The handlers have been doing significantly more research for this trip than they have for previous vacations, and in the process they have come across a number of interesting facts about the places we're going (or traveling in general). To tide you over until the real reporting begins, I thought I'd give you a rundown of 10 pearls of wisdom the handlers have recently picked up.
1. It's really hard to rent an automatic transmission car in France.
The handlers did manage to do this after significant trial and error, but they're paying double, going 45 minutes out of their way, and incurring about $10 in termination fees as a result of having to change train reservations. Incidentally, we have now added "Metz" to our list of locations we're visiting. Where is Metz? It's a city in France, about 45 minutes from where we actually want to be.
2. Italian opera houses have seats which are located in spots from which the stage cannot be viewed. They are called "Listen Only" seats.
What is the point of that?! You might as well call them "save your money and buy a radio" seats.
3. For some reason it is very popular to visit the Eiffel Tower Monday through Wednesday. The weekends, however, are totally open.
The French, perhaps confused by their state mandated 35 hour work week (More trivia! Don't you wish you were French?), seem to think that Mondays are for puttering about the country visiting national landmarks.
4. Some hotel room safes can be opened with the code 000000.
Yes, hotel managers are just that lazy. Perhaps it's the 35 hour work week.
5. American credit cards won't work in a lot of European machines. Similarly, American debit cards won't work in a lot of European ATMs.
Joy. In case you're wondering, we did look into getting cards that will work on the continent...they are cost prohibitive.
6. French language "Survival Phrases" tutorials desinged to help English speakers get around in France seem to think it's important for one to learn how to ask, "Do you speak German?"
I have no words, other than nien!
7. French numbers stop making sense after 69 (stop sniggering, you juveniles).
No really, seventy in French is actually "Sixty Ten". Eighty is even worse, it's "Four Twenties". Ninety-seven? "Four Twenties Seveteen".
8. Contrary to popular belief, Moussolini did not actually make the trains run on time.
Turns out Fascists aren't good for anything after all.
9. In Paris there is a point where Rue Nicolas Flamel intersects with Rue Perenell.
Harry Potter fans, eat your hearts out.
10. According to trail signs, it is unadviseable to wear high heels while hiking the Cinque Terre.
We'll keep that in mind.
Anywhoo, 24 days to go. Time to get with the packing (Handler 1 has composed a list with over 50 non-clothing items).
