Thanks to everybody following the blog. Sorry there haven't been any updates forever- that will change soon. Internet was a constant issue during the BOE and by the time I got to Scotland post BOE, I was just too exhausted to try.
I got home a week ago to wedding drama after drama (my daughter is getting married in less than 3 weeks). So while I knew we would have a lot to do upon my return, I didn't expect the best man to back out, the soloist to back out, our DJ to back out- and so on and so on! So I've been putting out wedding fires all week long, going to bridal showers, talking to caterers, calling on organists and DJ's... If I can just survive the next three weeks, lol!
I did keep a written journal on the tour, and I have every intention of completing the website/blog ASAP. I hope to finish the Venice days by the weekend. I'll do as much as I can leading up to the wedding, but it might be (probably will be) after the wedding before I finish. I plan on doing NOTHING for the month of July. I'll need it to recover from the trip and the wedding and to rest up before returning to school full time in August!
That being said, the 21 Day BOE was amazing, and even with all of my "troubles" I had a wonderful time and would gladly take the BOE again if the opportunity presented itself. I hope if my blog shows anything, it's that even when things go wrong, and your fitness level leaves a lot to be desired, a good attitude and a sense of humor goes a long way, and to make the most of whatever opportunities for travel you get. The BOE is a strenuous tour and NOT for those who are looking for a laid back and relaxing vacation. You'll be on the go from 8 in the morning until 8 at night unless you opt out of things (which you can- but try not to). I lost weight on the trip and spent much of my time trying to keep my pants from falling around my ankles and exposing me. I tried so many new things- food wise (and I'm the picky-est of eaters), activity wise and saw things that I will never, ever, ever forget. I nearly cried every time we left someplace, because each place was so amazing, you didn't want to leave! And then you reached the new place and went- WOW, and then you didn't want to leave that place, ha ha! You WILL have the most amazing cultural experiences and meet some wonderful people. The guides are exceptional, all of them, the tour guides, the locals guides, the museum guides... My only complaints were the internet issues and my lousy sprained ankle. I can't wait for my next RS experience!
So stay tuned, more updates are coming to the blog. Thanks everybody for your comments and PM's, both here and on the blog. Knowing others were reading about my adventure and seeking out information for their own travels made me more determined to make the most of my own opportunities and journal them thoroughly.
See ya soon!
Lisa
