March 27 - April 27, 2008
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This trip was unique for us as it had four very distinct phases. During the first week, we lodged in a B&B near Pisa and took day trips by train. For the second week, we moved farther south by car, staying in an apartment in a hilltop town and driving to nearby destinations. Hopping to Amsterdam, we then joined a 10-day river/canal cruise across Holland and part of Belgium, ending in Brussels. Our last week was spent relaxing in an apartment in Harrogate, the Yorkshire town we called home from 1998 to 2001.
The weather was decidedly cool and, occasionally, downright chilly. On only a couple of days could we do without a jacket outdoors. On the plus side, the frequently gray skies produced little rain other than several showers in Harrogate.
Partly due to the length and nature of the trip and partly due to the weak dollar versus the euro and pound sterling, it was a pricey trip. However, Western Europe is increasingly an expensive destination for most everyone and the Value Added Tax of 19-20% is largely responsible. Social programs in Europe may sometimes seem enviable, but it’s wise to remember they have to be paid for with substantial taxes. As for fuel, gasoline sells for the equivalent of about $8 per gallon --- principally because of high fuel taxes. Next time you’re at the pump, try to count your blessings.
Listing the highlights of this trip is an easy task:
- Certainly seeing much more of Tuscany, including its fabulous countryside, was special. That viewing, of course, was tempered by a cool spring season. The golden-brown hillsides, grape-laden vineyards and sunflower-strewn fields for which Tuscany is famous were months away.
- Trying out a first-class river cruise with little time spent on coaches was a new experience. It was a nice way to meet some very interesting folks, tour parts of Holland we’ve never visited before, see Belgium for the first time and enjoy dancing most every night --- all without unpacking for seven consecutive days.
- “Coming home” to Harrogate allowed us to revisit several of our favorite spots, “have tea” with our former British neighbors and acquaintances and, especially, just potter about the lovely Yorkshire dales with dear friends. This was our third trip back since moving away and, hopefully, will not be the last.
