So glad it is finally happening! After several months of back-to-back communication with a Deaf travel operator (some of you will remember my struggles in finding a tour that would accomodate Deaf travelers; as well as my desire to see Europe before losing more vision), the tour has been confirmed!
The itinerary is pretty darn close to my dream one. Some welcome additions such as visiting the oldest school for the deaf in Paris (St. Jacques School for the Deaf, established 1760, near Jardin du Luxembourg) where ASL was born.
(Quick history lesson: Gallaudet came to Paris in 1814, met Abbe L'Eppe (whose statue stands at the school now), who sent a Deaf teacher, Laurent Clerc, back the US with Gallaudet and went on to establish the first school for the deaf in Hartford, thus ASL was born. )
In a nutshell - 4 nights London, 4 nights Paris, 4 nights Munich (and 2 day trips), 3 nights Salzburg, 2 nights Venice, 2 nights Florence, and 4 nights Rome. The first and third part will be fast paced but the middle week in Germany/Austria will be much more laid-back so I think it's doable, as well as an easy pace in Rome. In total 24 days. 2 long rail days (6 hr each) to recuperate and follow the age-old Deaf tradition of figuring out mutual friends and acquaintances.
(Dropped Amsterdam for logistical reasons - saving that for when Keukenhof is open, more reason to go then! A promise to myself! : )
One of the best parts? A private tour of the Louvre on Tuesday with a local Deaf guide = NO crowds? Yes, I'll take it!
Here's hoping we get enough people to go. (we have 4 confirmed, need 8 to confirm for sure that the trip will happen.)
When we get back, do expect a detailed report from someone with a Deaf/low vision perspective :)