Several times since the New Year, I have been asked what my husband gave me for Christmas. The short answer is Europe, Munich, Salzburg and Vienna. The long answer involves six days, six travelers, six suitcases, six carryons, six planes, four trains, a couple of taxis, and a big spirit of adventure. Interested?
The Travelers
Planning for this trip began in late Spring. I was contemplating cancelling on a backpack to Glacier National Park with friends. John had cancelled several months prior due to work issues and I just had no enthusiasm for going without him. One evening, during the middle of my 100th or so, “I think I am going to cancel” conversation, John looked at me and said “I have an idea.” Suddenly, Glacier was forgotten and our Christmas vacation was born.
As the trip took root, the cast of travelers began to crystallize. John’s sons Daniel and Lee were first to join our adventure. They took their first international trip with us in 2008 when we took our second trip to Peru. Both are curious, adventurous and good natured which makes them great travel companions.
John’s mother, Bebe (Johna) joined our group next. She took a little longer to make up her mind. At 81, the long flights, anticipated cold, possibly snowy, icy weather and hours of walking gave her reason to pause. With some encouragement from John and her friends, she decided to embrace the opportunity. Her only international trip was some forty years ago to Brazil with her late husband.
And finally, our six traveler was Daniel’s girlfriend, Tory. At 21, she was the youngest member of our group. She had met us only a couple of times and we were quite impressed that she was willing to travel for a week people she did not know particularly well. Much like Daniel, she is curious, adventurous and easy to be around. We think this is her second international trip, the first being to Central America, Guatemala, I think.
