So, because I haven't set up a proper VPN or proxy server, we won't have Flickr for this post...so on to the text!
From Oct. 1 through Oct. 17 we traveled all across: France, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Italy, and Monaco. We stopped in: Paris, Annecy (France), Zurich, Bern, Geneve, Vaduz (Lichtenstein), Milano, Torino, Nice, Monaco, Cannes, Avignon (France), and Dijon. Yeah - lengthy trip.
Take-aways:
- French people are amazing. I was surprised that few people would respond to me in English - but I really believe it has to do with not being confident in speaking English - or speaking with an accent. Everyone I met was extremely friendly and helpful. On wikitravel, we realized quickly that the areas that are more "dangerous" are just more ethnically diverse - OUR TYPE OF PLACE! In Paris, the place we stayed was alright - but the surrounding neighborhood was awesome. Very culturally diverse and open. Every time we ate out or bought food - the people joked in English and welcomed us with open arms.
- Avoid Milano Shopping. Sure, it is the "capital of fashion", but everywhere we went, we were ignored and people were just plain rude. Luckily, Lo-Lin and I realized this after 3 hours and decided to go to Serravalle Designer Outlet (Click on English on the bottom). It is about 90 minutes southwest of Milano and WOW. The staff at each store were extremely nice. I picked me up a pair of Salvatore Ferragamo shoes. Oh yeah I feel stylish now wearing way too expensive shoes.
- Annecy France is a beautiful town. A colleague from my MBA program recommended this town. Lo-Lin and I drove there not knowing what to see and found one of the more beautiful places on Earth. The lake area and downtown is quaint and relaxing. We could have spent a week here and just done nothing but relax. We had amazing food and really enjoyed our day here.
- Switzerland is goofy and expensive. Driving into Switzerland, they charged you 30 Euros to get in, they stick a sticker on your window and don't check your passport. Switzerland is crazy expensive. We ate in most of the time, but had some really good food on the streets. One of the best things ever: bratwurst wrapped in bakery dough and baked. wow. too good. It is like France meets Iowa in a $5 walkaway.
- Monaco and Nice are beautiful, but run down. It felt like Santa Barbara, CA, but it was great to put on shorts and wander around. The beaches aren't sandy, but still beautiful.
- Dijon is the perfect place. We stayed on the edge of the city centre and walked in for dinner. The streets are tree-lined and the city centre compact and very - University-like. We ate at a nice place and really enjoyed the entire city.
- Emirates Airlines isn't all that. Maybe if you fly first/business class, but cattle class - they are just like all of the other airlines. Oh and anything over 20KG PER PERSON (not per bag) is 30 EUROS per KILO
Overall, the trip was amazing. It will be a time that is never forgotten.
Hopefully, I'll be able to get pictures online someday soon.
