We’re back!

We spent a little over two weeks in Europe, specifically Heidelberg and Cologne in Germany, Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and Brugge in Belgium. We also had a quick afternoon in Amsterdam before flying out of Schiphol. Todd was there for work meetings, so the kids and I tagged along and did some adventuring.

We loved Heidelberg’s castle so much that we visited the grounds three times. Not even kidding. The whole city felt like a fairy tale, especially when you're wandering around ruins while eating a chocolate croissant.

And Brugge. OMG, I can't stop thinking about how beautiful it is!

Funniest moment of the trip? The zoo in Heidelberg. Mason peeled off from Claire and me, and next thing we know, he’s behind the snack bar counter. Their credit card machine was down, and instead of turning him away, they made him work for his snack by moving boxes in the back. I’ve never laughed harder. Truly a core memory.

Also, I stopped in nearly every Rituals store we passed. It's like a European Bath & Body Works, but fancier. The flagship House of Rituals store in Amsterdam is worth a visit all on its own. I smelled amazing the entire trip.

We bought so much stuff that we had to get a last-minute rolling duffel bag at Primark to get it all home. If you want to see more from the trip, I’ve posted some photos and videos on Instagram: @thecooperkoch​

My Favorite Things

MVPs of the Trip

These items truly earned their spot in my travel hall of fame:

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: I brought both the sunglasses and clear lens versions. They take videos and photos and can even answer questions with Meta AI. But the best part? I kept my phone in my bag and saw the world through my own eyes instead of a screen. What you see in the trip videos is literally my POV.
​Sunglasses | Clear Lenses​

Alpaka Tote Bag: This tote is my new favorite. It has structured internal pockets, which meant my water bottle, glasses, camera, napkins and receipts weren’t just flopping around in a cavernous pit. Mine’s blue, but the green and black are great too.
​Alpaka Tote​

New Balance 327 Sneakers: Bought them right before the trip, and not once did my feet hurt. Not even after miles of walking, including hiking up and over the mountain in Heidelberg in search of mammoth redwoods and waterfalls. They’re technically “women’s” shoes, but that’s never stopped me before.
​New Balance 327s​

A Somber Note

Guadalupe River Tragedy

The reason I didn’t send out Cooped Up last week was part jet lag and part heartbreak. The tragic accident on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville hit way too close. I know two families who lost children, including Mason’s 3rd grade teacher. Reading the news brought me to tears over and over. It still does. My heart aches for them.

On Repeat

"Free" by Super Nate

The most 1990s house party jam you’ve ever heard. By the end, I’m dancing in the kitchen, in the shower, at the stoplight. You get the idea.
​Apple Music | Spotify​

Sh!t Cooper Says

"If telling people what they did wrong were a sport, the Germans would sweep the Olympics every time."

- Cooper Koch

Everywhere we went, there was someone ready to let you know that whatever you were doing, it wasn’t quite right. Usually a cashier. Whether it was placing your items incorrectly on the belt or putting your card in the machine too soon, they made sure you knew. Always with that very special tone of disdain that feels like being dressed down by a nun.

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That’s it for this week. Let me know what you loved (or didn’t), forward it to someone who needs a laugh or a new tote bag, and don't forget to follow me on Instagram for a few more trip pics while I’m still pretending I live in Europe.

YOU ARE LOVED!