Sometimes, it’s not the big sights but little, foolish things that remind me of the great joy of traveling through Europe. Here are nine of my favorite little moments in Europe this year (click on each photo to learn more). I’d love to read about some of the little things that make your trip happier.
Sneaking into the Buzludzha Monument — an abandoned, communist-era memorial capping a Bulgarian mountain — through a hole just big enough for me to squeeze through…and surviving the experience with minimal inhaling of old Commie asbestos.
Finding a nice young couple honeymooning in Venice, who let me get into their conversation via my Europe audio tours.
Enjoying a dozen escargots — all for myself — for the first time in my life as a selfish treat. I enjoyed these for my last dinner in France before flying to Bulgaria (where my expectations for cuisine were lower than in France).
A cheap and simple local equivalent of burger and fries in Normandy — with great frites, plenty of ketchup, and a cold drink to enjoy while watching the local student crowd have fun.
Being so happy in a restaurant that I break off the stem of my wine glass.
Being served a finely decorated radish without ordering it.
Spending down time during a flight hatching a map while considering all the great fun we’ve already had making TV episodes…and where we might film next.
Standing on Omaha Beach with a guide who uses a ski pole to sketch out the thrilling play-by-play of that momentous day in a way that makes me honor and respect the courageous soldiers who established an Allied foothold in Nazi Europe.
Seeing an old painting that helps me visualize something that’s never been quite clear in my mind (like how centuries ago, pilgrims trekked to Mont St. Michel).
Well, Rick, this is an old one (from 1989), but the best one I could think of:
I was in London in July 1979, my first trip there. Because I was working for the U.S. House of Representatives, I was particularly interested in seeing the proceedings of the House of Commons.
I waited in line outside Parliament for what seemed like a long time and started chatting with two Danish women in front of me who were around my age.
Once we got seated in the visitors’ gallery, the three of continued our conversation, although whispering at this point.
All of a sudden, a guard walks up to us and shouts very angrily — and loudly for many around us to hear, “If you don’t keep quiet, I will have to put you out!”
Sheepishly, the three of us sunk into our seats, highly embarrassed. I could only envision the headlines back home reading, “Congressional Aid gets kicked out of House of Commons,” and me losing my job shortly afterward.
In Dublin a young lady heard me speak in a grocery store (I live in California) and marched me all through her store to compare products and prices with my USA ones. Then she invited me to her home and when we got there she didn’t ask but fixed tea for me and coffee for herself which I found amusing but didn’t say anything. A few of her friends called while I was there and immediately came there. We mostly spoke about history and I was surprised to find out they had as many misconceptions about our history as we have about theirs. She asked for my phone # and now when we have some catastrophe in CA she calls to make sure I’m OK. Maybe it’s because I’m 80.
So many, but stumbling onto a fantastic farmers market right around the corner from our hotel in Paris, and hiking up a mountain in Germany, thinking we were killing it, only to be passed by a woman who had to be past 80 come to mind from the last trip.
P.S.
Willow, lighten up!
We’re not racing fans but we ran across dirt track stock car racing in Suffolk, England. Just like in rural America but with no American cars and baseball caps advertising English companies. Or yes, they drove the wrong way (clockwise). If you didn’t read the ads or hear the accents, you would swear you were in North Carolina watching Jimmy Johnson!
People to people connection! We were hiking through this beautiful little valley in Cappadocia, Turkey when we happened to come across two children picking cherries. They waved to us and came over. The young girl (13 yrs) spoke to us in English with the help of our guide. She was thrilled to practice her English but not as thrilled as we were to connect with these beautiful children. They actually gave us cherries to eat.
At the end of the hike we came to this little village. I purchased a doll from woman in a little tent shop. She was missing teeth and dressed in traditional dress. She gave me a hug and the biggest smile. I didn’t bargain with her, actually paid more than she asked for the doll, It was nothing compared to the hug I received.
Rick,
Thanks for the photos.
I’ve had countless interesting and fun experiences throughout much of the Olde World during several trips.
I loved the Rick Steves Venice, Florence, and Rome tour and I’m planning to enjoy your Best of Italy tour next May.
Your travel reunion in January was a blast and I was able to spend time with 6 of my fellow travelers and Cecilia, our great guide. I also enjoyed talking to many of your friendly staff.
Ciao,
Jeff
Doppelganger
Tampa
People to people connection! We were hiking through this beautiful little valley in Cappadocia, Turkey when we happened to come across two children picking cherries in a small orchard. They waved to us and came over. The young girl (13 yrs) spoke to us in English with the help of our guide. She was thrilled to practice her English but not as thrilled as we were to connect with these beautiful children. They actually gave us cherries to eat.
At the end of the hike we came to this little village. I purchased a doll from a woman in a little tent shop. She was dressed in traditional dress. I didn’t bargain with her, actually paid more than she asked for the doll, but It was nothing compared to the hug and the beautiful smile I received.
This is just one of many wonderful experiences we have experienced in our travels. You are right, it can be the little moments that can really stick in your traveling soul.
Hi Rick, I now live in Turku, Finland, and it amazes me every day how wonderful it is that the public transportation works like clockwork and is very affordable so that I am able to manage without owning a car. The InterCity trains have two stories and run at 165 km/hr. The biggest, newest, fanciest, and eco friendliest Baltic ships ride out of Turku four times a day, and one of them has the biggest tax free shop afloat anywhere. Next Summer the Tall ships will be here again. I feel so lucky to be able to live here. Take care and happy travels!