"When you look at life through the eyes of gratitude, the world becomes a magical and amazing place." - Jennifer Gayle

 

I am grateful for having the opportunity to have taken this trip of a lifetime. Four months later, the memories are still vivid and meaningful. I felt like my jaw dropped open every morning and didn’t close all day!

I appreciate the incredible support of my family and friends.

 

Thanks to my Mom and Dad for the useful inherited gifts of organization and planning, and the love of travel and adventure. The years of knowledge and experience shared from Rick Steves’ Europe, our tour manager Andrew, our tour guide Dimitri, all of our local guides, and more than a few “travel angels” along the way, helped make the trip so unforgettable.

 

Smokey and I made many good friends on the tours, whose friendship I will always cherish. They all shared so much more than a seat on the bus with me-advice, laughter, incredible beauty, sweaty hikes, great food, photos, deepest feelings, and the joy of travel.

 

At the times when I had to gather up my courage as a “solo” traveler, a tidbit of knowledge would surface or the right person would be there to help. This trip experience has helped me to truly appreciate that we are all connected in one way or another!

 

Special thanks: To my friend Sara who helped me navigate the art of making a website scrapbook!

 

Thanks Rick, for starting it all!