Okay lets see who is really reading this thing. We are now in Europe (LOVING Barcelona) but more on that later. We have not planned our whole time here and are open to advice. Here is the rough plan:
Greece
Stoupa
Athens
France
Nice
Privas (small town south of Lyon near Valence)
Paris
Holland
Amsterdam
England
Glastonbury
London
These are the places where we have already set up places to stay (except for Paris). We like staying for at least three nights in a place.
Remember we like art, nature, hot springs, food, history, museums and ruins. Dave would like to hit a festival or two. I am up for another yoga or meditation retreat, or any interesting alternative community experience. Anika wants shopping, fashion, art and Internet access.
Any ideas? Places you loved? Things not to miss? We look forward to hearing your ideas.
Hi Lysa,
ReplyDeleteWow, lots of posts and travel news from your recent adventures. Of the places you've listed in this blog, I have been to the following, listed in order or preference:
Paris
Amsterdam
Athens
All three locations offer a variety of art food and history, and ruins in Athens; not much nature in these three cities. However, Paris contains long, grassy boulevards providing the opportunity to spend long days walking from museum to museum with intermittent stops at sidewalk cafes for food; I ate the best chocolate dessert of my life in a small sidewalk cafe in Paris. I also suggest a bakery walking tour, with pain au chocolat and tarte de pommes.
I loved both the Louvre and Musee D'Orsay for art, but the art museum choices proliferate in Paris. My experience at Norte Dame was disappointing, I guess I am not into the dark and oppressive version of God. However, Montmarte, with beautiful mosiac tiles, lifted my spirits. Montmarte is a great neighborhood for art with outside markets and artists. Paris is great for walking and riding the subway, easy to get around.
I suspect you have visited Amsterdam before and don't need much of a description. The city is a little big for me, but also a great walking environment. Mayne and I enjoyed the canal tour, Van Gogh museum, and an interesting old set of buildings where widowed women lived (can't remember the name).
Athens is another very large and busy city, harder for me to manage emotionally - crazy traffic, stray cats, people, people, people. However, the ruins and museums are not to be missed. We visited the National Archeological Museum and Acropolis Museum. Also, don't miss an opportunity to visit the Acropolis - amazing. The entrance to the Acropolis museum consists of a plexiglass walkway over an ancient city ruins site - very interesting. Also, the exhibits of ruins from the Acropolis are mounted on stands at eye level and you can walk right up to the statues for a closer look. We ate great food everywhere in Greece. Finally, consider a visit to Greek islands. It's the closest nature experience I have had near any of these cities, the water is fantastic, food was great, and it's quiet.
You have lots of great choices, so no matter what you pick, enjoy.
Janel
Thanks Jenel!
ReplyDeleteAnd to everyone else who sent ideas and advice via emails. We are still open to more if you have them. Slowly its coming together the final 2 1/2 months of this big adventure.