Epilogue: The “How to” of 100 Days in Europe and Istanbul
What’s better than traveling Europe? Traveling with a crew! Between hot air balloon rides, gourmet foods, and arguments over Airbnb choices, this family adventure was under budget—$705 to be exact! With plenty of moments overlooking Africa and indulging in pastries, they even shed pounds while soaking up cultures. Winning!
Euro Days 95 to 100 of 100: A Purrrfect End (Istanbul)
After a narrow escape from a tram and a not-so-graceful fall on Istanbul’s cobblestones, the travel trio indulged in a bazaar of delights: breathtaking mosques, history overload, and enough baklava to sweeten the toughest of tumbles. All while dodging cats, tourists, and the occasional fishing line—just another day in the city of two continents!
Euro Days 93 to 94 of 100: Meandering Madrid
We embarked on a merry Madrid madness: five hours, rental juggling, and metro navigation later, we embraced tapas and Christmas chaos. After an epic balcony mishap (trapped, no jackets, and limited snacks), we triumphed with churros and hot chocolate. Spain was fried and fabulous, a tasty grand finale to our Euro escapade!
Euro Days 90 to 92 of 100: You kinda forget…(San Sebastián)
Laundry anxiety, hot showers, and cozy temperatures—who knew these were missed luxuries? After 89 days of searching, our San Sebastián Airbnb was a dream come true, complete with a dryer! Between sampling pintxos and avoiding acrophobia on a funicular, we barely forgot dinner was a Spanish sport best served at 8 PM.
Euro Days 87 to 89 of 100: We are pilgrims. (Aviles)
Embarking on a 100-day European pilgrimage, our travelers trade backpacks for a cozy car, hilariously dodging rain while soaking in histories and gastronomies. They seek warmth in a minimal Airbnb, tackle Asturian cider pouring like clumsy baristas, and savor scallops faster than you can say “scallop shell.” Next stop? Madrid!
Euro Days 84 to 86 of 100: The Blancs, Tawnies, and Rubies of Porto
Skylar, our heroic chauffeur, drove to the airport and we continued on to Óbidos, where we found a castle, Christmas chaos, and adult elves serving hot cocoa. After dodging giant waves at Nazaré (who knew surfers were so brave?), we indulged in port wine and pastries—perfect fuel for our Portuguese adventures before gallivanting back to…
Euro Days 78 to 83 of 100: Fortresses and Secret Gardens (Lisbon)
Meet Noah Hallett, a Sonoma county native turned personal Lisbon tour guide who’s only five months into his and his family’s Portuguese adventure and already giving cardio workouts with all those stairs! From historic fortresses to whimsical gardens and pastry perfection, this family escapade is packed with laughs, misadventures, and a surprise 21st birthday party.…
Euro Day 77 of 100: A Family Thanksgiving in Sintra and Lisbon
Thanksgiving 2025 had our adventurous family ditching the turkey in California for a fabulously food-filled trip to the Palácio da Pena in Portugal. Despite the 5,700-mile distance, we navigated wacky Sintra roads, feasted on deliciously unique dishes, and even created a conga line, proving you can celebrate anywhere—even amidst castle madness!
Euro Days 67 to 76* of 100: The Family in Lagos
A quirky clan of food-loving family members took a whirlwind trip to Portugal. They battled travel fatigue, bravely navigated unfamiliar streets, and indulged in mouthwatering meals, all while exchanging goofy grins. From cliffside views to epic dining, they turned every mishap into a hilarious adventure—like a reality show but with more bacalhau and less drama!
Euro Days 70 to 71* of 100: The Tip of Europe (Gibraltar)
In Gibraltar, our family channeled their inner adventurers, exploring stunning views, history, and a few infamous macaques. We marveled at limestone cliffs, enjoyed meals worthy of kings, and navigated narrow roads driven by locals who must’ve been stunt drivers. Ultimately, we left with great stories—and a slight rock-induced dizziness!
