A 35 day, 8-country traipse through Europe by, that’s right, planes-trains-automobiles (and a bus and bicycle thrown in) takes a bit of planning. Like 2 years. But we decided that 2013 would be the year we would combine our return there with some “bucket list” items. Nuremberg (actually, Pinder Barracks in nearby Zirndorf) was Brad’s first duty station as a general medical officer after his internship concluded in 1990. He and Michelle had been married a little over a month when they landed in Frankfurt unsure of what the future held. In August of that year, Saddam Hussein decided to add Kuwait to Iraq and the VII Corps was ordered to go and change his mind. Brad left in December with the 1st Armored Division for Desert Shield (later Desert Storm), and returned in late April of 1991 safe and sound (PTL).
We remained in Germany, with Brad at the Nuremberg Army Hospital after Desert Storm, until June of 1993, a short 3 weeks after the birth of Liam at that same hospital. We are looking forward to revisiting our old neighborhood and post, as well as some good German bier and schnitzel. In addition, we decided to expand the trip and visit some other areas, to include some we had been to before but wanted to do again with the kids and see some other things. These include 1) walking on Abbey Lane in London, akin to the iconic photo of the Fab Four doing the same, 2) a visit to Normandy, where I’ve been told that there will not be any dry eyes, 3) a 3-day bike trip through the Dordogne River region of France , 4) attending (not participating, I don’t think) the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, 5) touring the Auschwitz/Birkenau concentration camps while in Krakow, 6) a return (for Michelle and Aubrey) to Aubrey’s country of birth – Latvia, and 7) a visit to the majestic fjords in Norway.
You are welcome to come along on our journey, and we will share photos and insights along the way. Departure is Monday, June 24 and return is Monday, July 29. We appreciate the Godspeed prayers as we will witness His astounding creation as well as relive parts of history, both personal and global.
Darla Wright said:
Safe travels to the entire Hoover clan! We, too, will be in Europe echoing many of the places you will have been. London’s Abbey Lane in the early part of our trip and then ending our trip in Rothenberg, Germany, an ancient walled city that is quite lovely and quaint. All in all, 7 countries in 16 days! Maybe we will bump into each other across the pond.
JOHN, ANN AND JOHN L said:
BRAD,
THIS IS SO NEAT I’VE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE AN DLOOKING FOWARD TO THIS ADVENTURE FOR I WILL NEVER GET TO GO THERE MY SELF. THANK YOU FOR THIS. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ON THIS TRIP
Jean Porch said:
Oh, great; this will be fun; can’t wait to see the pictures and read of your adventures. Thank you so much for doing this. Have a wonderful and safe vacation.
The Harpers said:
Thanks for allowing us to “blog-travel” with the Hoover Family! Can’t wait to see the pics and read about the adventures! Be safe.
Alexandria.j.meade said:
Hope you have a great time. I will miss all of you .
Alex
The Himes said:
Looking forward to an update! Hoping u made it safely! Have a great time!!!
amy said:
Great pictures of your beautiful family! looks like you are having a great time Love living vicariously through your blog journey!, Hugs to all!! Soak up every minute
Terry and Connie said:
Thanks for letting us share in your adventures on this rainy 4th of July. We appreciate you and your family.