Day 1 - Frankfurt

Its funny how one hour can ruin nearly 2 days, our initial fight was delayed a little over an hour due to a problem with the deicer. As a result we missed our connection in Amsterdam and added about 6 hours to our travel time. Thus we had to sacrifice the things I wanted to do in Frankfurt and what's worse it put everyone in a bad mood. On a more interesting note we did get to hear the entire life story of an engaged waitress from Chicago. What is it about Alanis Morissette that makes plane travel more palatable? Whatever it is I highly recommend the next time you fly bring some Alanis for when ya feel down. I also, despite previous histrionics to the contrary seem to be the most reasonable packer of our pitiful little band. Hopefully with some sleep tomorrow will go better. So today, or thereabouts, I was able to add 3 and 4, Holland and Germany respectively, to my list of countries visited - they both smell but Germany is far worse, I think it's the different pollution.

Day 2 - Frankfurt

The second day went much better - it would have been hard pressed to have been worse. Craig says yesterday was the most bad luck he's had on any vacation, much less one day - I believe him. We went to Marksburg Castle on a German-language guided tour which was a little awkward. The most interesting part was that people were shorter then - how else but in size can other castles beat the only one never destroyed? I took something in the neighborhood of 30 pictures so I am somewhat concerned about memory (30 X 24 = 720). I was able to get on the internet for free which was nice. A girl flashed me in the restaurant we had diner in, she was our waitress and I wasn't sure what to say ("Those are nice"?!) but she was talking to someone else at the time - I don't pretend to understand. The littlle touristy town we ate in was rather nice though. I also got to wash my hands in The Rhine, if you can call it washing it was so muddy, and accidentally put my foot in it. We also drove around downtown but no sign of the Hard Rock unfortunately.

Day 4 - Berlin

No journal entry for last night because I had the unexpected tidbit dropped on me that we're on our own in Berlin. At this point I can't wait to go back to work - at least there I'm respected. People, annd by that I mean friends and coworkers, aren't going to jump all over me because of choices I make that have nothing to do with them - that is an arrogance reserved for family. I miss road trips with Jon. I could stand on my head and cluck like a chicken and he wouldn't give a shit. I miss every last one of my friends and coworkers. Now I just need to survive the next 20-odd days. Thank god for Berlin though - after getting settled mom and I walked to the Hard Rock and were able to have a little taste of home...and meet some girls from Indiana. Berlin is the city of bicycles - they're everywhere.

Day 5 - Berlin

I'll say it again - thank god for Berlin. Today we went to the Sony centre which it turns out is not a mall. Then we went to the real mall which also turned out not to be a mall but just a Sears on Robson size department store. Irony abounds. After going our separate ways mom and I explored Berlin while Sis and Craig bought rocks. I don't pretend to understand but at least they were nice enough to drop us off at the radio tower where I found a net cafe and was able to burn some pictures to CD.

Day 6 - Prague

The journey to Prague was pleasantly uneventful - keeping in mind I was listening to mp3s the entire way, I was blissfully unaware of the goings on. People who speak English are now my saviors. Begin country 5: Czech Republic. Prague has actually been an enormous relief - I honestly expected it to suck but our apartment is huge and well-equipped and a block away from an English speaking Italian restaurant and corner store. I think at some point in the past someone decided to protect the city from invasion they would change the names of streets every block and then hide the street signs. Hitler didn't spare the Jewish quarter as a museum of history records, he couldn't find it!

Day 7 - Prague

Today was a fairly tiring day, climbing spires and whatnot. I saw a nice blue glass icicle necklace that I wanted to get but they were sold out. I got mislead by an internet caf� and mom's bank card was captured. Upon return to the apartment we lost power.

Day 8 - Prague

I got to sleep in today after mom's snoring kept me up. Went shopping and found a spring jacket for myself. Then mom got lost and I spent 3 hours roaming the streets looking for her.

