I am here!!!

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Oh my gosh... I am actually in Europe. I have had my passport for 5 years and NOW I am finally using it. So here is how my first Europe experience worked out...

_6 hour lay over in Boston
_Sat next to stinky Hungarian that kept asking if I had a boyfriend
_After 2 hours I couldn't take it anymroe and offered stinky Hungarian a
mint and some girlir smelling lotion... thank God he took it!
_Arrived in Milana nd got to see the Swiss Alps
_Arrived in Venice and it started raining.. thanks Mom for telling me to
bring an umbrella
_Took bus to the city and realized the map to the hotel didn't print, just
address
_Asked many people, bought a map, wandered around for a hour
looking for the hotel/ phone

Now this is when it gets good. I am now soaked, cold, tired and lost. When I last saw my travel agent she gave me this little piece of advice. She said that Europeans hate seeing people cry expecially women so if I got into a situation that I needed help to let the water works go. At the time I thought it was good to know, I just didn't think I would have to use it after only being in Venice for a hour!!!

So I let them loose and within .06 seconds a nice man who spoke no English was on his phone calling my hotel to get directions. I think he was really worried that I would cry again so he carried my bags to the hotel and dropped me off.

I am hoping that will be the last time I have to use that tactic but at least I am safe and dry now!! It is still raining pretty good and I hope it will stop soon so that I can go explore the city. If not I ahve 5 days here so I will get some sleep and get ready for an adventure tomorrow.

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Comments

[Haley]

Poor thing!!
I'm sorry your initial experience in Europe was trying... you'll laugh about it later!!! Another piece of advice... get a business card to the Hotel. This way if you get lost, just show the card to a taxi and they should be able to take you there. We were given this advice in Paris. Funny, while Terry and I were walking around, an American came up to us flashing his hotel card... too bad we were also lost Americans!!! ;-)

[Lisa]

Lido
Hey Stacey: I bet you are happy to be done with your project with school! Your crying ploy and plane experience were very funny! I know I told you this before, but if you can try to get to LIDO...it isn't that hard, you just have to take 2 different boats...when you are there ask to be taken to the Excelsior (sp?) hotel...the beaches are beautiful there and shops, food, etc. are great. It is a step off the beaten path, so if you can get there I would highly recommend it! Be safe have fun!

[Nicolette]

I want to see photos!
Stace, You gotta post photographs of all the cool European people and sites you see. Also, watch out for celebrities. If you meet a celeb, please get an autograph just for me. Even better, if you meet a really tall, fit, blond, blue eyed, artsy, music guy, you gotta get his email address and phone number for me, or give him my myspace.com/nicolettefontaine website. XOXO Wish I was there travelling with you! Miss ya, Nicolette

[Rachel]

YAY! Glad you are there. Now, enough of those water works (although very well-executed plan there getting your bags carried!)!! Have a blast and remember to take lots of pictures!! Get some rest!! Love, Me

[Marti]

Fantastic
You gave he Hungarian mints and lotion. I love you to pieces.

[Christi]

way to snag some help :)
Batting the eyelashes would have done it. :) So sorry the first day was a little rough!! I know the rest will be awesome... Love, Christi

[JW]

Hey girl! Glad to hear you made it. I hope the trip doesnt involve the need for more waterworks. But with your Disney training Im sure you can start it anytime you want. ;-) Anyway have fun. Cant wait to hear about all your amusing incounters...as Im sure there will be plenty. Love J

[Sue Shiring]

Glad to know that you arrived safely. I asked BT Tues. am when we spoke with him but he hadn't heard. Alittle later we received your e-mail. Then I picked up Jan at the airport. She is here until this Tues. am. Mon. noon is Maureen's 60th birthday luncheon. We have been busy getting ready for that. July invits. are great. Jackie Schear called when they received theirs. I liked your crying to get help. Sue