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From the time I entered Europe on the steppes of Russia to my departure from the heart of Germany, I saw 32 countries. I traveled from May to November and covered almost 30,000 kilometers (24,817 on a motorcycle). Europeans were uniformly friendly and helpful. But, the prices were quite high especially since the Euro reached an all time high against the dollar. And, of course, gasoline prices were at record levels. The food was great, especially in Germany, Italy, France and Spain. I tried the beer almost everywhere and I think it was best in Poland. The wine was really good in Spain. Because I road my motorcycle mostly on secondary roads the quality of the roads was from excellent to incredibly bad. I think Italy wins the prize for worst traffic. Germany wins the prize for best roadsigns. Crazy drivers: Italy with honorable mention to Greece. Best campsite: probably on the beach on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Best hotel deal: a small room in Krka, Slovenia, honorable mention to the room in Torres de la Mer, Spain. Friendliest people: Germany. Close calls: One near miss in Poland when a car pulled out directly in front of me. I stayed upright but did a 360 degree spin in place. Almost went off the road on a tight corner near the Scottish border. I should have believed the roadsigns. Managed to fall over on a very steep, narrow, dusty, cobblestone road on the Acropolis in Athens. And, finally I barely avoided a crash on a a cold, rainy, narrow, Italian mountain road when a driver came over the line on a curve. But, for the distance traveled it was a very safe journey. The weather was much cooler than I had expected. Except for a few days during August in Germany, I usually had my motorcycle jacket zipped up. Only at the very end of the trip in November did I get really cold. The temperatures got into the 2-5 degree celsius range and in England and Germany there was a bit of snow and sleet. I managed to avoid rain most of the time and probably only road for 15 of the 140 days in the rain (mostly in Great Britain). I only have two more days in Europe. My German friend, Frank, will drop me at the airport in Hamburg and then I'll head back to America for the holidays with my family. I'll never forget my European journey. |
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