The Final Word: An Attempt

Now that we've been home for over a month, we've had the chance to look back and say "what did it all mean?" - and countless other questions in that vein. Many have asked what our favorites have been: city, country, and even our one favorite thing we did.

Well prepare yourselves, here is (almost) everything you wanted to know...

Countries visited: 13
Farm Stays: 6
Time in Europe: 219 days
Total Cost: Expensive but worth every Euro

Favorite Countries:
-Germany, Scotland and Ireland

Most beautiful city:
-Venice

Most meaningful city visit:
-Sarajevo

Favorite large cities:
-Berlin, Paris

Most livable city:
-Ljubljana

Most scenic areas:
-Montenegro, Scotland, Croatia

Favorite things we did:
-Hiking the West Highland Way
-Working on the farms
-Meeting family and friends along the way
-Sunbathing on the beaches of Cinque Terra

Things we missed on the trip:
-Friends and Family
-Our bed
-Different wardrobe
-Window screens
-Summer

Things we miss now:
-Our traveling schedule
-New-found family
-Walking everywhere
-The ICE trains
-New week - new cultures
-Lots of time to think and read

Disappointments:
-Scottish fast food
-Florence's tourist-frenzy
-A load of bleach colored clothing,
-Pete not figuring out what to do with the rest of his life

Lessons learned:
-We like spending time together
-We probably won't be farmers (that's hard work)
-Its important to be a cultural observer from time-to-time
-Its good to seek out family
-Rhythm is important in life
-Universal health care = pretty good
-Don't call it a fanny pack in the UK (not that we wore one...)

Favorite item brought back:
-Sheepskin from Verdabbio Farm

Would we do it again:
-Can we do it now? (no big packs this time)

Advice to those considering taking the plunge:
-Cities are expensive, and so is the UK
-Prepare to exceed your budget (its still worth it)
-Indulge in a nice meal every once in a while
-If you have any long lost cousins, find them
-You will overpack, but then end up needing everything
-Try local foods
-Bring an IPOD for your music fix
-Rick Steves all the way (but don't be afraid to step out of the box)

So there you go...thanks for coming along for the ride...

Pete & Alyssa