A Perfect Dusseldorf Afternoon

After a morning of exploring the Aldstadt of Düsseldorf we meet as a group to see some of the surrounding countryside. The first stop is the Scholoss (castle) of Benrath a magnificent palace with stunning grounds. It is however the waffle with ice cream and cherry topping that catches all of our attention. The Schlosscafe is located and set amidst gardens and the moat. Swans cruise by and the bright sun warms up a perfect afternoon.

Next up is the small and picture perfect town of Kaisersworth on the Rhine River. It is glow time and we strolled through the town and down a country road to a beer garden. A few rounds of sparkling white wine on the banks of the river loosens tongues and laughter. Soon we head to the porch for a dinner of local dishes. Next thing we know it is 11 P.M. and sleep is on our agenda, a perfect Düsseldorf day is done.

Sexy Imperia Welcomes you to Konstanz

"This sultry lady has caused some raised eyebrows guarding the harbor at Konstanz", said our guide Ralf. She is named Imperia and holds a naked Pope and Emperor in her hands, symbolizing the power of women over men. It is also symbolic of the Council of Konstanz in 1414-1418 when the schism over the Catholic Church was solved.

The work was unveiled late at night in 1993 and was designed by artist Peter Fenk with the support of sponsors. The town council and church wasn't amused but the citizens of Konstanz embraced Imperia with relish.

Lake Constance

Tomorrow I fly to Switzerland to begin a trip to Europe’s third largest lake from the banks of Switzerland, Germany and Austria. The trip will take me to some quaint cities and beautiful vistas. Hiking and biking and water exploration will be the focus as well as concerts and vineyard visits. Lake Constance is also known as the Bodensee and Swabian Sea.

European Travel Commission's Bash at Brasserie

It was a great time last night at the European Travel Commission’s bash at Brasserie in NYC last night. The whole place was taken for the event and the food and cocktails plentiful and the crowd upbeat. Better yet was the chance to run into several reps from some of Europe’s hottest destinations. Harald Hansen from Innovation Norway was witty as ever and a wiz on the dance floor. The stunning Victoria Larson from the German National Tourist Office was at the door greeting guests. Joanna Allen from Visit Britain happily catching up with freinds. Nora Brossard from Spring O’Brien was busy chatting up guests on the crowded floor. Some I missed like Nena Komaric from the Croatian National Tourist Board.

I had a chance to catch up with one of my favorite writers, David Farley just back from a long stay in a small village in Italy. David is a wiz with witty ideas for stories and follows through with great writing. Is it any wonder that Europe broke the record for US visitors for the second time in six years? Not with these talented reps pushing their countries charms.