The European Trek is on its 17 of 28 days. Since our last blog entry we phantom camped in Vernon, and the next morning enjoyed a visually rich tour of Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny. It was a true test of will and teamwork as well as a race against the sunset. As we plowed on to complete a hilly 51.4 miles, the French countryside provided the perfect picturesque landscape to bring us to the splendid town of Versailles. We explored the palace and extensive gardens (and began to realize our campsites are not as luxurious as we like to think). The next day we biked to ol’ Paris! For the next three days we kept busy with a city tour (with a charismatic, attractive guide) which included the outside of the Louvre, the Obelisk, the Champs Elysees, the Grande and Petite Palaces, the Pont de Neuf Bridge, and even the café where the French Revolution was started! We also visited Notre Dame, the Arc de Triumphe, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, ascended the Eiffel Tower, and enjoyed a nice dinner in Montmartre (which ended in an epic Rocky race up the stairs). Unfortunately, our hostel had a breakfast nazi who strictly enforced the rule of one cup of coffee, one measly bowl of applesauce, and two demi-baguettes. However, we countered her tight-fisted ways with cereal! After an exciting and somewhat chaotic experience getting on the train, we made it to the charming city of Bruges. In the morning we feasted on market-fresh berries, scrumptious chocolates, and of course Belgian waffles. Later that day, we packed up and said a sad good-bye to our cozy hostel “Snuffle.” We biked quite a way to Ghent on this amazing bike trail right along the canal. It was such a great feeling to be surrounded by other bikers, traveling at a nice leisurely pace, and following the canal to our next stop. Though Ghent did not live up to the high standards we had set for Belgium cities, we still had fun there chowing down on berries and French fries. Following yet another adventurous train journey, we arrived in the lively city of Amsterdam. Our first day here, we visited the Anne Frank House, the Van Gohg and Rijks museums, and an excellent pancake restaurant. We are now relaxing in our upbeat hostel and are excited for another great day!
Having a wonderful time here, yet our ten-day countdown approaches. Every day brings new adventures, laughs, challenges, and accomplishments. Living in many different places and meeting many different people broadens our view of the world and other teens. Perfection!
