​Weathering the Storm with the WP#159

It is crazy to think that I arrived back on the European continent a little over a week ago and in that time, I have been to the largest travel trade show in the world called ITB in Berlin where I did speed networking, some actual scheduled meetings, some impromptu meetings along the way of the three-day event and caught up with friends. It was strictly a business event, so really had no time to get out and explore Berlin. For the record, I have been to Berlin many times, the first-time way back in 1985 when it was a divided city and yes, crossed the real Checkpoint Charlie in a real time called the Cold War. With things going a bit haywire right now, it seems that history is repeating itself in some ways. Unfortunately, there are hot wars going on and I wish for everyone’s sake, they would cease. ​

After three days in Berlin, I was off again, this time, for one crazy reason, to go to Tromso, Norway. Why you ask and I will share, which I had a bit before. As you all know, I am a very big Hard Rock Café fan and to that point, I have been to 95 different Hard Rock entities in the world, so why not one more. I knew I had to be in Amsterdam for another conference forthcoming and in fact, leaving today by train for that very destination, but that is for later. So, in my craziness, and this was arranged well back, even before the wedding was arranged, to figure out the several days I had in between Berlin and Amsterdam and what would be new and refreshing. It must be said that I had been to Tromso before, off a Hurtigruten cruise before the pandemic, but the schedule was not mine, and so at that time, I did not think to stop in.

In any case, I celebrated my 62nd birthday at the smallest Hard Rock Café in Europe. Last year, about this time, I was in Prague and went to the largest Hard Rock Café in Europe, not on my birthday, but before meeting up with Rosa in Budapest for our Danube cruise we had done. I did more than go to the Hard Rock and explored this city and island a bit. My hope for the Northern Lights was dashed by schedule and weather, but I did see a seal show at the aquarium in town and they even gave me a “senior” discount, even though the age for this was 67. Not there yet. I was able to simply wander around and enjoy the 1 ½ days there and it was back to the airport for the next stop, a place I had not been in 50 years.

 Crazy to think and the reason why, is a bit of history. Back in the 70’s and from here I am writing this blogpost, Luxembourg was somewhat the center of the universe to connect the European continent with America and Icelandic Air, (Icelandair before it was Icelandair) offered flights from Luxembourg City to New York, I believe JFK with the requisite stop in Iceland. I believe in the domestic airport, but again that was 50 years ago. My true reason for coming here, however, was to explore the city, but more importantly, to go the American Cemetery, just outside of Luxembourg City and pay my respects, not only the men and women who served and died at the Battle of the Bulge and beyond into Germany to end the war in Europe, but to see the site where one of the more charismatic soldiers in American history is buried and that is one General George S. Patton Jr. His grave is at the head of the cemetery in front of his men, but it is as simple as all the other stones. ​

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He was, he claimed a simple solider and wanted to be buried, when he died and it was from complications of a car accident after the war, that ultimately killed him. He was certainly someone who rubbed many people the wrong way, but he was the right man at the right time for the job. Thank you for your service general and for everyone else who has served. The time spent here was short, as I must keep moving on to the next event this time in Europe in advance to my move here this summer, but in a few short days, I will be back with my wife for our honeymoon. Destination to be shared, if I had not already, but that is for another blogpost. She is in Rome, and I am leaving for Amsterdam, but we will be together again on the 17th and then until the 17th of April on our honeymoon and then in Rome. Actually, time to pack the bags and get ready to go, as I do not want to miss my train to Brussels and connecting train to Amsterdam. ​

If you like content about WWII, check out this video I put out a few years ago. A very somber look at another cemetery located in Italy and discussing Operation Husky

As always, I hope you have enjoyed my offerings each week and appreciate that you have read my blog posts and look forward to continuing with sharing. The name has not changed, yet, but Rosa and I have more important things to worry about now. As always, thank you so much for your support of Rosa’s and my little world now that they have been merged into one. We hope you enjoyed the Elvis experiential wedding we had on the 19th. Rosa and I truly appreciate your support and congratulations. Stay safe, healthy, and most importantly happy, and as always, your shared comments and thoughts are most welcome!!!