Rest of the trip.

I am home now. I didn't get anymore internet access on the trip. After the last post, our next stop was in the German town of Rothenburg. It was a small town with cobbled streets and we had a good walk around. I bought Schneeballen, which are cakey balls dipped in different things like chocolate or sugar or icing. After that it was on to Austria and our next overnight which was in Innsbruck. This was nestled in the alps, so the mountains were huge around us. In the winter there are a lot of ski resorts there. We got to walk around the town for a bit and then on to the hotel. The next day was more driving through the alps, which crossed the border into Italy. We then made our way out of them and on into Venice. We had to take a boat over, as there are no vechicle roads. It was breathtaking to say the least. Venice is built upon an island, and is sadly sinking. I hope they can figure a way to save it, because it is amazing. We got a guided tour of the main square and into a glass blowing factory. We then went on our own for awhile. We then had an optional excursion, which I took, of a gondola serenade down the canals. It was so amazing. You can't go to Venice and not have one. After that it was back on the boat and to the hotel.

Next we made a stop in Verona, to see the famous ampitheatre and Juliet's balcony. There is a statue there of Juliet and legend goes that if you touch her right breast and make a wish about love, it will come true. Who was I to argue, I did that. After some more walking around, we got back on the coach and made our way into the alps once again, this time to Switzerland. We drove on to Lake Lugano for another stop. It was for strolling around and shopping should we feel like it. It was a beautiful place as well. Then on to Lake Lucerene and our hotel. Tonight was a second optional excursion which I took. We went into Lucernce and had a Swiss fokelore evening with cheese fondue and massive litre beers. It was a fun evening to say the least. Then back to the hotel. Next day we spent the first part of the morning in Lucerene, and then another optional excursion. I did this one as well and it would be my last. This was a cable train and cable car ride up the Stanserhorn. It is a 1900 metre high mountain with spectacular views. It was a true experience to go up this in Switzerland. I did buy some swiss chocolate as well. Then back down to rejoin the bus and make our way to France. We went to our hotel in Dole, a halway point for getting to Paris. The next day it was on to Paris, where we had a bit of time to stroll, then got a city guide tour. After that, the rest of the people went on an optional excursion there of a Seine cruise and up the Eiffel tower. Since I have been up it, I opted out of it and spent the time walking around taking in sights, some I have seen, others I have not. I then got a drink and sat on the grass in front of the Eiffel tower to view in amazment. I met back up with the group and we went to the hotel.

Next day, today, it was back to Calais and on the ferry back to the UK. It was an altogether fantastic experience that I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to get around Europe without anything to worry about. Everything is taking care of. I did take loads of pictures and they will be on my album site at the end of the week when I have more time. So, please look out for them. I definately want to go back and visit some of the places I went to, but of course got and visit plenty more I haven't. Man, Europe rules!!!!