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| Equipped with only a Eurail pass and schedule (RailEurope.com), a small suitcase and a traveling companion, I spent 15 days exploring Western Europe in May 2002. Come along on the adventure with me and see what I saw and learned on this "Adventure of a Lifetime". Dubbed the "Leave Me Wanting More Trip" because I covered over 3,300 miles, visited 8 countries and attempted to speak at least 5 different languages. |
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I flew into and out of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The following day I took the Thalys (high-speed, premier train) through Brussels to Paris, France. I spent 3 days in Paris traveling to Versailles, Roland Garros and the Champagne Capital of the World - Epernay. From Paris I took an overnight train, with Deluxe Grand Class accommodations, to Barcelona, Spain. Spending just one day in Barcelona, I was off for the French Riviera. I spent just over a day exploring Nice, Cannes and Monaco. From the French Riviera I traveled to Italy, stopping in Pisa for a picture of The Leaning Tower, on the way to Rome. I spent about 3 days completely taken in by Rome and Vatican City. Having completed the trip south, I began heading back north via Venice for a day. Continuing on my way back to Amsterdam, I spent one day in Innsbruck, Austria, and another day in Köln, Germany. |
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| Although this is an extremely exhausting way to travel, I would have not missed this trip for anything! Before the trip, I laid out a skeletal itineray and planned to stay close to major cities for the whirlwind adventure. I purchased my Eurail pass and made a few hotel and train reservations before I left the United States. All other accomodations were made as I needed them with much luck following me. (My recommendation after my experiences is to find Ibis Hotels which are conveniently located and nicely priced.) |
| This amazing trip introduced me to new people, new cultures and new countries. I indulged in fantastic meals, wonderful spirits and incredible experiences along the way. Among other things, I observed Dutch and Venetian canals, the Austrian Alps, the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic Sea, Christian catacombs, champagne cellars, the preparations for the French Open and the Grand Prix in Monaco, and the crowds of the Cannes Film Festival and Sunday Mass with the Pope! Of course, there was not enough time to do as much as I would have liked in each destination. I do think I made the most of the time I had though. |
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As expected, each country and city has its own character, customs and culture. Train rides may only be a couple hours between countries but I really felt as if I had been submersed in a whole new world with each different country. I suspect each country speaking a different language also contributed to this.
The entire trip was amazing so it is difficult to pick a favorite place from my journey although I found myself not wanting to leave Rome/Vatican City. Unfortunately I arrived in Venice, Innsbruck and Cologne exhausted (last four days of the adventure). With only a day in each, I know I missed a lot that there was to see. I am sure, however, that I will be back in each place someday soon. |
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Most of Western Europe started using the Euro (€) on January 1, 2002, making it easy on travelers going between countries. All countries that I visited were using the Euro although many countries also listed their former currency on bills and receipts. While I was in Europe the Euro converted to the US Dollar around 0.90 € = $1 (US).
Apart from getting on the wrong train with about 20 other Americans, my traveling companion suffering an attempted pick-pocketing by a young boy, and my digital camera breaking on the second day of the adventure, the entire vacation was trouble-free. All parts of Europe I visited were friendly and helpful to me although I know not all Americans report the same. |
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