I awoke to a cool morning, so I went for an early walk on Victory Day, a national holiday celebrating the end of WW2 in Europe. I snapped a few pics on my walk

My return flight is through Paris CDG and then back to Nashville. Check-in and security at PRG was super fast, and I’m now sitting in the business lounge waiting for my flight.

Concluding my 16th trip to Europe, I can recap my impressions for this latest visit.

Two nights were enough for Amsterdam. Even in April it was crowded. I can’t imagine what the summer will be like. I know mine is a minority view; but I’m the type who prefers Madrid over Barcelona and Siena over Firenze.

The German cities I visited were all new to me. I’ve spent time in Bavaria and Hesse, but never ventured north or east, to the former DDR.

Münster is a city few visit, but it’s a beautiful and charming old town. Hamburg was impressive and full of great museums and parks. Berlin was fascinating, with such a juxtaposition of new and old, freedom and authoritarianism. It’s now the largest city in the European Union and is a dining and walking paradise. And Potsdam is a must-do side trip.

I was surprised to discover Leipzig’s charm and vibrancy. It’s doing well financially and has an incredible cultural patrimony for its size. It’s another hidden gem that few Americans visit.

Dresden is an elegant city, precisely rebuilt in the past 30 years. I wished I had booked a third night. A bit more touristy than Leipzig.

Finally, Prague is as beautiful as it was when I visited in 2001, although the number of tourists has swelled and there must be a hundred times more restaurants and shops than I remember from my last trip. Since it was unscathed during both world wars, its ancient and Baroque architectural legacy is intact. Discovering hidden tourist-free neighborhoods like Nový Swět is a special treat.

There are three European countries I haven’t yet visited: Norway, Greece and Albania. I’ve heard great things about Albania over the years. Now I have to decide which time of the year is best for visiting all three.

Thanks to all those who have been following my blog.