Three Weeks, Three Countries, and a Whole Lot of Memories: Our European Adventure

Three weeks, three countries, countless hours behind the wheel, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Nick and I recently packed our bags for a whirlwind journey across Germany, Portugal, and the UK. With our lives and work spanning across three continents, extended trips like these are a rare blend of professional curiosity, spontaneous travel, and cherished family time. Looking back, it was the perfect reminder of how important it is to step away, reset, and embrace both the fast-paced and slower seasons of life.

Here is a look behind the scenes of our recent European road trip.

Act I: High-Tech Germany and the Open Autobahn

Our adventure kicked off bright and early with a morning arrival in Frankfurt. There was no time for jet lag—we headed straight into a busy first week, starting with a tour of the impressive new Topcon Electronics factory in Geisenheim. Getting a firsthand look at world-class innovation and manufacturing is always energizing, especially when you appreciate the operational precision behind great businesses.

After a much-needed quick nap to recharge, we hit the road heading north toward Wismar.

If you have never driven on the German Autobahn, it is an experience in itself—fast, smooth, and remarkably efficient. Over the next few days, we balanced road tripping with exploring the historic streets of Wismar, the maritime energy of Hamburg, and the rich, layered history of Berlin. It was a packed, high-momentum start to the trip, but exactly what we needed before shifting gears entirely.

Act II: Slowing Down in Portugal (and an AI Travel Experiment)

From the fast lanes of Germany, we flew south to Portugal, where the pace changed completely.

For this leg of the journey, we deliberately avoided strict itineraries. Our only commitments were our accommodations in Lisbon, Peso da Régua in the heart of the Douro Valley, and Porto.

This was also a first for me: I decided to lean into technology and use AI to help curate and book our stays. We ended up with a diverse mix of accommodations—an apartment hotel, a traditional boutique hotel, and an Airbnb apartment. I am happy to report that every single one hit the mark. It was a great little case study in how modern tools can take the friction out of travel planning.

The absolute highlight of our time in Portugal was a four-wheel-drive wine and port tour through the Douro Valley. The terraced vineyards and winding river views were breathtaking, but the standout moment was sitting atop a mountain, enjoying a relaxed picnic while looking out across the endless valley. Hard to beat that view.

Of course, no road trip is complete without a little adventure. We hired a car for a couple of days to explore the countryside. Between adjusting to driving on the right side of the road and navigating razor-thin, winding village lanes, there were more than a few "white-knuckle" moments where we genuinely wondered if we had accidentally taken a shortcut through someone’s front yard.

Act III: Family Milestones and a Sizzling London

The final chapter of our journey brought us to London for what was already planned as a special family birthday celebration. But the trip held an even bigger surprise.

Our son, Sam, proposed to his lovely girlfriend Harriet—the birthday girl herself. And she said yes!

Being there to celebrate both her birthday and their engagement with our family all in one room was truly the highlight of the entire three weeks. When you live and work internationally, getting everyone together under one roof does not happen nearly often enough. To top it off, we had the wonderful opportunity to meet more of the extended Watson family, making our time in the UK even richer.

London was also experiencing an unprecedented heatwave and drought during our stay. Seeing the iconic green parks turned completely golden-brown and the River Thames running low was surreal. As anyone who has been in the UK during extreme heat knows, the city is simply not built for 30°C+ days—no air conditioning, no fans, just open windows and everyone doing their best to stay cool.

Shifting Gears: Back to the Rhythm of Business

Reflecting on the last three weeks, it was the perfect balance: a fast and structured start in Germany, a restful, scenic pause in Portugal, and unforgettable family milestones in London.

Now, it is time to shift back into gear. We have five days at home in Bali to unpack, reset, and catch our breath before heading to Australia for the next round of EOS Quarterly and Annual sessions with leadership teams.

It is a different kind of busy, but after a journey like this, my tank is full and ready for the work ahead.