Where in Europe to spend 2 months?

[John Bennett]

My daughter has gotten it into her head that we need to spend a summer in Europe before she graduates high school.

I really know very little about modern Europe.

Where would be a nice place to stay?

London?
Spain?
Germany?
Holland?

I'd prefer to go somewhere the weather is tolerable, english is common, crime is low, and hatred for Americans is moderate.

I think I'd try to get an apartment for two months.

Any help from our European friends appreciated!

[Jim]

english is common, crime is low, and hatred for Americans is moderate.

Try Boston. ;)

[Posiview]

London is very busy , but has a lot of historic buildings, and many museums and you may be able to see the Queen!

Berlin is similar but, as I recall, not as busy (I'd recommend Berlin myself as I was stationed their for two years while in the forces). Although I haven't been there since '82.

Amsterdam is very safe and has many museums, art galleries (including Van Gogh) - although some of the shops may not be appropriate for children (if you know what I mean).

Barcelona is equally great and, as with the above, has many museums, art galleries (and I mean A LOT of art galleries) and the people are very friendly.

Norway's equally visitable although I only saw a ski town called Voss, VERY friendly people and very expansive countryside. Expensive though, as I recall!

Damn Europe's GREAT!!

I'm looking to go to Madrid and Berlin some time in Aril with some friends, and can't wait.

Let us know how your holiday goes.

Andy Sheader

[Jeff Burger]

Id say you have to do the tour John, why stay in 1 place for 2 months.

Europe is pretty easy to travel around in...once you cross the pond.


Quote
"english is common, crime is low, and hatred for Americans is moderate."
"Try Boston."

English....yeah you hear it sometimes.
Crime is low?

Hatred for Americans is moderate....Now that part is only sort of correct.
See here in Boston we hate everyone equally, the local verbal constitution states "everyone has an equal opportunity to suck".

Jeff

[fightgrrl]

Well, what does she like?? that may help narrow it down..anywhere I have been there have been nice people...also pretty much every big Euro city will have its American community for connections

I have heard nothing but great stuff about Spain, easy going, fun people, pretty inexpensive, lots of English-I haven't been...yet

I have a friend who raves about Berlin..went on a whim with zero German language, has gone back 4 or 5 times now - don't know about the $$

London is definitely easy, I went a while back with my suitcase and cash(no hotel or plans)...found a drastically cheap hotel that served breakfast...if she likes British history the "attractions" are outstanding and admission for students is cheap and in some cases free. its easier to get by cheap just because of the language advantage
summer weather is nice too and they kinda speak english there

I like Paris and I don't speak any French..went a couple of years ago..money wise some basics can be really cheap-fresh fruit , bottled water and others really expensive-peanut butter(!) but i did get the coolest funky boots for about $20

The hop around idea can be fun, but I think that a long stay is better.

Americans tend to say they know a place they have been in for a day without giving it a fair shake...I am guilty of being in Rome only 5 days and telling people I didn't like Italy.

Istanbul is by far the coolest place I have been, but having the family connection made it easier and safer - WAY different culture

Everywhere I have been that I like I have stayed for 2 weeks to a month on at least one trip...and I have never been mistaken for an American...;)

[fightgrrl]

Well, what does she like?? that may help narrow it down..anywhere I have been there have been nice people...also pretty much every big Euro city will have its American community for connections

I have heard nothing but great stuff about Spain, easy going, fun people, pretty inexpensive, lots of English-I haven't been...yet

I have a friend who raves about Berlin..went on a whim with zero German language, has gone back 4 or 5 times now - don't know about the $$

London is definitely easy, I went a while back with my suitcase and cash(no hotel or plans)...found a drastically cheap hotel that served breakfast...if she likes British history the "attractions" are outstanding and admission for students is cheap and in some cases free. its easier to get by cheap just because of the language advantage
summer weather is nice too and they kinda speak english there

I like Paris and I don't speak any French..went a couple of years ago..money wise some basics can be really cheap-fresh fruit , bottled water and others really expensive-peanut butter(!) but i did get the coolest funky boots for about $20

The hop around idea can be fun, but I think that a long stay is better.

Americans tend to say they know a place they have been in for a day without giving it a fair shake...I am guilty of being in Rome only 5 days and telling people I didn't like Italy.

Istanbul is by far the coolest place I have been, but having the family connection made it easier and safer - WAY different culture

Everywhere I have been that I like I have stayed for 2 weeks to a month on at least one trip...and I have never been mistaken for an American...;)

[Mandeigh Wells]

Scotland...your ideal destination....the weather can be warmish....Ok so the west coast gets a little wet, but the scenery is nice......we have got history and culture coming out or our ears......if you go to the edinburgh side the english is a bit more understandable....hate you for being american?...well the jocks don't care what nationality you are as long as you are not english...

Mandeigh

[Sanjuro]

Cough*Ireland*Cough....

:D

[Jim]

Ireland, Pete? I thought the question was regarding Europe... :D

[Ramirez]

John, have you decided where you are going in Europe yet?

I will be in Portugal for 2 weeks at the beginning of June, in the Algarve region. I considered Spain too.

England would have been cool from a martial arts perspective, the Budokwai and a ton of jiu-jitsu (not BJJ, I am using the English spelling), to check out.

