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.