Day 9 - Prague

I was beginning to think the rain never fell in Prague - it prefers to show up with hail. I'm glad we're leaving - while the scores of beautiful women are nice to look at, they make me a little self-conscious.

Day 10 - Vienna

And thus begins country 6, Austria. Another castle proved to be an upbeat diversion. Our Bed & Breakfast, the Flic-Flac hotel, is pretty amazing...if a little yellow. Their Internet can't access hotmail but they have Jacuzzis. I like this place so much I was hoping to hang out here tomorrow but it seems time by myself is going to be very hard to come by. Another day ends with me wishing I was home.

Day 11 - Vienna

Today was probably the first day where something occurred that I could call fun - we've had lots of cool, interesting, educational, and even awe-inspiring but until today no fun. At the palace they have a maze and a labyrinth with games. It wasn't especially impressive, the games, but it was the closest thing to fun I've seen so I was all over it. Like the desert misses the rain. Had my second go at a Jacuzzi - they're still over-rated but it was a pleasant diversion. I'm definitely thinking only one week in Cancun.

Day 12 - Salzburg

Finally a day largely without drama, we made it from Vienna to Salzburg in 3 hours and then went to the castle. I got to ride on the funicular which thus far is the closest thing to a ride we've seen open. Tomorrow is Venice, number 2 of my 3 cities - although mom was actually the first to mention it. I'm a little apprehensive about Rome - the heat and the queuing seems to sound worse with each mention. I can't wait until London, heck even southern France will hopefully be a load off with less language problems. As much as I want to see Paris and especially London I can't wait to be home again. I want to be in control of my life again, where day to day life isn't such a struggle. I've seen some amazing things on this trip with many more to follow but nothing compares to being in the company of those who spend time with you because they choose to.

Day 13 - Venice

Begin country 7: Italy. Another day almost completely free of drama - perhaps we're finally hitting our stride. Sis even used my 'evil' PDA to help navigate as well her and Craig requested a CD of mine each to be played in the car. Sis was downright helpful yesterday when the pop bottle exploded on me and today kept me from losing my glasses at breakfast. On a more personal note I feel good that my knowledge, equipment, and preparation have saved this trip from additional disasters - we've already had plenty and it's nice to be useful, even on vacation. I got some good advice via an e-mail last night about not letting homesickness prevent you from enjoying yourself. Today 2 more things can be added to the fun list: feeding pigeons and riding the waterbus in Venice. I also finally used my iPaq to go online via wifi today - for once the wifi rate was actually more competitive. It looks like I'll be a rather busy bird myself when I get home. I really should pick up something for Burton. One thing that surprised me in Venice was all the graffiti - it was mostly anti-American but I couldn't be sure if they were upset over US foreign policy or if they resent the tourists. Either way it detracted from the charm.

Day 14 - Rome

I think I might have my poles reversed - in my personal life I've been goal-driven and ambitious and in my professional life I've been enjoying myself and finding the romance in the everyday. Something is definitely backwards. In my defense I haven't had much of a personal life. Its official: my family hates Rome and thus far that includes me. I think I got some sunstroke or something because I do no feel well: headache, exhaustion, and nausea. I know we're in Rome, I know it's expensive, and I know it's a rare opportunity but I need a freaking sick day. Even if my symptoms pass I might still sit tomorrow out. Driving and navigating this city is impossible - avoid it at all costs! Under no circumstances should anyone ever drive in Rome for any reason. For one thing, someone went and covered up all the street and road signs with stickers, mostly in the places already the hardest to navigate. There are also double the number of cars and mopeds on the road than this city can support. The apartment here is very small, it was obviously meant for 2 people but it comes reasonably well-equipped. It might be comfy enough to hang out in by myself for a day - anyone wanna put odds on that happening? Actually tomorrow is the Coliseum, I can't miss that - it's half of my Places Guest Services Booths Were Named after Tour. Tonight outside our apartment there was a sax performance, it was charming but I was to busy hunting for food with a headache to enjoy it. I knew Rome would be the crucible in which we burn - hopefully from the Roman forge we will emerge stronger and wiser travelers. Because I swear if I end up sick in England I WILL kill my family.