[Rich]

I've travelled throughout Europe, Eastern Europe and Russia and every country I visited was great in it's own way.

I'd say that from your point of view Britain is the easiest, no language problems but don't just go to London. Get out and see the countryside - West Sussex and Devon are great. Make sure you pop into a country pub and order roast beef and yorkshire pudding and a pint of beer!

Canterbury in Kent is nice and if you like castles then Warwick castle is the best - they have loads of shows and performances like jousting in the summer. Don't forget Scotland! Edinborough is a must see city and Scone Palace isn't far away - that place has the friendliest staff I've ever met, they know so much they must be University lecturers in their spare time!

I'd say the friendliest people in Europe would have to be the Dutch - that's a fantastic place - just tell them you're an American and they'll treat you like royalty.

Prague in the Czech Republic is a beautiful city and worth a visit while Rome is so full of history it numbs the mind. Also, great food in Rome but beware the pickpockets! They're just kids and they try to show you paper but actually are rifling your pockets but if you wear a money belt you'll be ok.

Have fun!

[Mandeigh Wells]

gee whizz Rich......your description makes me want to go and see a bit more of the world myself........totally sold on the yorkshire puddings yummy! Have you ever thought about writing a travel guide?

Mandeigh:D

[Jen]

Even with all the french bashing going on, i'd still like to go there. I can understand french fairly well, but my speaking ability is similiar to that of a two year old.

[Rich]

Thanks Mandeigh! You never know, they say everyone has a book in them.

I love travelling (I'm in Japan at the moment) but getting back to the thread another good place to visit is Sweden especially if you're into nature. The unspoilt beauty of the place will leave you breathless. The majority of the population lives in the south so if you go up to the north you'll find nothing but forrests and wildlife - it's great! Don't forget to take your camera!:)

[Ron Rompen]

How far afield do you consider 'Europe'?

I'm suprised nobody has mentioned either Sicily or Malta....both incredible destinations (if you go at the right time of year, before the tourist season rush).

Istanbul is (from what I have been told) an incredible place to visit.

Personally, if I had the $$$ to travel right now, I'd visit Norway and Scotland (family ties to both places, and I've never had the opportunity to search out my roots there, although I have been to Scotland and Norway several times)

On the other hand, if you want something TRULY different, try taking a trip to Labrador and Hudson's Bay. Or a cruise up through British Columbia to Alaska.

Europe is nice, but there are so many things right here at home.

[Jeannette]

Anywhere you go for 2 months would be great! Your daughter is very lucky and it is an experience that neither one of you will ever forget! There's no avoiding racism, and I feel that there is no need to worry about danger. (It's worse in the USA) I would suggest to read up about the country and people where ever you decide to go, a good pair of walking shoes, maps, and a basic language translator dictionary. Every little bit goes far!

I'm in favor of Rome. (they really don't care to speak english and may get offended if you assume they should speak english-which they are entitled!) If you love history and art this is THE place to go for 2 months. My husband and I spent four weeks in Rome. I'd try to blend in with the locals. I'd recommend getting a good pair of walking shoes and walk everywhere. Go to the local grocery stores, and fruit markets. The best thing to do is get lost. It is common for gypsy theft, so always stay aware. If you walk like you are a tourist you will be a target for theft. If you observe (in any country) what the local people do, you will blend in nicely and the people will just about do anything for you. Europeans don't seem obsesive about their cars and seem to be annoyed with the Americans laziness to walk. I don't even own a car, so it felt very natural to spend a day walking to the Vatican and back. Sure, I could've taken a bus, but walking has it's many pleasant cultural adventures.

Have fun! (2 months, I'm so envious!)

[Ishinguy]

Hi John,
Even though I am originally from England I haven't travelled much of Europe except for child hood vacations to Spain, which back then was fantastic but now from what I hear it is not so nice to visit, very commercialized I understand. My sister and her husband go to Europe for a few days every month, the last time they went to Spain they hated it and came home early but maybe it depends where abouts you go. They absolutely love Germany, the people , the food (especially the food ) and the drink. and the scenery. They also spend a lot of time in France, not so much Paris but they have a place in Nice and also do a lot cycling in Normandy and Brittany as well. They are not Martial Artists but are into cycling and hiking and good food !They also like Austria , Italy and Switzerland. Of course London has a lot to offer in the way of sight seeing but it is expensive and the weather is dodgy .
Hope you have a good time where ever you go.
Cheers
Nick Barrett

[Ishinguy]

I'd say the friendliest people in Europe would have to be the Dutch - that's a fantastic place - just tell them you're an American and they'll treat you like royalty.
RE: Above quote

You might want to tell the Dutch that you are canadian, they love Canadians to !!!!!!!
Cheers
Nick Barrett

[Sanjuro]

So its settled then, Ireland it is:D

Plus, we've got the Dutch well beaten in the hospitality stakes.

[Kimpatsu]

How about spending two months in the duty-free shop at the airport? Hic! :toast:

[Posiview]

I'm on my way back from Berlin and I'd strongly recommend a visit: great food, nice people and numerous sites to see.

I'll add more later, got to catch my flight.

[Posiview]

John, did your daughter go to Europe? If she did where did she visit?