Delius Diaries

Summer 2025, the second half, was full of go go go travel and exploration. As this information is 6-8 weeks behind us now, I am going relive our travels and make a post for each destination, as they each were so different. Since Connor didn’t start school until the end of August, we had almost a month to see Europe. We have a lofty goal of visiting all 31 NATO countries, not sure if that is achieveable. So after a day or two of jet lag recovery in Brussels when we landed July 31, we first started with local tourist attractions – The Atomium and Mini-Europe. Connor and I took a bus and a train to get this northern part of Brussels. Scott met us from work for lunch and touring. The Atomium was built for the World’s Fair in 1958 as the centerpiece. At the time, it was a modern marvel showcase. It was fun to explore inside which included strobe lights, tunnel passages and mementos from the World’s Fair.

Afterwards we walked next door to the Mini-Europe. Which is hilarious and realistic at the same time. It was a hot Brussels afternoon walking through mini European capitals, some which had moving parts, water features or music. It spurred us on to make real plans, which we kinda of did. We are the family that makes very last minute plans – like morning of let’s get a flight to Budapest and we will find a hotel on the way! Sounds cool, but also could be just smidge stressful at times. There may have been a mistake or two made which I will confess where appropriate….

August is Europe’s vacation month. A lot closes down. Brussels is very quiet and most NATO countries take time away from NATO work, so this was good timing for Scott to take a few days off before Connor started school at the end of August. We went to Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Luxembourg. I am going to make a post for each city to give it justice.

The time together was just what we needed after being apart from each other for so long. We laughed, hugged, walked for miles, electric scootered along rivers and historical sites, and pushed ourselves to eat and drink adventurously.