My sister Carmen and husband Lafayette live in Heidelberg Germany presently and have for several years with the US Army. Our mother had the opportunity to visit them and also take a holiday in Paris. They were kind enough to share the pictures with me and now I can share them with friends who visit my website.

Germany is in north-central Europe bordering Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Austria, The Czech Republic and Poland. Its northwest coast is the North Sea, its northeast the Baltic. The North German Plain gradually rises to the south through uplands to the Jura mountains and the Alps. The climate is temperate. Germany's economy, hugely industrial, is third largest in the world. Though the area has been important in European history since Roman times, it wasn't unified until 1871, as the German Empire. It lost considerable territory in World War I and was partitioned after World War II.

Paris is a wealth of opportunities for the urban tourist. The right and left banks of the Seine (determined by looking downstream) are the classic divisions of Paris. The right bank is more elegant and formal, the left, more relaxed and bohemian. A center of European civilization for centuries, the city's architectural, culinary and cultural attractions are unparalleled. Must-sees are the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Champs Elysees and Notre Dame.

The city center is compact and its biggest attractions are within walking distance of each other. For longer trips, the Metro is most convenient, busses are slower but more scenic and taxis are inexpensive. Bar and restaurant bills include service, but a small additional tip is customary, up to 5% in expensive places. A 10% tip is usual for taxis and hairdressers. Listed prices must include tax. Refunds of the value added tax, with some restrictions, are available. Paris is in north-central France on the Seine River. A major European transportation hub, it is readily accessible by any means of travel.

Founded in 250 BCE on the Ile De Cite by the Gallic Parisii, it was later Roman, Frankish and finally the capital and center of France. The climate is cool temperate with surprisingly mild winters. The best weather runs from mid- June to mid-October, coinciding with the heaviest tourist traffic. Reunified in 1990s, it has the largest population in the European Union. Germany's cultural offerings are second to none. Its opera, symphonies, galleries, museums, architecture, nightlife and historic sites are as rich as any in Europe. Outdoors, the north coast beaches are popular summer resorts. In summer the scenic mountains and Black Forest draw hikers, climbers and campers; in winter, skiers.