Euro Days 65 to 66 of 100: Adventure of the Ring (Spain to Portugal)
Adventures come in all sizes, from losing a wedding ring in Barcelona to savoring cod with mysterious “red fruits” in Sevilla. Our hero, now ringless, hilariously laments her ring’s escapades while enjoying Spanish-South American cuisine—because when life gives you a missing ring, at least you can eat well!
Euro Days 60 to 64 of 100: Layers of History (Goodbye to Thiers, Hello to Montpellier, Barcelona)
As we embarked on a two-day knife shopping marathon in Thiers, culinary delights like crêpes and cassoulet fueled their adventures. With a little detour to the breathtaking Millau Viaduct and the charming streets of Montpellier, they geeking out over Gaudí in Barcelona, where every meal and photo op was a winner—even the fries made their…
Euro Days 58 to 59: Showing off Thiers to My “Other” Son*
Skylar is the stairway superhero who dodges escalators like they’re the plague, but reluctantly joins the elevator elite in Seattle. As we explores Clermont-Ferrand, the we dives into knife-making—because who doesn’t want a blade they made with their own hands? Dinner was a delicious squabble over carbonara, proving family, food, and hilarity are the perfect…
Euro Days 55 to 57 of 100: History is Alive in the Cemetery (Thiers)
Visiting a cemetery post-Halloween feels just right when you’re not a vampire. Nick and I stumble through family histories, among names and epitaphs, all while trying not to trip on the steep hills—thank you, walking sticks! We also devoured some mind-blowing food. Who knew the dead could lead to such delicious discoveries?
Euro Days 52 to 54 of 100: Exploring the Countryside and Thiers at and by Our Feet
Day 50, and our daring duo is halfway through their whimsically meandering journey! Between attempting to dine according to French customs—oops!—and discovering “Chez Sue” was closed (but hey, “Chez Julie” saved the day), they relish the sights while battling laundry and blogging. Adventures in a beautiful countryside abound, and so do massive portions of kebabs!
Euro Days 48-51 of 100: Secret Passages and Treasure Hunts (Lyon, Thiers, Vichy)
So, you can’t see the original Eiffel Tower from Lyon unless you’re squinting at the wee replica. After trekking through seven centuries of history, dodging beheaded statues, and tackling stairs like a goat on caffeine, our guide Quentin introduced us to traboules—secret passageways that scream “Houdini!” while we devoured quenelles and coq au vin. Who…
Euro Days 43 to 47 of 100: A Party of the Very Old, the Very New, and the Very Pink (Bordeaux)
A vacation from a vacation? That’s a delightful paradox! In Bordeaux, our intrepid travelers dive into a whirlpool of vin nouveau, pink ribbons, and street parties. Picture antique flea markets, athletic escapades, and culinary adventures, all while dragging luggage uphill. It’s a charming cocktail of culture, camaraderie, and some serious walking with a touch of…
Euro Days 39 to 42 of 100: No Kings…but Castles (Thiers-ish)
Voting from a medieval castle isn’t as easy as it sounds! Our heroes navigated printers, envelopes, and a FedEx app to cast their ballots while indulging in pedicures and hearty French meals. Spoiler alert: no kings were found, but plenty of gargoyles and a burger worth a royal decree!
Euro Day 38 of 100: Gour Tour (Thiers-ish)
Ah, Sundays in France! Picture this: indulging in a breakfast of “pain perdu” while contemplating life’s mysteries—like why one woman turned into stone. Post feasting, it’s a scenic drive to a crater lake, with a sprinkle of volcanic history and a hearty hike. Dinner? A truffade and minty “lava lamp” shot seal the deal. Bon…
Euro Day 37 of 100: In their wheelhouse…Get the point? (Thiers)
In the lofty heights of “upper” Thiers, where roads resemble a rollercoaster and knife-making history is engraved in stone, Nick and a few brave souls brave the steep paths to uncover the glory of the Durolle River. Picture industrious workers biting into their daily grind, quite literally, surrounded by dogs!
Euro Days 35-36 of 100: There, Their, and They’re*… are not Thiers!
Wendy and Nick’s month-long escapade in Thiers, the Cutlery Capital, seems like a culinary rollercoaster! With medieval charm, stunning views, and an unusual abundance of free parking, they embrace local flair, including a farmers market, delightful eateries, and a healthy dose of fish filleting.
