Home Sweet…. Rome?
June 10th, 2006 by Grant in: Travel
Nothing makes you appreciate your home more than being away from it. Nothing makes you appreciate your culture more than being shocked by another. Nothing makes you appreciate the value of the dollar than when you trade X dollars for even fewer Euros, only to pay more for goods and services.
Our recent trip through Greece and Italy was a good experience. While I’ve been overseas before (France and England), evidently I forgot how sheltered our American culture has made me.
Greece has beautiful country. Notice I said they have beautiful country. The Southern Greek isles are absolutely wonderful, with stellar views in 360 degrees. Black and red beaches adorn the coast line, as a remnant to volcanic activity.
The people in the islands are very friendly, ever aware that it’s tourists (mostly Americans) that help stimulate their tiny, isolated economy.
Athens is a different story. While the culture and history beams from the city, it is a very dirty and congested city to navigate your way through.
Our trek through Italy started with a whirlwind escapade by the most prominent ancient Roman sites. The Spanish Steps, the Coliseum, the ancient Roman forum. All seen at during a brisk walk through the city. With full intention to take more time to fully take in the sites, our time was spent looking for shelter for the weekend.
Take note: If you plan on taking a trip to Italy over a national Italian holiday, make sure you have hotel reservations. Otherwise you will find yourself sleeping in a cold, dirty train station with all the other homeless American tourists. (The voice of experience.)
You are guaranteed to blow your budget in Italy as well. Wine, while as abundant in Italy as in France, will cost you dearly. A good Italian wine will cost you as much as 5 Euros per glass. Opt for the local table wine and you can spend 10 Euros for a half liter.
Overall, our trek through Greece and Italy was a good (learning) experience. What ever your budget, double it. Find hotel rooms well in advance with decent beds so you are refreshed to tackle your vacation the next day.
Oh, and make sure you take a few days off work after your return.
Jet lag will determine when you’re ready to head back to the office!
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June 10th, 2006 at 9:44 pm
Grant-
Thanks for the heads up. I am going to Germany with my son next month. The good news is I have hotels everywhere, and a rental car reserved for part of the trip. The bad news is the exchange rate with the Euro. Last time I was there the euro was about 40% lower in value.
Jet lag suggestions: 1. take melatonin to sleep, taking 1 mg per hour of time difference ( six hours - six mgs) and 2. it takes about a day per hour of time difference to get the biological clock back to whatever time zone you are in. I learned these two tidbits when I was flying to Europe two-three times a year to attend TV conventions and had to function clearly on the first day.
Nothing like travel to open the mind and spirit!
David http://www.evolutionshift.com
June 11th, 2006 at 9:27 am
Thanks for the jet-lag tips David.
I read about the melatonin idea on the flight home, but brushed it off. I’ve traveled across a lot of time zones and never had a problem with jet-lag, until now.
Hindsight being 20/20, I would have tried the melatonin!
-Grant
June 22nd, 2006 at 1:45 pm
Sounds like a great trip! I’ve been to Italy, but not Greece. I might go next year.
I remember when I went to Italy 6 years ago, the exchange rate was much more favorable. I also remember (the house) wine being cheaper than soda in restaurants! I also remember beer being cheaper than water in Germany
June 22nd, 2006 at 2:01 pm
That’s the way I remeber it too, Jonathan…
Oh how times have changed!