Hi all-

First post here. I'm a 24-year-old guy living in Boston saving up for a trip to Europe next year. I just finished my masters degree and am working a pretty dead-end job, but the thought of my trip makes it all worthwhile! I've been reading these forums for a few weeks, and it's awesome to read from people who think the way I do-- it's hard to make some people understand why I would give up "stability" in favor of adventure.

I've set up a travelogue (I know, I know, a little premature?) that is currently chronicling the adventure that is SAVING for this trip, but will eventually shift into "trip mode." I'd love to get some opinions, and would love to hear what I should visit and do! It's at:

http://www.expatriateme.com/

I have been over a number of times, but never alone, and never sans itinerary, so this will be altogether new! I am planning on visiting 14 countries or so over about five months. They are:

U.K.
France
Monaco
Italy
Switzerland
Germany
Austria
Poland
Belgium
Hungary
Czech Republic
Sweden
Norway
Finland

Any thoughts? Of course, none of that's compulsory-- I could cut a country, add one, whatever! That's the beauty!

Iamlindoro

http://www.harrythecat.com/graphics/w/welcome8.gif The TravelPunk.com Boards iamlindoro.


No worries on starting your travel log now, setting yourself up during the time before you leave is just as important as the trip itself.

Your country list looks great, I am sure you will have some wicked times in all...some high lights I can recommend

UK: Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland
British Museum, London (FREE!!!)

France: Jim Morrisons Grave, Paris
Pick up a chick, Cannes

Monaco: Monte Carlo Casino ( Even If you don't gamble)
The Palace Walk

Italy: Get an Old Woman to Cook For You, Any Village
The Holy Grail, Genoa (Hey if the Genovese say its real, then it must be)
Battle of the Oranges, Ivrea ( held every year on the Thursday before Shrove Tuesday)

Switzerland: Lucerne
Open a Swiss Bank Account!!!!!
White Water Rafting, Interlaken

Germany: BMW Museum, Munich
Traditional Beer Hall, ANYWHERE!!!
Salt Mines, Berchtesgaden
Nazi Bunkers, Berlin

Austria: Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum, Graz (haha)
Lake In A Cave, Hinterbruhl
Military History Museum, Vienna

Belgium: Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate, Brussels
Remouchamps Caves, Sougne-Remouchamps

So those are for the countries I know about. Some of these may seem cheesey, but hey what can I say.


If you have traveled before then you already know that the back roads in the cities are the best roads!!!!

As for you putting something like travel ahead of "the real world", dude, we are not your parents and you will get tons of support here for you taking off on your own and seeing what the rest of the world has to offer. :cheers:

( Again that song, If I could turn back time...GEt OUTTA MY HEAD!!!)

Wow! What an amazing first response! Thanks very much for taking so much time and putting so much thought into your reply!

While I of course have lots of plans about what I'll do while I'm there (Hanging out at my Great-Uncle's house in Aix-en-Provence, anyone?) none of the items on your list had even occurred to me, so onto the list they go! Hmm... Maybe I should make it like a scavenger hunt:

"You have seven days to get a member of the Sicilian mob to give you the kiss of death. Aaaaaaand, go!"
:kisscheek:

"You have until sundown to join a band of gypsies. Time's a' wastin'!"
:torch:

Iamlindoro

iamlindoro,

I feel you, most people don't understand what my infactuation with going abroad is. I've always wanted, but instead worked and went to school cause my parents thought that would be good for me. None of it has been very productive, and I have only managed to get myself into debt. So I figure, perhaps I should just live life like I had intended when I got out of high school. So now I am on the plan to get out of debt and save up for a trip. Unfortunately, mine isn't planned until July or 2005. :( But nonetheless, I can not wait. Just reading these posts, makes that much more enticing. Thanks TP!

iamlindoro :cheers: Iam when are you planning on going to europe next next year? I will be leaving mpls mn on june 5 (the day after finals yeaaaaaaaaa) and will be there till the end of july or begining of august . I have an idea of where i want to go but nothing is set in stone yet other than berlin ,praha ,and munich so if you are going to be there in summer our paths may meet at some point in time :cheers:

Leaving from New York on March 21st, possibly returning August 21st, but I just got an e-mail confirming me as a volunteer for the Olympics in Athens in September, so extending my trip looks like a pretty good likelihood! We have the same itinerary-- That is to say, NO itinerary! That's the most exciting thing about it, I think!

I think there should be an official "TP Summer 2004 get-together" thread. Like, "Everyone who can meets in Prague on June 20th!" Or "Get drunk in Paris on Bastille Day!" That way we can all try to cross paths while on our respective adventures.

Iamlindoro
www.expatriateme.com

WELCOME TO THE BOARDS- iamlindoro, sijuki(did I welcome you already?), and mplskcid!

Sorry for the late welcoming folks!

iamlindoro,

You've got Sweden on your list, Copenhagen Denmark is just south of that (across the strait. I believe they just built a new bridge connecting the two counties), and I hear that it is beautiful. Just something to consider.

Also, I also didn't notice Amsterdam on your list either. It's a cool place for a day or two with lots to see and do. However, it can be a bit overwhelming and seedy at night with all of them drug dealers running around. Personally, One day was good enough for me in Adam.

Greece, I was going to mention that, but looks like you just added it! Good :cheers: !

Also, I just saw Wild On E! Adriatic...and Croatia is where ALL the Europeans go for vacation! MAn, That place looks off the hook! The beaches, clubs, restaurants are just littered with Europeans! Tha's definitely on my list the next time I head out to Europe!

Yeah, someday we'll organize an annual TP get together...it's in the mix ;)

Yeah! A TP get together! How fun would that be!!?? Wasn't it supposed to be at my place??!?!? ;) Guys, reading about your plans makes me dream about mine (no plans exept get there and have fun!!!)... :stoked: :stoked: :stoked:

Naw, we need to do it someplace that's new and foreign to all of us.

That settles it. The TP get together will take place in...


Antarctica.


Seriously, has anyone ever compiled an cumulative travel list of all the TP regulars? That would be impressive stuff, judging from Worldwidemike alone.

Iamlindoro
www.expatriateme.com

I think Antarctica might be a bit chilly... Surely there is somewhere else we all haven't been. Perhaps Iraq, or North Korea. Thos places could always be interesting :D

Cool--

MTV Spring Break-- Pyongyang.

You WILL have a good time, or you will be SHOT.

Hey, I bet all those cute North Korean girls are just waiting to meet some new foreign guys.

Those North Koreans would love to meet foreign guys with food and access to electricity.

Oh, and nice eyes.

;)

I can bring some food, and portable generator with gas, and I've been told once or twice I have nice eyes. I thought they were full of shit, but I've been told.

This is rough. Sijuki, Moc and I are all online and writing at the same time, and I am having a hard time remembering which conversations I'm a part of! Perhaps this is what the chat room is for.

Heheh! What about a deserted Island somewhere neer Tailand?! Hheehhe! Rent a big boat, coz I'm bringning lots of alcool! ;)

Yeah.. but I really feel sorry for the people that will sign on and have like 50 messages to go through in the morning... aiyee! Oh well that is their own fault for not being here.

Moc... I like the idea of the deserted island near Thailand. Just make sure its not monsoon season. :D We can have a huge party and no body will care for miles. Invite everyone we know. Sounds great. :stoked: :cheers: