European Tour: Phase Six (Paris, FRANCE)

The grand finale of the European Tour was a three-day Paris peregrination. We stayed just off the Metro line, so it was easy to get around the city to see what we wanted to see. I was spoiled in Paris; the art, the culture, the food... it was all that I dreamed of. It was amazing to observe the spectacles I've studied and only seen in art history books until now. From the Notre Dame Cathedral's classic Gothic architecture to the hundreds of impressionist masterworks in the Musée d'Orsay, studying the art in-person was a privilege I'll never forget.

In addition to the d'Orsay, I was able to check out the Musée Rodin's beautiful gardens, Jim Morrison's grave, and of course the Louvre. Naturally, the Louvre blew me away. The miles of art stretched across the sumptuous building revealed the most famous collection of art in the world. I have to admit that I became overwhelmed and couldn't get through the entire museum in the half-day I alloted myself, so as with many other places on the trip, I'll have to return. I think I enjoyed the d'Orsay even more than the Louvre; I am personally more inspired by the color and the brushstrokes of modern approach and execution.

On the final evening, we went to Montmarte for dinner and to check out the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur and to watch the sunset over Paris from atop the hill. This happening nightclub district and arts sector is a nonstop party. And, I like a party; needless to say, we had fun.

Unfortunately, after two weeks, it is time to return to reality (sort of). I fly home for one day in Denver and then I'm back out on the road for a run of Phish shows, starting at Star Lake (outside of Pittsburgh) and heading back into the midwest through the end of the tour. It's a reality I look forward to.

European Tour: Phase Six (Lucerne, SWITZERLAND)

Switzerland is an obvious paradise. We stayed right on Lake Lucerne in the valley of the Swiss Alps for two nights... sounds pretty far out, right? It was. I ran along the lake as far as I could and took this shot with my iPhone the second night just before sunset.

Switzerland is the most expensive place I have ever traveled, but it's worth it. I can only imagine how rad it must be to ride these mountains on a snowboard... someday, I'll know.

And, of course, we had to experience the fondue and the chocolate of Switzerland... not just because we're typical American tourists, but because I am addicted to cheese and dark chocolate. After lunch, I headed to the Luzern Museum of Art. They had an intriguing contemporary exhibits of Giacomo Santiago Rogado, David Shrigley, and most notably Hans Erni.

Here's Wes, our humble tour director, at the Lion Monument in Lucerne. The lion is a pretty spectacular sculpture, but it is Wes that makes this photo blog-worthy.

The new face of Coca-Cola Light.

This is John Braham. He is great. Here he is, sporting his favourite Mets colours on the set of his most recent Coca-Cola Light commercial shoot. Stay tuned for the full collection of commercials we shot while on tour in Europe...

European Tour: Phase Five (Innsbruck, AUSTRIA > LICHTENSTEIN)

Innsbruck... best yet! Austria is brilliant. This city in the Alps rivals the beauty and reputation of Telluride but for some reason, it's even cooler. I can't wait to go back and spend more time in Austria and next time around I'll make sure to hit Vienna.

Lichtenstein was a quick in and out on the tour. There wasn't much happening in the capital (Vaduz), but we did have an epic foot race in the city center. The entire region is beautiful though... definitely worth the visit!

European Tour: Phase Four (Dachau > Neuschwanstein)

Dachau was was the first Nazi concentration camp opened in Germany in March of 1933 (the year Papa was born). Only 76 years later, in June of 2009, I went to the site with thirteen students and witnessed the amazing tragedies and stories of the victims. There is nothing I could say to describe the feeling I had walking through the camp and seeing what I saw. It's heavy and it weighs on my mind, but I am glad to have had the opportunity to see it and it will always remind me of the great fortunes I have.

I still struggle with the fact that even after such awesome genocide and total devastation, we as people can discriminate against other people... other members of our human race. The thing that hurts me so much is that I see bigotry and prejudices coming from people that I love, friends and family, people I look up to. Differences are good, acceptance is powerful; give it a try.

And, then, to flip modes of perception... we headed to the Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th-century Bavarian palace commissioned by Ludwig II. It's apparently one of the most famous castles in the world and is the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disney Land. For what it's worth, it's a pretty ridiculous sight with ridiculous art and intricacies inside as well as out. The view from the castle isn't so bad either, check it out...

European Tour: Phase Three (Nuremberg > Munich)

Yesterday we spent the afternoon in Nuremberg. It was a beautiful day (nicest weather we've had yet) and we walked through the streets, art galleries, churches, and market. I dug it.

Then, on to Munich... we started with a late night/early morning with a visit to the Hofbrau Haus. Thus, I ended up sleeping through much of the bus tour of the city this morning. So, when we got out for lunch, Schmidty and I rented bikes and set off for our own survey of the city. I think it was much cooler than seeing a city by bus anyway. We went through the gardens, the university district, and out to the Olympic center (home of the 1972 Summer Olympics). I even talked Schmidty into skipping lunch for a swim in the Olympic pool. It was pretty damn cool doing flips off the olympic diving boards.

European Tour: Phase Two (Dresden > Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC)

Well, Berlin was a blast! On D-Day we went to Checkpoint Charlie, the East Side Gallery (the largest remaining section of the Wall), and the Prater Biergarten. We ended up going to some authentic dive, an underground college bar that is Wes' (our awesome tour director, Irish) old hangout when he went to university in Germany. The stories are too many to share now, but remind me and I'll elaborate later.

Yesterday we visited Dresden on our way to the Czech Republic. Dresden was very relaxed and had a throwback vibe about it that let us enjoy the history and the sights before hitting the lively streets of Prague.

Prague is wonderful. Truly. I must and will return for a longer visit, but I am enjoying every second of my time here now. As Wes says, "we collected a good day today." From the Prague Castle to the gorgeous art nouveau paintings of Alfons Mucha to the Jewish Synagogue Museum to the walk through the market, the city boasts beauty in many ways. Tonight I took a few to their first jazz club. We went to Agharta Jazz Centrum downtown to see this killer sextet and enjoy some local wine.

European Tour: Phase One (Berlin, GERMANY)

In this, my third trip to Europe, I am embarking on a tour with thirteen students (high school and college, present and former art students of mine) and my colleague/pal Schmidty from WRHS. We are tackling six countries in two weeks! I'm sure I can't possibly keep up with this journal each day, but I'll try to post a few thoughts and photos as I go... Today is our first full day in Europe and we are exploring Germany's largest city. Berlin is righteous; it's edgy demeanor and vivid green tree covering are attractive to me. The hundreds of beer gardens are merely a bonus. Tonight we'll see what that's all about. This is the gang... awesome kids!

Moondance.

I love dancing with my moon, my Luna. I leave for a two-week European stint tomorrow (Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Nuremberg, Munich, Lucerne, Paris) and it'll be the first time I've ever been away from my best friend for that long. When I return, we'll hit the states in the bus for some summer roadtripping, as usual. Updates to come... maybe.