Our eight weeks in Europe has come to an end. We fly out of London tomorrow. We dubbed this the "Grand Fall Tour" and it has been grand! Amsterdam, München, our beloved Val Gardena, Venezia, Assisi, Le Marche, Piemonte, Paris, and finally London. No regrets, but we feel like we moved around too much even for two months. Hubby thinks 8 weeks a little long but is open to negotiation if we do not move around so much so next year: fewer stops, longer stays, i.e., a week minimum in a location. The final two weeks in London have been great even after having been here for three 1-week trips prior.
We cooked a lot when we had facilities and we resolve there will be no more week-long periods that are strictly in hotels. We just get tired of eating in restaurants. Nice to come back after a long day and eat simply, have our own bottle of wine, and also to make coffee ASAP in the morning!
We bought (and shipped home) only a few things: 6 liters of Umbrian olive oil, 6 bottles of my husband's favorite Italian grappa that is not available in the U.S., a few small items for Christmas stockings, some linens from the South Tirol.
We took about 1900 pictures and those are only the ones I downloaded to save!
Missing the cat tremendously. We've never been away from her more than 4 consecutive weeks in her 21 years. Anxious to wear some different clothes, too. I think I will burn the two pair of jeans I have been wearing.
I will write another trip report soon, for those who are interested. For now, arrivederci and thanks to all of you who helped along the way, whether you knew it or not. I still come to the Forum looking for advice and following others' experiences.
Now to start planning next year....