Strasbourg, France

Cathedral built in 1300 AD

May 1983

This cathedral is gorgeous with original stained glass (took it down during war) with a lovely organ even from 14th century. We had a tour of his pretty city and enjoyed it. Visited Heidelberg yesterday – lovely city but our guide lacked English ability. A great guide today who reminded me of Bronwyn – darling!

Cheers, Va

Vintage Lugano

Lago di Lugano, Santa Margherita 1915

Lugano, Monte San Salvatore

My cousin found these postcards recently. They are special to me because I lived in Lugano, Switzerland for two years and I still think it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has changed a lot since these photos were taken, much more built up obviously, but still it is the same.

The last time I was there was 2014. Here are a few photos.

And a couple more postcards…

The Netherlands

Holland in flower decoration

May 1985

Hi

We went to Kukenhof yesterday – cold and damp but flowers were beautiful (just like picture). K went with us to the Kroller Muller museum and a castle for lunch on Sunday. She and Alicia went to Spain yesterday. Pitkins are at Madurodam this AM – We’ll do a museum this aft. They’ll go to Amsterdam tomorrow and England on Friday. Got your good letter yesterday, also book and letter from Steve.

Love, Va

Floriade, Amsterdam

May 1982

Hi

Just got home from the Floriade and A lovely 5 course luncheon with the Board – 51 of us. We drove in a big bus thru the beautiful tulip fields – a lovely sunny day, not too chilly. The cocktail last night was ok – Marilynn’s spinach dip was a real hit! Mary H. Sends her love to you. Hope all is okay in Pl–

Love, Va

Floriade – International Horticultural Exhibition

Norway

July

Passed the arctic circle on the train to Bodo. Quite chilly as you can imagine. Supposed to be lots of sea eagles but have only seen sculptures so far. This afternoon we are taking a bus to view the Maelstrom and then at midnight, weather permitting, a little bus-train up a mountain to view the midnight sun! This weekend — fjord country!

Love, Tim

The Netherlands

Portrait of Queen Beatrix by Andy Warhol

March 1991

Isn’t this nice? They have a large one hanging as you start upstairs in the refurbished Maruitshuis. Bill and I went this AM – all my old favorites (Steen, F Hals, Rembrandt, etc) are all there, but the bldg is beautiful! We are off to Dorothy’s for tea – ISNAR for weekly get-together at 5.

Love, Va

Piestany, Slovakia

February 1993

Greetings from Piestany! It’s wonderful to be here – sometimes I have to pinch myself. Very little English is spoken so I struggle with Slovak-German. People appreciate the effort if not the accent!

Slovakia is a beautiful country – all is mountains or foothills with many forests and rivers. Comm. ruined some valleys with power plants and cities with roads, bridges, plants, etc. but the rich history is everywhere! There must be a million castles. I’ve seen 4 so better get busy!

Piestany is lovely and attracts many foreigners so luxuries like soft TP, fresh fruit and Newsweek! It’s inexpensive to live here which is great since we don’t make much money!!

I live in a teenager’s dorm – 2 rooms & WC. Roomy and clean and nice to have the privacy!

People are incredibly warm and generous – I’ve been made to feel very welcome! I receive gifts of pickles, flowers, appliances – all that I need to make my rooms a home! Hope all is well – write and let me know if you are moving to the East!

Love, Liz

Strasbourg, France

July 1983

Hi

We are just crossing German-Dutch border while eating dejeuner. It’s really been fun – with lots of wine, champagne, flirting, sleeping, Spite & Malice, looking, visiting!

Home this aft from Rotterdam by train.

Wish you had been along!

Love, Va

“Le Mouvement qui nous eleve le plus est celui qui nous convient le mieux” Lenz. Lumieres de “Lenz”

Une piece montee sure la plateforme de la cathedrale par le Theatre National de Strasbourg. Mise en scene: Johannes Klett

Dublin, Ireland

May 2005

Hi

We did Guinness today along with St Pat’s cathedral, Trinity College and Book of Kells, several pubs. Chilly and rainy – find the food very good – the beer also, according to Bill and Tim.

Wish you were along, too. We start driving tomorrow.

Cheers and Love, Va

London, England

June 1973

Dear Mom,

Had an interesting trip over–took train to Boulogne, then hovercraft across the Channel and train to London. Va and Bill saw us off at the train station. We had such a good time with them it was hard to leave!! They went off to Spain and Portugal yesterday and will be in NY around the 24th for a few days. Va will call you and me!! We are tired so haven’t done much. Slept late this morn. Then took a bus trip on one of the busses all around London. Have rested this aft. and am trying to plan our week here. Or hotel is very near Piccadilly Circus and is big — but no bathrooms!! Linda Young is here meeting her daughter who was in Africa. Talked to her last night and hope we see can have dinner with them sometime. Small world!

Love, Jean

Piccadilly Circus, London. There’s an old saying that if you stand in Piccadilly Circus for long enough, you’ll see the whole world pass before you. If you stand there for 10 minutes you’ll soon understand what it is that makes London famous throughout the world. At night, theatre-land awakes, heralded by many thousands of bright lights.