On May 16, 2019, I set forth on what may have been the longest trip I've ever taken abroad, starting in Budapest, Hungary. I think I can safely say that this was one of the most delightful trips I have ever been on. The guide was a charming young Turkish man whose English is good and he was both solicitous of me and letting me do my own thing, the combination I appreciate the most. I have got the packing down to a science. I had a carry-on and a small tote bag from Rick Steves. And that is all and that was enough. I felt well, the weather was beautiful, and the scenery and the towns we have been in are absolutely fascinating.
Many people far more learned than I have tried to describe the ins and outs of the history of the countries I was visiting this year. I listened to the expositions by our good GAdventure guide, and by the other guides he arranged to accompany us. I can't possibly recount them ----- check out Wikipedia!--- But Budapest, and the towns in Romania and Bulgaria, were glowing in a sunny spring, and I enjoyed their ambience very much!
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Epilogue
The flight from Athens to Gatwick Airport was uneventful, but the two-hour layover wasn't sufficient for Special Assistance to get me to my flight back to Boston, and I had to spend 24 hours at the Hilton airport hotel. No big deal - at least I THINK my insurance will cover it.
This was probably my most ambitious trip, and/or my LAST ambitious trip, but I learned so much, saw so much new to me, and got to visit my old Greek haunts.. I will still travel when I can...
c.