs at Piazza di Spagna, a much easier way to warm up our legs for the many steps that would be taken that day.  135 stairs and three different terraces (referring to the Holy Trinity) delivered us to the ‘Fontana Della Barcaccia’ which literally means ‘Fountain of the ugly boat’. This is not in reference to the sculpture itself, but to the story that the river Tiber flooded in 1598 and stranded the ugly little boat on this spot. We of course started our copious picture taking here before moving on to another famous watering hole. ​

If there is one thing I don't think I’ll ever get enough of its cobblestone streets! Every direction you look, cute little cafes adorned with colorful flowers and smells that draw you in line the ancient streets and the hustle and bustle of tourists from around the world are all in awe of the beauty that exists. At the end of one we spot the beautiful and ever so popular Trevi Fountain. The stunning architecture, blue waters paired with blue skies made for the perfect summer day. Packed with people we still managed to get great photos and snuck in close enough to throw coins over our shoulder and into the water to ensure that we would someday return to Rome.
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Next up was the perfect ending to a perfect day!  Our fettuccine and Tiramisu making class!  Now I did previously say that most things in Rome were walkable.  The restaurant where this took place was a little further than our sleep deprived bodies were willing to go.  So, we made our way out to the streets and while I did request a taxi via the recommended app Free Now, it was much easier to simply hail a taxi.  They all spoke English, were friendly and I recommend having Euros as they do prefer cash over credit.  So, the taxi was hailed, and we were dropped off at Oste Cavour in plenty of time to relax with a Coke for my son and Aperol Spritz of course for me. 
Afterwards, we were whisked off to the back of the restaurant to a wine cellar where there were large tables prepared for everything we would need to make our future dinner.  We started with the tiramisu since it would need time to chill.  We then started the laborious process of the fettuccine!  Although fun since I was in Italy, you will never catch me doing anything other than boiling pasta in my Virginia based kitchen!   Our chef was very fun and made everyone feel as if they were the best pasta maker in Roma.  ​

​I can say without a doubt that Dead Forever at the Sphere on June 1 was my favorite Dead & Co. experience. It will forever be ingrained in my mind as one of the best. Kind of like the taste of my first parking lot grilled cheese from the same rain canceled show mentioned above. The sound of the music, the claps of the fans, the vibration of the drums, and imagery that took me from the edge of my seat to space to the depths of the ocean to where it all started on Ashbury Street over 60 years ago.

The ability to story tell is the only way I can describe what happens within the walls of the Sphere. Imagine a picture book that transported you to a faraway place as a child. The words sung leapt from the teleprompter like the words from a page of a book being read aloud. The magic that is made when the two collide keep you hanging onto every word sung and with anticipation of the next page being turned.

No one wants any story to come to an end. I will definitely be back to enjoy future experiences at the Sphere. I highly recommend you consider checking out Dead Forever at their residency that runs Thursday- Saturday nights through August 10, 2024.  I can’t wait to see if they will write another chapter beyond this one.  But one thing is for sure. The music will never stop.