Euro days 33-34 of 100: Cookies and Victor Hugo (Besançon)
In a whirlwind pink parade, our adventurous traveler stumbles upon breast cancer awareness festivities while attempting to navigate the Swiss streets. Between lost car keys and delightful pastries, they rediscover nostalgia in Besançon. Spoiler alert: a cookie from yesteryear steals the show, reminding them that age is just a number… and so is getting lost!
Euro days 30-32 of 100: Oktoberfest in Strasbourg (which is France not Germany!)
In Strasbourg, Wendy and Nick embarked on an Oktoberfest-themed binge, trading Parisian pastries for pretzels and beer. Amid stunning Gothic architecture and canals, they hunted for culinary treasures while playing “Where’s Nick?” between bites of kid-sized sausages. Ultimately, they decided traveling through Europe is like eating: you can never have too much!
Euro days 27-29 of 100: Flammen, Flamme, Flambée (Alsace)
Wendy and Nick are roaming the colorful landscapes of Alsace, reliving their past adventures with family and a drunken driver in a rusty 2CV. They’re savoring the local cuisine, hunting for the best croissant and tarte flambée, while occasionally getting lost in charming towns. Stay tuned for updates from Strasbourg!
Euro Day 26 of 100: Bridges and Bones (Loire Valley)
On our last day in Beaugency, we balanced exhaustion with leisurely lunches, where the only drama was an epic debate over the Beaugency Bridge’s age. While I wrote about the medieval marvel, the kitchen chef dazzled us like a magician at dinner. The Loire Valley was stunning, but the food? Simply un-bridled delight!
Euro Day 25 (the p.m.) of 100: Up, Up and Away in My Beautiful Balloon (over the Loire Valley)
So, we had this awesome hot air balloon ride in the Loire Valley, thanks to Tom’s spontaneous idea. Our funny pilot, Mindaugas, made it a blast, giving us a perfect view of the châteaux and countryside. After a smooth landing, we celebrated with local treats and bubbly, joking about our new duke and duchess titles.
Euro Day 25 (the a.m.) of 100: Where Sleeping Beauty Slept (Loire Valley)
In a quest for Disney magic, our intrepid traveler finds herself among castles and fairy tales, with Nick as her prince charming (or at least stair-climbing buddy). They navigate quaint roads to Château D’Ussé, devour gourmet gas station food, and marvel at stunning art—all while plotting a high-altitude adventure. Who needs a glass slipper?
Euro Days 20-24 of 100: Beaucoup de Châteaux! (Loire Valley)
Beaugency is a medieval town where walking uphill is mandatory, even if it feels like a treadmill gone rogue. With charming views, quirky towers, and chateaux that would make kings jealous, it’s a historical treasure trove. Just don’t expect mountains—flat farmland is the main attraction. Oh, and there’s wine, cheese, and food galore!
Euro Days 16 to 19 of 100: I blew it! But all is wondrous… (Normandy)
So, our hero packed way too much baggage for a Euro trip, blew a tire upon arrival in France, and hilariously embarked on a culinary adventure involving tiny snails and crème brûlée. After heroic tire-changing antics, they embraced history at Mont Saint-Michel and the D-Day beaches, dodging snags like a pro—all while seeking the “best…
Euro Days 13 to 15 of 100: City of Light and Life (Paris)
While Wendy wrote, Nick hit the laundromat before diving back into Parisian delights—laundry and risotto! They mingled history with culinary adventures, exploring Notre Dame while eye-rollingly enduring the guide’s enthusiasm. After countless steps and tasty crêpes, they toasted with champagne, promising to return, because who can resist the City of Light’s charms?
Euro Days 9 to 12 of 100: There’s no place like home. (Paris)
Wendy dusts off her passport and returns to her Parisian playground after decades. Armed with a must-eat list longer than a baguette, she navigates forgotten memories and pesky metro mishaps. Despite losing a phone, endless mousse, and confusing lamb with mice, she charms her way through delightful culinary escapades and heartwarming nostalgia. C’est la vie!