Day 15 - Rome

Another day without serious difficulty. One thing of interest, my sister seems to think I'm self-obsessed - if I am I'd like to think it's because I'm concerned with other people (i.e. making sure not to hurt people's feelings, being a better friend, etc.). So today we went to the Coliseum and Palantine (Forum), quite a bit of walking and I'm concerned about sunburn but it was worth it. A helpful man gave us directions and advice on the bus today. We met another nice man who gave us a history lesson and sold Craig some books. He was charming but made an interesting comment about how he refuses to go to Germany because of the war. Walking down the street as the Coliseum came in to view it was hard not to notice, it dominated the horizon drawing us in. Bless Craig, his online tickets saved us all the lines. Palantine reminded Craig and I of Reinsfeld only more impressive and fewer holes to climb into. There was a nice blonde who got a little cozy, just as I was about to start a conversation my family caught up - what can ya do? And given all the warnings I checked my pockets after the encounter just to be safe - nothing was missing. I skipped the Parthenon on the way back thanks to chaffing and diarrhea - yay me. I took a look at Craig's pictures and I don't think I missed much. I won't let anything risk me enjoying myself in London. Overall I'd say I'm in pretty good spirits for not having had a decent meal in 2 days.

Day 16 - Rome

Add country #8: The Vatican. I see why the locals are so trim, on top of the heat their food sucks. Why do all the businessmen on mopeds look like Kevin Pollack? I think I had a run-in with a pickpocket in St. Peter's - my right hand was holding my sunglasses over my wallet pocket, a running man bump into me and although the contact only lasted a few seconds but my sunglasses were very warped for such a short period of time. Nice try. St. Peter's was impressive, as was the museum. And to answer the question, the Sistine Chapel doesn't smell like much of anything, which is fortunate given how many people they cram in there. I saw a guy loose his cell phone for making a video of it. With the scrapping of Pompeii tomorrow appears to be our day of rest - I wanted one of my own but this will have to do. Found a place in Vatican City that serves Pepsi, making one of only 2 or 3 places thus far to do so - Pepsi really needs to invade Europe, all the Coke is making me sick. Tonight we went for dinner at a charming Italian cafe called Paparazzi and I had the best dinner of the trip thus far: Gnocchi ai farmiaggo. Upon return to the apartment I set about planning in greater detail for London. Berlin was fine to play by ear but we were almost paralyzed with indecision in Venice, I refuse to let that happen in London. In my research and planning I figured out a way to hit almost everything we both want to see (except for Stonehenge of course and other, less important, things). I'm also toying with the idea of hitting an amusement park as well as going out for a night of clubbing. Hard things to enjoy by yourself but after all I've endured thus far with my family on this trip, I've more than earned it. Craig's also got me thinking about EuroDisney while we're in Paris; I think I'll tackle that idea later.

Day 17 - Rome

Finally a day of rest, slept in, hit a net caf� and burned more pics to CD. No e-mail has me a wee bit concerned. Last time I logged on I had a slew of e-mails waiting, this time just a couple party invites both of which I doubt I can make. Of course it would be on our last day here that I figure out how to cross the street like a roman - and be careful not to confuse aptitude with ease. I'm glad we're leaving Rome, 2 days would have been sufficient.

