The Eric & Deb Bucket List

Before we decided to move to Amsterdam, Eric and I had a list of places we wanted to see together. I'm not sure that you are all aware, when we did move to Amsterdam, not only were we going to travel to a few places, we were also going to land on a place to retire. The goal was to find a retirement home in Europe as well. We sat down and listed the places we wanted to visit:

• Oia Greece, which we wanted to do for our honeymoon, but had to be on the list for 2022

• Barcelona Spain, I had been before, but Eric had not and he wanted to see it to determine if it was one place we could retire

• Lisbon and Porto Portugal, I had been before as well, and he heard it was a perfect place to retire, great weather and homes that were affordable.

• Germany, our neighbour and friend in Atlanta lives here full time. We wanted to visit her and the country

• Brussels, Belgium for the chocolate, the beer and the waffles.

• Switzerland, Eric always wanted to see the Matterhorn. He sent me text message of the area and our recent trip, I was able to see it.

• South of France - another warm Mediterranean location that we wanted to visit and possible retire

• Austria, the mountains the snow, and the hills all alive with the sound of music

• Czech Republic mainly Prague. We heard so many great things about Prague that it was on the list to visit.

• Costa Rica - The beautiful beaches and quiet tranquility

• Norway - One of Eric's best friends lives there with his wife and sons. Our goal in 2022 was to visit and see them.

• Ibiza, Spain - Highly recommended by our friends to go and visit

• The Venice-Simplon Orient Express - Oh yes, we love the Orient Express and wanted to do this trip for some time now. We're booked for Eric's 60th birthday

• Venice, Rome, and Naples - We wanted do a Northern and Southern Italy trip, so we booked a family cruise that will hit the Cannes, Barcelona, Rome and Naples. Then we will take the VSOE from Paris to Venice for his 60th Birthday

There will be more I'm sure, but that's it for now. Our first was Greece, where I went with my Mom. Our second was Switzerland, from where I just returned. It was amazing. We had beautiful weather. The sun was blazing and the weather wasn't too cold. Our stay was in Zurich, we I finally met up with one of my YT & IG Friends who lives there, Priscilla Vermiglio. It was so nice to finally meet her and talk with her face to face. We sat at the Opera House square, sipped some coffee and talked about Zurich, which is not her home city, and life in general. She's been living in Zurich for over 15+ years and she told me some history, which I already knew about when I did the walking tour earlier that day. I arrived in Zurich early and my room wasn't ready yet. We stayed at the Storchen Hotel, which is right on the Limmat river across the street from Grossmunster church. I had a room with a view and in earshot of the church bells, which range every hour...all of them. There had to be 10 churches within 1 meter distance from the hotel. But I loved it. We don't get church bells a lot in the USA. I loved the hotel, but what really surprised me was the the bed in the hotel was an adjustable bed. I have never experienced that before in a hotel room.

We spent a day in Luzern and Edelberg, Mt. Titlis where we can see the Matterhorn mountain. Once again another beautiful day. Our tour guide was amazing and we were able to see and take some wonderful pictures in Luzern. We even made it to the Lion sculpture, which the tour guide didn't think we would make. Mount Titlis was amazing, the views were spectacular. I know Eric would have loved it. However, I don't think he would have walked over the Cliff Bridge. But I know he would have loved going up 10,000 feet to the top of the mountain. I miss him so much. But I know he would want me to explore and see everything that we wanted to see together. The trip was a long one, we were out all day. But I must admit, I cannot wait to go back.

On Valentine's Day, I spent it back in Zurich. I headed to Grossmunster church and spent some time in silence, talking to God and Eric. I spent time there reconnecting to God, as I said in the previous post. I'm on my way back and with Eric's voice guiding me and God's grace I'll be fully back soon. Grossmunster church is a simple Protestant church, but beautiful. It had beautiful stained glass, simple architecture and is more more in style than the churches of Spain and Italy. There's a sister church as well called Fraumunster, which his across the river. There is a story that there is a tunnel underneath the river between the two churches. There's no proof of that though. But it's a great story to imagine. I found a space where I can light a candle for Eric. I vowed that I would light a candle in every church I visit. I had a breakdown in the church and in the shower at the hotel before Valentine's dinner.

The next trip is Germany and Czech Republic, that will be in April, and then to Vienna, Austria in May. I've said this time and time again, I miss Eric so much. I cannot imagine a life without him. But I know he's with me on every adventure and journey, telling me to keep going and keep moving. And crossing these off of his bucket list as well. I Love You Babe!