London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Milan, Cannes—Europe has it all!

Hispanic Times Magazine, Spring, 2003 by Robert Kendall

London has attractions ranging from Buckingham Palace, Royal Albert Hall, Westminster Abbey, museums such as the National, Tate, and National Portrait galleries, and more stage shows than any other city. My trip began at Miami Airport at 5:30 p.m. with a 7 a.m. arrival the following day at Gatwick Airport. The Underground sped me to Jurys Kensington Hotel. Sight-seeing began next day at nearby Victoria and Albert Museum, featuring a tribute to Bollywood, the Indian film industry.

One afternoon I joined George McGhee, a Carlton television executive, for high tea at Lanesborough Hotel. Its Conservatory is designed to create a tropical garden ambience. Talented pianist Brian Morris played a medley of Alice Faye song hits. Another day I took the Tube to Richmond on the Thames. Adjoining the Thames is a castle where Queen Elizabeth I lived. Historic Richmond Theatre is where Tom Courtney recently appeared and Patricia Routledge, star of Keeping Up Appearances, captivated audiences.

I visited the penthouse flat of Michael Garady at 34 Ennismore Gardens. Michael and his sister Janna, visiting from Sydney, served champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Michael was a friend of screen beauty Ava Gardner, who lived in the same building. Michael's friend owns the flat next door to Ava's. From this flat's balcony, Ava's balcony was observable, remaining as she left it with flowers in large urns and plants, and a white New Orleans style table and chairs.

Euro Star from London's Waterloo Station goes directly in three hours to Gare du Nord Station in Paris, traveling beneath the English Channel. I had booked into the Rive Gauche Hotel. The Eiffel Tower is nearby, rising above the River Seine. Next afternoon after lunch near the old Opera House I followed the winding streets leading to Montmartre, the historic haven for Parisian artists, including Toulouse-Lautrec. I arrived in Montmartre in front of the large red windmill fronting Le Moulin Rouge, featuring the Follies Bergere. From there it is a steep climb to Le Sacre Coeur Cathedral. A mass was in progress. Stepping outside I thrilled to the breathtaking view of the last glowing rays of sunset bestowing a backdrop for Paris.

Notre Dame Cathedral is located in the Left Bank's San Michel area, where American writers such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald lived and wrote. The Louvre Museum is situated nearby, as is Musee d'Orsay. En route to Arche de Triomphe I detoured to Rue de Rivoli, stopping at two hotels where I had previously stayed, the Crillon and Hotel Meurice, both former palaces, with chandeliers aglow, illuminating marble lobbies.

My final evening in Paris I enjoyed a delightful visit with Parisian friends Jean Marc and Pascale Tassain, and their two young sons. They live in a beautifully appointed flat featuring French provincial style. The sons proved gracious hosts, pouring champagne and serving hors d'oeuvres. Later we walked several blocks to Restaurant Auberge, near the Dome of the Invalides. The red wine is superb, as is the main course of steak and French fries. Dessert is a delectable ice cream souffle. Once conversation ended I bid good-bye to our gracious host and hostess, Jean Marc and Pascale, thanking them for a wonderful evening.

Next day I left Gare du Nord Station for Brussels, two hours away. It is a short walk from the station to Hotel Aris, across the street from Grand Place. That evening I walked down the narrow streets of Brussels' restaurant section. I chose Le Moulin and a tasty main course of grilled salmon. Next morning began at Brussels Central Station, catching a train for Bruge, an hour away. I spent two hours being charmed by the tranquil beauty of Bruge, which resembles Venice, with boats gliding along canals. Towering cathedral spires stand out against the radiant blue sky. An afternoon train sped me back to Brussels, then Luxembourg. Arriving at sunset, I found a charming hotel with flower boxes and shutters framing every window. Spectacular bridges link the old Luxembourg to the new downtown area. Ancient cathedrals dominate the landscape in the Old Town. At midday i took a train for Amsterdam, stopping briefly at The Hague. It took only an hour to reach Amsterdam. I found lodging at Hotel Amsterdam. The following morning's walk along the streets bordered by the famous Amsterdam canals was enchanting. Nearby was Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, which was opened by founder Adolph Wilhelm Krasnapolsky in 1866. The lobby is elegant, its dining room majestic.

I left Amsterdam on the bullet train for Paris. From there it was on to Lyon. The Paris 6:30 train arrived at 8:25. I stayed at Hotel Median. Lyon is one of Europe's premier gourmet cities. Next morning I walked along the streets of Lyon. The Bellecour section featured a Roman amphitheater located on the mountainside. Villas are perched above the amphitheater. Across the bridge are posh hotels, shops and restaurants.

It was 6 hours to Milan. I arrived late, but found a room at Hotel Alexander. Next morning I walked the streets of Milan. La Scala is directly across the street from a large city square with a splashing fountain and Italian statuary. Beyond is a beautiful mall with a four story high glass arched ceiling. Gallia Hotel across the street from the train station provided tire perfect lunch opportunity in its sumptuous dining room. I caught: a train for Genoa at 4:10, arriving at 5:30. I saw a towering statue of Genoa's most famous historical figure, Christopher Columbus. I found a hotel, had dinner, and got some rest, catching the 8:55 train next morning from Genoa to N ice. Tire French Riviera scenery was breathtaking. The Mediterranean Sea was a scintillating blue as dappled sunlight enhanced its beauty. At Nice, arriving at lunchtime, I found an outdoor cafe specializing in sea food. I took the 1:39 train for Cannes, arriving at 2:30, finding a hotel near the beach. Hotel Carlton hosts some of the movie world's elite, i chose the patio setting of Hotel Majestic for dinner.