Day 18 - Milan

With Prague it was hail, with Rome a lightning storm. I never saw so many flashes of lightning in such a short period of time. Think of it, I was likely watching the same storm as the pope. Pisa was nice, we saw it practically at a run but it worked. Finally found a European vending machine outside of an airport - the few they have they do very well, my 8.5 degree cherry-filled croissant was great. The service at the Best Western in Milan is horrible. The street they are on is gone. 3 months ago they started digging it up and only notified "important" travel agencies. When I pressed the guy at the desk, who was not wearing a nametag, he simply shrugged...repeatedly. We had been looking forward to this hotel because the previous Best Western was great. The inconvenience of no street and no parking was a little annoying; our treatment by the fellow at the desk was offensive. I can't wait to get a hold of his superiors and go Connect on his ass. Additionally the bathroom was a disgrace. When I went back to the desk the clerk ignored me entirely, when other guests approached he finally got up and helped them. This just leaves such a sour taste in our mouths, I think we're all ready to leave this country behind tomorrow. The sad fact is, Italy has been more trouble than it was worth. Currently I have no intention of revisiting any of the countries we've visited thus far - some due to disappointment, others because I feel like we covered most everything I wanted to see. But if the Italians are elitist, then I'll take it up a notch: clean shaven, gelled back hair, and out comes the first collared shirt of the trip. Something's wrong when I find myself wishing for a $60 per room Motel 6 over a 4 star hotel. It boggles my mind that mom would rather watch TV in a foreign language, loudly I might add, than read...anything.

Day 19 - Montpillier

As a parting gift we were locked out of our hotel after breakfast. Vive la France! (Country #9) French women are interesting - I caught 2 staring at me today and when caught they just continued staring. Maybe it's the hair. So despite being told repeatedly there would be no more apartments on this journey we are staying in one tonight and tomorrow. There's free internet and free, if somewhat intermittent, WiFi plus the TV's in another room and best of all that other room has a sofa bed so I actually get the bedroom to myself for a night! It's great. This place is teeming with Americans...from the south. Their accents make them sound so stupid you just want to pat them on the head. They're obviously college students but not super bright. I overheard this girl say something about the frat she was in - I didn't have the heart to tell her frats were only for boys. A couple of the guys mentioned something about a beach nearby which sounds very tempting but I'll just explore the south of France with sis and Craig.

Day 20 - Montpillier

Today was interesting - touring the south of France with Sis and Craig. The castle town was interesting; I saw the first church I actually liked. Then we got food - I was able to use some French. I'm learnning quite a bit on this trip and not at all what I expected. Then we went to the Pont Du Gard aqua duct and watched some French kids dive off of cliffs - turns out my sister used to do that. Then we went to a Roman theatre in L'Orange which was nice but the audio guide killed the experience. On the whole I had a nice day with sis and Craig, I guess it's true that groups of 4 really are inherently unstable.

Day 21 - Paris

I don't like Restaurants in Paris: ask for non-smoking and you get seated next to a table of smoke stalks, the service takes an eternity and the waiters are pushy - the food itself is very good though. I'm happy, there's a completely insecure WiFi network throughout our hotel so only a brief journal entry tonight.

Day 22 - Paris

Today was a fairly busy day but still nothing compared to what I have planned for London. Started the day off, after sleeping in a bit, with a high-pressure shower. Everywhere in Europe the water pressure has been pretty low but I guess the Parisians like to blast the dirt off. Used my French skills to decipher the metro system and took the subway to the National Assembly, from there we walked along the river to the Eiffel Tower. Once there we had 3 lines to choose from, I decided to pick the only one completely in shade - mom thought this was a mistake. The line moved quickly and was full of Anglophones, after about an hour we were boarding the lift. Mom apologized for doubting me as our line moved more swiftly than the others. My reasoning was further proven when Craig's theory about the price scheme, which I argued against, turned out not to be the case. It turns out there is a toilet atop the tower, much to mom's poorly planned relief. After the tower I was able to go running in a water fountain which was very cool, but would've been better had I known in advance and brought swim shorts along. Oh well, next time I guess. This is the first place we've been to that I'm actually quite keen on returning to. From the fountain we walked to the Champs Elysses and the Louve, then home. My calves hurt a bit but its good training for London. We take the Chunnel tomorrow, I'm rather excited.

