Dirt013

Cing, I've been to Europe a couple of times...and only once had a problem with someone for being an "American", but then i don't consider myself to be the average "American" or the average "American tourist". Regardless, i would never deny my Nationality to anyone...and never claim to be Canadian. (no offense ghost! )

Mateo, thanks so much for the helpful hints and advice, it is much appreciated.

4 Euros for a meal....i'll probably be living off these for a month! I figure if i stick generally with bread and cheese...i'll be good. (ok...and wine)

Yeah...i took German, my girlfriends daughter brought her French book home, and is trying to help me pick up certain phrases...we'll see how that goes. I always make at least a minimal effort to speak the native lang of the country i'm in....but French....all those damnable vowels!

I always walk whenever possible....not only cheap, but definitely the best way to experience whatever city you are in. My first time in London, i did so much walking i had terrible blisters within the first two days of my arrival.

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Dirt013

Dirt013

Well, been home for a few weeks, but absent from TG as my motherboard mysteriously died while i was abroad. Won't bore anyone with details, but I feel a few comments are in order. First thanks to everyone who gave me helpful suggestions. France was beautiful, and much to my surprise i now have a GREAT deal of admiration for the French people. The American conception of the French couldn't have been further from what i experienced. On several occasions, as a solitary traveler, i was helped out by complete strangers who did much more than just point me in the right direction; a truly splendid people. I was surprised to discover that for D-Day some Frenchmen in Normandy dress as American soldiers from the period, from military vehicles to M1 Garands and paratrooper boots. In St Mere Eglise (sp) there is a huge party that lasts almost a full week! And there you are truly embraced for being an American. Belguim was great, spent a week there and LOVED the beer. Antwerp was a dump, but Brugge was a fantastic little town. Luxembourg was worth the stop, visited Pattons grave there and some of our fallen boys. Switzerland turned out to be the highlight of my trip, stayed in Zurich two nights then Interlaken for two more....went Canyoning there and paragliding. The best, however, was Gimmerwald which is a short distance from interlaken, but actually requires a cable car to get to. The view of the Alps from this tiny village was MAGNIFICANT. Stayed four more nights at that location, till heading for southern France then home. Anyhow, look forward to seeing you guys in game as soon as i get my rig back.

P.S. Is you go to Switzerland, stay at the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald, you will NOT be disappointed; best Hostel EVER, and i've seen quite a few.

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Dirt013

Boot

Yes! Gimmelwald is south and across the canyon from where I stayed in Wengen. We went there for an afternoon and on up to Murren which is higher.

We rented bicyles from Interlaken and then rode out of the Alps to Bern. It was very well arranged, we'd leave our suitcases at the front desk and get on our bikes, and the trip organizers would drive our bags to the next hotel. We only did 3 days on bikes, but wished we'd done 10.

I've been through the US, much of western Europe and Scandinavia, but to date that valley in Switzerland is the most beautiful place I've found on this earth.

EDIT: If you have Google Earth, download this link. If you don't have Google Earth, get with the times caveman.

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Boot.

In Soviet Russia, TV watches YOU.

Dirt013

Agreed, Switzerland is like Colorado on Steroids, it's almost beyond description. The Swiss are very proud of their country as well, and it shows...very little litter.

LMAO.

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Dirt013