Adam and David in Amsterdam, Cologne, Frankfurt and points beyond

I recall formative conversations that I had as a young man with my uncles, and wanted to offer something of hopefully similar value to them. Since I had lived in Europe for six years, and had good fluency with German, and some other languages, I thought that a visit to Europe would be a good idea. I prepared a study plan (with their choice of what subject areas out of a set of choices they wanted to pursue). The study plan included language, history, food and popular culture.

There were required readings from several books, and several proficiency tests, whereby they earned money and extra days onto a guaranteed core of five days. They earned an extra five days, if memory serves me right. I wanted to incentivize them with the prospect of more time, and spending money, because I wanted them to maximize the educational impact of their visit. In my opinion, the broadening influence of exposure to other lands can be a big eye-opener, and is almost guaranteed to be memorable for being so out of the routine. I feel that a cultured person is a more confident person. I wanted them to speak with some confidence of the things of this world. My liberal arts background made it easy to put together some useful prep material. It was my labor of love.

This is a brief account of my recollections and observations from that trip, with photos taken by all three of us.

My nephews are two impressive young men, and it was my privilege to serve as tour guide, docent, and worldly uncle/confidant.

Click here to begin the journey - Amsterdam