Day 23 - London

I went and got some groceries. Then we went to the British Museum which I was impressed and bored with. Then I bought some T-shirts. Thus began Country #10. London was the ONE place I never thought I'd miss home but right now I wish I was home more than ever. I know I've only lived by myself for a year and a half but it feels like a lifetime - a life I enjoy and am eager to return to: My friends, my apartment, my freedom, my job and the respect of others. I miss home. I have no idea what the future will bring but I'm confident that, with me back in the driver's seat of my life, it will be a good one - wherever I am, whomever I'm with, whatever I'm doing. I do so wish I could contact home. The hotel has WiFi throughout the building but the service is currently out, I suspect a power surge prior to our arrival as internet kiosks and bank machines are out throughout the block. Oh well, maybe tomorrow. One thing about Londoners: when they're walking down the street they don't care about how they look, they don't care about how anyone else looks or what anyone else thinks - they only care about what they're doing, where they're going, and what they're thinking. These are my kind of people.

Day 24 - London

Now today was a busy day. I woke up much earlier than planned, and didn't mind a bit. Caught the tube to Buckingham and saw the changing of the guard. There were 2 women who ran in front of me at the last minute and consequently were right at the gate and didn't shut up until they left half way thru. Then this kid came up and started rubbing against me, I called him a pervert but he didn't speak English. Mom adamantly claims he was a pickpocket despite nothing going missing - personally I just think he was an idiot. The changing of the guard was interesting but nothing to see twice - most of it amounts to a musical performance. Then we walked along the mall and diverted to Piccadilly Circus. I spent a little too much on some CDs but given that I haven't actually paid for a CD in years I had it coming. Then we ate at Burger King and checked our e-mail. That's right, a net fast food joint. Then back to the mall and Trafalgar Square. Then, at mom's request, we walked to the London Eye - I had planned for a tube ride. It wasn't without virtue; we fell ass-backwards into a cavalry stable and some war memorials. The Eye was cool, the queue was only about 10 minutes and they don't pack the capsules too full. Then after some brief confusion, and a pantless man, at Waterloo Station we caught the tube to London Bridge. Unfortunately because we took our time throughout the day everything was closed. Tomorrow is Stonehenge which I'm looking forward to but Bath and the other stop hold little interest for me. I suspect it's going to be a long day. I've pretty much mastered the London Underground, at one point I had a queue of UK citizens asking ME for directions! Unfortunately after the fact I realized I had mistakenly given one group wrong directions. Oh well I warned them, I guess that's what happens when you trust a foreigner about your public transport. Everyone else I'm pretty sure I gave accurate information.

Day 25 - London

If you can avoid Bath, I recommend it. The roman baths were interesting and impressive but again the audio guide was less than concise. Lacock was pretty much a pit stop - I suspect the tour guide gets kickbacks for pretty much making the groups eat at the pub. But the quality of the food and refusing to accept large tips made up for it. Then it was off to Stonehenge but not without a few bumps - they blocked off a road, the only road to Stonehenge. In the end we had to drive the wrong way down a single-lane one-way road in a field. But in the end it was worth it. Took tons of pictures, would've liked to stay longer but maybe I'll go back one day. Got home rather late, plan to sleep in tomorrow, I can't stand the drivel my mother watches on TV - it's no wonder she's content to watch programs in languages she doesn't understand, often it's an improvement.

Day 26 - London

Even after getting to sleep in I felt rather tired all day so we took it slow. First it was the Tower Bridge with animatronics NOT holographics. Then it was off to Britain at War which was both fascinating and sobering. Best line: �You can bomb our windows but you can't beat our prices!� I love Londoners. They actually step aside to let others off the tube before entering themselves - I often thought I was the only person who had figured out that bit of logic. Churchill�s exhibit was a bit of a downer so it was time for a Red Bull before the millennium bridge, the globe being closed for a performance. After a brief walkby of St. Paul's it was off to the market. Tonight I think I shall try to stay up if I can manage it since we have to leave at 3am anyways. I can't wait to be home.