"Two In The Morning But There's One Green Light"

Anniversary Trip: Scandinavia, London, and Beyond

For our three-year anniversary, my wife and I embarked on a trip to Europe that checked off both of our bucket lists. She’s always dreamed of visiting Scandinavia and London, and it just so happened to coincide with the Chicago Bears (my team) playing in London—an opportunity I couldn't pass up as a huge fan (although she could care less about football). That was her “gift” to me, and in return, she got to pick most of the itinerary, starting with the stunning city of Bergen, Norway.

Bergen, Norway: A Scenic Wonderland

We began our adventure in Bergen, a colorful town on the water surrounded by spectacular landscapes. With its historic waterfront buildings and lively local markets, Bergen offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and Scandinavian culture. We spent our days exploring the charming streets, indulging in local restaurants, and strolling through bustling markets selling everything from handmade crafts to Norwegian delicacies.

One highlight was taking the Fløibanen funicular up to the top of Mount Fløyen, where we were treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords. The sunsets up there are unforgettable, casting a golden glow over the city’s rooftops. To top it off, one night we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, a bucket-list experience that was the cherry-on-top, of our time in Bergen.

London: A Whirlwind Tour and an NFL Dream Come True

After Scandinavia, we jetted off to London for a rapid-fire tour of the city's most famous landmarks. We stayed near Covent Garden, a spot I’d highly recommend due to its central location—great for quick jaunts to Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and the Churchill War Rooms. The energy in London is palpable, and our stay was filled with history, culture, and, of course, incredible food.

Then came the day of the football game. We made our way to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, nestled in a cozy neighborhood despite its massive 60,000+ capacity. The game atmosphere was electric, and the neighborhood feel only added to the excitement. As a bonus, a friend—who happened to have the Jacksonville Jaguars as a client—gave us tickets in the third row! Watching an NFL game that close was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one I’ll probably never replicate.

A Hidden Gem: York, Yorkshire

Perhaps my favorite part of the trip was our overnight escape to York, a charming and historic town in North Yorkshire. With its cobblestone streets, ancient city walls, and quaint local markets, York felt like stepping back in time. The star of our visit was undoubtedly York Minster, a stunning cathedral with incredible stained glass and detailed architecture. We arrived just in time for a prayer service, allowing us to experience the church’s serene beauty from the inside—an unforgettable moment.

Despite sore feet from days of sightseeing, the adventures were absolutely worth every step, but until then...I'm comin' home, baby!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Bergen, Norway

• Fløibanen Funicular for panoramic city views
• Fishmarket for fresh seafood

ENGLAND

London

• Stay near Covent Garden/SoHo for easy access to major landmarks.
  • Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the London Eye

York

• York Minster
• Cobblestone streets and local markets / English countryside vibes

Recommendations

• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, so good shoes are essential!
• Layers: Scandinavia and the UK can be chilly in early autumn, so pack layers.
• Download Offline Maps: These are helpful when exploring rural  areas without Wi-Fi.
• Stay Central in Cities: If time is short, central accommodations like Covent Garden in London make all the difference.

Anniversary Trip: Scandinavia, London, and Beyond

For our three-year anniversary, my wife and I embarked on a trip to Europe that checked off both of our bucket lists. She’s always dreamed of visiting Scandinavia and London, and it just so happened to coincide with the Chicago Bears (my team) playing in London—an opportunity I couldn't pass up as a huge fan (although she could care less about football). That was her “gift” to me, and in return, she got to pick most of the itinerary, starting with the stunning city of Bergen, Norway.

Bergen, Norway: A Scenic Wonderland

We began our adventure in Bergen, a colorful town on the water surrounded by spectacular landscapes. With its historic waterfront buildings and lively local markets, Bergen offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and Scandinavian culture. We spent our days exploring the charming streets, indulging in local restaurants, and strolling through bustling markets selling everything from handmade crafts to Norwegian delicacies.

One highlight was taking the Fløibanen funicular up to the top of Mount Fløyen, where we were treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords. The sunsets up there are unforgettable, casting a golden glow over the city’s rooftops. To top it off, one night we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, a bucket-list experience that was the cherry-on-top, of our time in Bergen.

London: A Whirlwind Tour and an NFL Dream Come True

After Scandinavia, we jetted off to London for a rapid-fire tour of the city's most famous landmarks. We stayed near Covent Garden, a spot I’d highly recommend due to its central location—great for quick jaunts to Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and the Churchill War Rooms. The energy in London is palpable, and our stay was filled with history, culture, and, of course, incredible food.

Then came the day of the football game. We made our way to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, nestled in a cozy neighborhood despite its massive 60,000+ capacity. The game atmosphere was electric, and the neighborhood feel only added to the excitement. As a bonus, a friend—who happened to have the Jacksonville Jaguars as a client—gave us tickets in the third row! Watching an NFL game that close was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one I’ll probably never replicate.

A Hidden Gem: York, Yorkshire

Perhaps my favorite part of the trip was our overnight escape to York, a charming and historic town in North Yorkshire. With its cobblestone streets, ancient city walls, and quaint local markets, York felt like stepping back in time. The star of our visit was undoubtedly York Minster, a stunning cathedral with incredible stained glass and detailed architecture. We arrived just in time for a prayer service, allowing us to experience the church’s serene beauty from the inside—an unforgettable moment.

Despite sore feet from days of sightseeing, the adventures were absolutely worth every step, but until then...I'm comin' home, baby!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Bergen, Norway

• Fløibanen Funicular for panoramic city views
• Fishmarket for fresh seafood

ENGLAND

London

• Stay near Covent Garden/SoHo for easy access to major landmarks.
  • Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the London Eye

York

• York Minster
• Cobblestone streets and local markets / English countryside vibes

Recommendations

• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, so good shoes are essential!
• Layers: Scandinavia and the UK can be chilly in early autumn, so pack layers.
• Download Offline Maps: These are helpful when exploring rural  areas without Wi-Fi.
• Stay Central in Cities: If time is short, central accommodations like Covent Garden in London make all the difference.