Each year we get a bunch of bonus Eurail passes as a reward for selling so many. And each year we give these free to travelers who donate a specific amount to Bread for the World. In doing so, we raise about $30,000 annually (that’s more than a quarter of a million dollars over the years) to empower its important work. I’m happy to say that we’re finished with this year’s fund-raiser — we met our goal and handed out all the bonus passes.
Apparently we are “in crisis” as a nation to such a degree that we cannot afford to provide a safety net for the desperate among us. Bread for the World advocates very effectively in Washington DC for the needs of the hungry and homeless in our country. That’s important since, in the last decade, the US seems to be on an exciting-to-some roll — streaking up the list of nations with the biggest gap between rich and poor.
While almost nothing is sacred as our government looks for ways to trim its budget, BFTW and other charities are drawing what they call “a circle of protection” around our nation’s most vulnerable. And they are doing a heroic job of it.
I’m writing this in the Frankfurt airport, excited to be embarking upon my spring research trip. I’ll be in Lisbon in a couple hours eating barnacles, searching out the best Brazilian restaurant, and peeking in on Fado shows. I’m going to stay out late on my first night in Europe — refusing to wear to the fuzzy shroud Lady Jet Lag tries to lay on me.
For the next six weeks I’ll be in Lisbon, Madrid, Toledo, Barcelona, Cinque Terre, Verona, Padua, and Venice. The last two weeks will be with our TV crew making a couple new shows on Venice and the lagoon. Stay tuned!
Yes, rugged individualism is fine, as long as you’re employed and healthy…
I’m so jealous about Lisbon – one of my very favorite cities. I assume you’ll be eating spicy chicken at Bomjardin and sampling the port at the Solar do Vinho do Porto?
I hope you are really enjoying yourself like you do, and I am jealous, because this time last year, I was in Italy, in Arezzo and Rome during the early part of April. I had just arrived from Lucerne, after being on the Rhine, in Metz, and Strasbourg, France. We continued our trip from Italy, after staying at the Gasthof Badl, and then to Nuremburg, and Northern Germany. I can’t wait to go again. Happy research and enjoy your time , as usual in Europe. Can’t wait to see your new shows. Take care, and as you say, “Happy Travels”. Jerry
Rick, it’s great to hear that you’ve now embarked on your spring research trip. I’ll be looking forward to reading your Blogs and possibly seeing the occasional iPhone video. I’m currently planning my annual European adventure for September, which will of course include one of your tours as well as some travel on my own.
Happy travels!
Thank you for giving me a perspective of the Euro and it’s impact on Europe as a whole. I lived in Germany and Italy for 7 years total back when it had the Deutche Mark and Lira. Two countries and vast differences, but loved them both. I am going back next month for the first time since returning to the states in 1999 and look forward to your updates of Cinque Terra as that is on our itenerary. Thanks for all you do.
Yeah! You always have such great blog entries while traveling. Have a great trip!