Journal Notes

Notes and Observations

The bus rides were incredibly comfortable, relaxing and at times educational and entertaining. Our tour guide shared with us tips and interesting facts about the areas we were about to visit.
Wine is cheaper than soda in Europe - Fantastic for all of us wine lovers!
I never loved a cow until I went to Europe and saw white cows everywhere in Burgundy France. They actually were so cute.
Our hotel keys at every destination were unique and unlike the keys in the US. Some keys were so heavy that we found that turning them in at the front desk rather than carrying them was not unusual and done by many guests.
People of Europe are extremely warm and friendly and all are willing to help you.

Church bells ringing in the distance at places you least expect to hear them – soothing to the soul.
Toilets were interesting (as odd as that may sound) they were different from what we’re used to in America. You have a choice in flushing for #1 and #2.
Energy Awareness is big in Europe. The hotels keep lights off in hallways and rooms and in some places you have to use your room key to turn the lights on.
Bicycles are extensively used. You can rent them on the streets in Paris.
Get lost in Venice – it’s the best way to see this incredibly unique city.

Travel Tips:

We recommend keeping a journal and writing in it along the way on the bus as well as at the end of each day. It helped in bringing out thoughts alive for our scrapbook after we returned home.
Hotels don’t provide wash clothes – bring your own if your accoustomed to using a wash cloth when you shower. I surely missed having one.
Pack light weight clothes and a light-weight suitcase. You’ll be so happy you did. It was nice and easy moving every 2 days and not having a giant heavy suitcase to lug around. I never thought I’d be able to travel this light before I did this trip and it actually turned out great. That’s the way to travel on a busy tour!

Wear a pedometer if you would like to like to track how much you walk every day. It was good to know at the end of the day how far our feet took us.
The Rick Steves' money belt worked great. It was so comfortable and we barely new we had it on. Wear good walking shoes – you’ll need them.
Don’t sweat the small stuff – things sometimes happen and may go wrong. There’s always a solution and your tour guide will always help to put you at ease and work it out.