Itinerary

Although this itinerary is straightforward there is a little room for some creativity and exploring!

A big bonus in arranging this trip was I used some of my Skymiles and got round trip ticket from San Diego, CA USA to Amsterdam, Netherlands for only $305.

Wednesday August 11th I fly out of San Diego in the afternoon arriving in Detroit later that night. With just over an hour before my connecting flight continuing and arriving in Amsterdam around noon the next day.

Thursday August 12th - Sunday 15th Netherlands, Amsterdam

Sunday 15th - Wednesday 18th Belgium, Mons

Wednesday 18th - Saturday 21st France, Les Arcs

Saturday 21st - Thursday 26th France, Normandy Region

Thursday 26th - Wednesday Sept 1st France, Sainte Croix

Wednesday 1st - Friday 3rd France, Marseille

Friday 3rd - Monday 6th France, Paris

Monday 6th - Wednesday 8th Belgium, Mons

Wednesday 8th - Friday 10th Netherlands, Amsterdam

Fly back to USA arriving in San Diego 9:30pm

The time stamp on this blog is already set on Paris, France time.

About Ready to Go!

Well, let's see....

I have my passport, plane ticket, train pass, cash and bags are ready to be packed. Anything else? My flight leaves in two weeks. I guess that is it although there is one small matter regarding requesting time off. Generally I had announced that I was going to Europe and when. My intent was to put in the paperwork back in June however because of my work related injury I have not been to work since. I will be back to modified duty next week so I'll summit it then, I don't anticipate any issues.

Thinking back on my previous European experiences I was reflecting on how many times have I been? I do lose track but I want to say 10 times besides being born there. My first time was in 1979 before my 21st birthday and have comes a way since. Initially I did not do much traveling around but as I continued to go I got more comfortable with it. I've had many wonderful experiences and you can read on some of those on my recently established travel journal.

This trip is focused around family as I've indicated in other blogs and writings. My niece Annick just had an addition to her beautiful family with her third son. My other niece April (her sister) first trip to Europe and will be living in Spain, she has set up her travel blog . Most of the trip will be introducing her to our French family. This is an honor for me. It will be nice to see as many family members as possible. I've also set aside some personal time.

Another Blog?

Some of you have followed my traveling experiences and other blogs I've done for which I am appreciative!

Going to Thailand in 2009 I had a specific blog where I shared stories and photos of my adventures. When I returned to the states I happened on travel buddy which is a travel community similar to Facebook in some ways which can be used to make travel arrangements, read other travelers experiences, meet travel buddies, and much more. I really like this site especially all the spectacular photos that are shared but for some of my readers it can be a bit much to navigate.

I did not intend to do a blog for Europe trip, just some highlights on my personal website/blog and travel journal. However, my niece traveling in Europe now has established a blog which has inspired me. She is a great writer and very articulate. Check out her blog.

So I hope you enjoy and I look forward to sharing some of my experiences with you. Feel free to share your comments, questions, or curiosities.