Trip Basics
The Group
28 strangers met at the hotel in Haarlem not truly knowing the adventure that awaited them! There was a mix of people from teenagers to retirees, from couples to a few single travelers. We all had the same thing in common--we were all excited for the next 3 weeks!!
Ragen, our guide, was friendly and energetic. His enthusiasm kept the group's spirits high even when we were loading the bus at 7:30AM. His fun, outgoing personality brought the group together and encouraged an atmosphere that resembled a family rather than a group of strangers. Every morning, we came to expect his morning anthem..."Are you ready to have, what might possibly be, the most amazing day of your life?!!"
Hilde, from Belgium, was an amazing bus driver with an infectious laugh and always smiling. She expertly handled the large touring bus allowing us to relax and know we were in good hands.
Accommodations
We stayed at 11 small family-ran hotels during the 3 weeks. These quaint, quirky hotels were in the center of town and steps away from public transportation, making it easy to get to attractions. They ranged in size and style, but the staff were always friendly, and the accommodation was clean and sufficient. They weren’t fancy but their character emphasized that you were in Europe, living like the locals.
Eats & Drinks
Yay, food!!! One of my favorite parts of traveling is experiencing new eats! Reviewing a menu, the indecisiveness and pressure to make the best choice only to be rewarded with trying something delicious. We've all been there. From our orientation dinner to our final dinner, the array of culinary delights was delicious. Breakfast was offered every morning at the hotel and about 12 other group meals were provided. This allowed for exploration of local offerings, which was fun but a little intimidating since you had to read the menu and speak the language. Sometimes you could get by with just pointing and saying your ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in the local language. Besides partaking in a great sampling of food, I’m guilty of consuming a lot of cappuccinos, wine, and beer. As they say, ‘When in Rome’ (and Amsterdam, Bacharach, Venice, and Paris), eat and drink like the locals! Challenge accepted! Salute!