Europe '99

In September of 1999 we had the good fortune of being able to travel to Central Europe for 3 weeks. As this was our first vacation in a very long time, we did our best to make the most of our time. It was our hope to be able to meet as many of my ham radio friends as possible and I think we certainly did accomplish that.
We were met by Roger DL5RBW, at the Munich airport and after some confusion with our luggage and rental car we made our way to his home. Once again Roger, thank you for your patience. After a great night's sleep our luggage arrived the next morning in time for the morning shower. Roger and his wife Gabi treated us like royalty. We had guided tours of Landshut and the surrounding area, not to mention access to one of the louder ham radio stations from Germany.
Following Roger's suggestions we traveled through western Bavaria. Unfortunately, Oktoberfest was going on and lodging was a bit of a trick to find. The kindness of strangers pulled us through. We just mentioned we were from Alaska and whether feeling pity or fear we always found a place to sleep.
We drove the Mosel and Rhine river valleys in pouring rain but always breathtaking scenery. Castles are cool!
Next stop was the home of Wolf DF2PY, XYL Kirsten and baby Claire. A wonderful traditional dinner was prepared with onion cake, new wine and a table full of ham radio friends. Wolf's location is spectacular. Following a path behind his home we found ourselves on the banks of the Rhine, not to mention the warmest temperatures we experienced, over 80F. I managed to work a few QSO's from Wolf's station and needless to say he has a wonderful takeoff along the Rhine river.
Traveling on we found ourselves at my brother's apartment. John is stationed at Kaiserslautern Air Force Station. It was time to relax after much driving and we took full advantage of the opportunity. Shana had her first chance to meet my brother and nephews. The boys have grown up a lot since the last time I saw them when they were babies. They are a couple of great kids. We were soon rested up for our long drive to Belgium. Thank's John for your hospitality.
The meeting with Maurice ON4BAM, was confused at he start as we tried to pick a place in Brussels to meet via GPS coordinates, but thanks to a 2M handy we found one another. Maurice and family were guests at our home in 1998 in Alaska and he more than returned the favor. The tours of Brussels, Dendermonde, and Bruges provided by Maurice, wife Jeanie, and charming son Ken left us with a smile on our faces. Belgium is a not to be missed. Friendly people, a sense of history, and a lot of English speakers make this a must see. Jeanie's fondue dinner still makes me want to go out and find a fondue pot!!
After years of procrastination I finally met in Hagen with long time radio pal Christian, DK8DV. I had been promising to travel to Germany for years and here I was. We have had many contacts over the years which still continue. After a filling hot soup lunch and cake prepared by Christian's mother and a bit of relaxation we were on our way through Northern Germany. We were joined by Christian's girlfriend Heike in Bad Zwischenahn. On to Hamburg, a busy city indeed, and the search for a parking spot! Great views from the top of the cathedral. Axel and Geli, friends of Christian, brought us to their idyllic hamlet south of Hamburg. Quiet setting, swans in the pond and an outstanding dinner are memories that will stay with us for a very long time.
Last stop was the capitol Berlin. Christian's apartment is located downtown and afforded easy access to many of the city's sights by foot. Highlights included seeing the Technical Museum with Wolf DJ4OA, riding the double-decker buses, and strolling the streets late into the evening. 
As I dropped the rental car of at Tegel Airport, with an additional 3000km on the clock, I realized how quickly the time had passed. I think we will have to come back!