My former wife and I traveled through Europe for a year through Servas, an internationally recognized hosting organization. We did so with our 4-year-old son and stayed with 25 different families through 15 countries on our journey. I've since in my retirement years become a writer of sorts and put the experience down on paper. The story supports the essence of Servas and how it influenced our experiences. It's a long account but worthy of mention even if it may not be as important an organization today (I don't know).
We were hosts here in Nevada for several years to some rewarding encounters. We then planned an excursion throughout Europe in 1994-95 from one of those encounters - a German lad who had stayed with us, had gotten into a motorcycle accident upon leaving, and stayed with us again through his recovery. We talked about travelling, I sent him money in Germany, and he purchased a camper Volkswagen mostly equipped for us to do a year driving throughout Europe. My account describes our experience.
I would like to include it here, but don't see the ability to do so. I once unsuccessfully tried to attach the story to Rick, but it didn't work. I thought at the time that the story was appropriate, but I'm at a loss.
If this topic is of interest, please let me know.
Jim Mack
Still in Nevada