MANY SURPRISES

                                 Just a Few of Many

On one’s first visit across the pond it is inevitable that one will be in for some unexpected surprises. That by no means implies that such surprises are bad, just different and unexpected, often simply from lack of experience. The following are some of my experiences.

As I wandered out onto Amsterdam's main street I couldn’t believe all the bicycles. There were thousands of them and they really were more dangerous than any other vehicle because the bikers were quite random about which traffic rules they obeyed. Amsterdam is full of electric trolley cars, some public buses, and canal taxis in addition to all the bicycles. Of course Holland is flat and walking Amsterdam is very easy. A canal cruise gives you a very different perspective of the city. There are 400 bridges in Amsterdam and they are numbered in sequence; the higher the number, the newer the bridge. The bridges are very different in style.

In Germany the subway is called the Ubahn. What a pleasant surprise to find the stations spotless

with no trash, no drunks, and no graffiti!

Frankfort is famous for its apple wine. We gave it a try, but I found it rather bitter and quite dry. Although I did not drink much of the glass a friend and I shared I sure had a terrific headache the next morning!

The gondolas of Venice are strictly for the tourists and it is obvious. Water taxis get one around in Venice, and water boats transport all goods and supplies. There are no cars nor bikes.

St. Mark’s Square (San Marco) is big and a must see. There is much to see; be sure to see the old and unique clock and bell.

Trevi Fountain in Rome is behind the Trevi Palace and where Roman Holiday was filmed and the song Three Coins In A Fountain sung. If you want to make a wish, toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain. It is certainly worth a visit and there is an excellent restaurant on the square.

There is so much to see in Rome but here’s a bit of trivia: palaces of Dukes have candle holders on the outside of the building at the top of the first floor. Rome has 1040 churches and numerous Roman ruins. St Peter’s with its 27 altars is absolutely a must see!

The Vatican, the smallest country in the world, is just one square mile. The church has the largest and richest art collection in the world. On the Right Bank of the Tiber River, the Vatican has two miles of railroad track and just under 1000 residents. Remember to buy one of their special stamps or pick up a Vatican coin.

The Sistine Chapel was started in 1475, the same year Michelangelo was born. Michelangelo started painting the chapel at age 72 and continued until his death at 89.I so wanted to lie down on the floor to really absorb that gorgeous ceiling---unfortunately it was not allowed.

Do climb the 135 steps of the Spanish Steps, a Rome landmark. Plan on some time to really take in this lovely area and build in some people watching time as you rest on the steps.

The main road around many European cities sit on top of where the ancient city walls once stood.

In Florence, Italy make it a must to visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David. Michelangelo was 26 years old when he started David and it took him two years to complete. He never made a pre-sculpture as he could ‘feel’ his statue in the marble, and he always did all his own work. In his day it was common for an artist to create a work and then anonymous craftsmen would do the actual carving.

     The Duomo (St. Mary’s of the Flowers) church was started in 1296, taking 148 years to complete. It is the third largest church in the world, and should be on your list to visit.

    The Baptistery, famous for its bronze doors done in the 1400s by Andrea Pisano and Ghiberti is also a must-see. Plus there is much more to see and visit.

No matter how many times one visits Europe, if one gets out and about he’ll find pleasant surprises.

It is good to remember that one cannot do it all in one trip, no matter where you go, if the area is of any size or has much history. Personally I’d rather do it more in depth than to run around a city on a bus and say I’ve seen it all----but to each his own & for some the latter may be important.