Announcement: EUROPE 2011

EUROPE!

Well the cat's out of the bag and the rumors are true. Trent and I are backpacking Europe this summer. To decode the map: What we hope to travel through is in BLUE, our simplifications are in RED and the extra hopefuls (and unlikely's)are in PURPLE.

We leave April 27th and arrive in Madrid late on the 28th. We'll then have four weeks to go wherever the wind takes us (including bull chasing, castle spotting, church viewing, SCUBA diving, site seeing, painting, buying souvenirs, and so forth). Most of our nights will be spent on Euro Rail as we bought global passes through 22 countries. Trent and I hope to finish our Trip in Buchs where his Brother Ian and his family live.

Sicily Amphitheater

Neuschwanstein Castle

spain bullfighting

We've made a lot plans thus far but have a long way to go. Any suggestions, recommendations, tips, etc. would be extremely appreciated. We will not change our minds and go anywhere other than the area we have included on the map (so don't tell us we HAVE to go to the UK, Scandinavia, Greece, whatever). We're trying to keep a tight budget but also care a lot about enjoying our time since we will have traveled so far to get there.

Any "have-to-pack" items? We've got towels, sleeping bag liners, safety belts, and emergency kits.

Any places we have to see in these countries? Where's your favorite place in Europe that we'd regret to miss?

Any tips for two vulnerable young people in a foreign place?

Any hilarious stories about your trip abroad (Europe or elsewhere)?

(Spending time in the Fijian Bathroom. At least there was TP!)

One of my favorite stories is when I realized I was intolerant to coconut milk in Fiji, a country that basically has no fresh water and rinses all of their food in the milk before preparing meals. Needless to say, I spent many hours in the bathroom.

(woman resisting the urge to touch Trent's lucky hair)

One of Trent's favorite parts of living in Vietnam is how all the people in the area loved touching his hair.

We look forward to your comments!!!