Europe at a glance series: West and South West
Dec 14 '99
A review about Europe? Well, as a born European I would think it would just be as if someone writes one single review about Chicago, the desert South West, NYC, Arizona, Disney World Florida and Mexico City. The differences are so unimaginable huge, the places so packed with impressions, very own ways of life, tradition and mentalities that you can hardly scratch a place in one single review.
Still, I am going to do it. There was the father of our neighbor visiting, who asked me: “I am going to have vacation in Europe, what would you recommend, I got 6 weeks time.” So we got maps and books and my experience from my leisure and business traveling and put a package together. Oh boy, that was great fun! Going back to the places (at least in your mind) you have enjoyed always makes you feel like doing the trip again. I was smiling all evening long after this experience!
So, for all folks that have not the foggiest clue about what to expect when flying over there and want to have some basic instructions and ideas on some places to go, here is my BASIC review on Europe. If you need some more detailed information, check out the Internet links at the end of every section or some other fine reviews at epinions.com or some of my detailed travel features such as Alsace, France / Black Forest, Germany or Basel, Switzerland.
But I will break down these reviews in regional parts. That gives a better access and focus.
Since I have not seen every place and plan to do so, I will add-on this review
West and South West Europe
France:
O, la la! This country has just everything. I mean EVERYTHING!!! Wonderful cities (Paris, Lyon, Cannes) with different flair, astonishing mountains (French Alps with wonderful lake landscapes), Mediterranean regions, wine regions (take at least 1 week there) and lots more. Packed with history.
Climate compared to US regions: East Coast (depending on region and in France)
People: Love to celebrate and empty lots of good wine bottles with friends. Some problems with English, Americans are often not understood and therefore the French are considered to be rude the Americans. Trust me: it’s only a language thing, try to get around this problem somehow.
Must-sees: Paris!!! Paris!!! Paris!!! Very unique, wonderful, relaxing and exiting at the same time. Great nightlife, bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants. Don’t cut cost on the food side, you will remember their good restaurants for all your life. Alsace (see my other review), coastlines (very different from region to region).
Most recommended activities: Boule! Try to play it or watch it, it’s big fun!!! Don’t forget to bring a bottle of wine along, when joining the other folks to play. Skiing, hiking, cycling, swimming, beaches in the South.
Specialties: Food!!!!! Wine!!!! Cheese!!!!!!!! Forget about the French, imported cheese you find at Harris Teeter or Fresh Market. Trust me, you only need fresh bred and 50 types of their cheese while being there. Don’t forget the wine and Champagne!
Budget Info: Plan about $150-200 a day/person
Web sites: General: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/dest/eur/fra.htm (Everything there); Travel ideas: http://www.france-random.com/
For Spain see my review about Fuerteventura. As soon as my wife would have some time, she will post some information about Spain and Portugal herself at this place.
Italy:
Wow! Never seen Rome? Forget about the rest of your Europe trip! Just go there and you have seen things that you would never have imagined! It is not only old and beautifully restored. The old Roman Empire was so large that they constantly find more stuff and do not know what to dig out first. Some things that have been brought to daylight would cover some more even older antique sites underneath. To understand the city as it was and to see about 50% of what you can see, you need at east 5 days! And that will only be 50%! Napoli is pretty but people are rather rude (especially in traffic) and a bit selfish. East Coast is to crowdy with tourists, stick to the West Coast and travel up and down. Nice fishermen villages with great food out of the sea.
Tuscany is great too, try to see Carara where they break the marble off the mountain.
Climate compared to US regions: Carolina’s but not as humid
People: Really funny! Always talking, proud of their country! You’ll have fun with them!
Must-sees: Rome!!! Seaside (only west coast), Tuscany., Sienna (try to catch the horse race), Florence and Venice of course (not a place like it on the planet!
Most recommended activities: Discovery, history, soccer games (huge stadiums and crazy fans, a big fun!
Specialties: Pasta, wine, Pizza (completely different and way better than what you get in the States, e.g. in most regions they only have one topping – but extremely tasty, fresh, rich, just delicious). Salami!!! A pity that you will not be allowed to brig along a couple of lbs. Ham and bacon, you can buy it on any gas station there. Is just as good as in any village.
Budget Info: Plan about $100-150 a day/person
Web sites: General: http://www.initaly.com/index.htm (Complete travel guide); History: http://www.mi.cnr.it/WOI/deagosti/history/0welcome.html (great history site and much more)
Please see my other reviews about this series (marked in the review title).
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
401402
|
 - Top 1000 |
|
Reviews written: 161
Trusted by: 1176 members
About Me:
I am busy building a couple of more web sites...
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.