Bo's European Vacation (T-minus 45 days)

"If you could go one place in the world, where would it be?"

"I'd really like to go to Pompeii."

"Ooh! I loved Pompeii!"

"YOU'VE BEEN TO POMPEII!!!"

"Umm...yes?"

- The handlers, circa the last millenium

Hello!

I know I didn't finish telling you all about Disney, but that's just tough. I've moved on to bigger and better things and my thoughts have turned across the pond. Mainly, I'm getting geared up for my upcoming trip to Europe. There's still over a month before we go, but since this is a trip of more massive proportions than any we have taken previously, it's incumbent on me to get started a bit early. More importanly, the handlers tell me they've been getting questions already about the trip particulars, so I thought I'd answer the burning curiosity of my blogging sphere.

Where are you going?
France and Italy.

What you want something more specific? Fine, here's a somewhat detailed itinerary.

Day 1 - Travel from Detroit to England (don't ask how)
Day 2 - Arrive in Paris, FR
Day 3 - Paris and surrounding areas
Day 4 - Paris
Day 5 - Paris
Day 6 - Paris -> Forbach -> Reims -> Amiens(?) -> Bayeux (yes, Handler 1 is aware that's a lot for one day)
Day 7 - Bayeux and the Normandy Beaches
Day 8 - Bayeux -> Mont St. Michel -> Amboise
Day 9 - Loire area
Day 10 - Amboise -> Limoges -> Sarlat-le-Caneda
Day 11 - Sarlat area
Day 12 - Sarlat -> Lyon
Day 13 - Lyon -> Dijon
[Overnight train]
Day 14 - Arrive Venice, IT
Day 15 - Venice
Day 16 - Venice -> Florence
Day 17 - Florence
Day 18 - Cinque Terre
Day 19 - Florence -> Rome
Day 20 - Rome
Day 21 - Rome
Day 22 - Rome -> Sorrento
Day 23 - Sorrento area
Day 24 - Naples area
Day 25 - Sorrento -> Rome -> New York -> Detroit

Holy %*$#! That's 25 days!!!
Yes, I can count. Also, it's written right above. Thank you, captain obvious.

How are you getting around?
By train and car in France, by train exclusively in Italy.

How will you drive in France? Don't they drive on the opposite side of the street?
With a manual transmission, and no.

Do you speak French (or Italian)?
No, though I am conversant in Esperanto. Handler 1 speaks a little Spanish. Even less help, Handler 2 took Latin. In other words, we're screwed.

Hey, one of the handlers told me you were going to Milan, but I don't see it on your list?
Yes, Milan was originally planned. It's a long sad story as to why we're no longer going there. Instead, we get to sleep in one day and spend an extra half day in La Serinissima. I say even trade.

Will there be hiking on this trip?
Believe it or not, yes. However, nothing of the "subway" variety, thank God.

Where are you staying?
We are currently booked at 9 different hotels (and as indicated above, one overnight train). The cheapest is in Sarlat, the most expensive (by far) is in Venice. Venice hoteliers can bite my painted ceramic ass.

Wow, when did you start planning all this?
Well, I didn't do anything (that's what I have the handlers for), but Handler 1 started working out itineraries and such before we left for Disney World last year.

Why didn't you just take a tour?
Because tours are for the weak. Also, we couldn't get to see all the stuff we're actually interested in on a tour.

How are you paying for all this?
With the handlers' blood, sweat and tears. Handler 2 has no idea how this trip is being paid for. Whenever I ask Handler 1 she starts freaking out and mumbling incoherently about a "basement".

Anyways, I'll keep you updated with all the last minute developments. In other words, "Watch This Space!".