Quick update from Europe
 

Sitting at an internet cafe in Geneva Switzerland now and so far the sights have been amazing. Been to Paris, the beaches of Normandy, and various other spots. Have a Volvo Diesel station wagon to get around in. Have tons of thoughts I am looking forward to sharing when I get back. Miss getting on the site every day,,,, and the keyboards here are really strange.

I don't know what your budget is but a nice place to eat in Geneva is Roberto's. It would be considered expensive by many people but it's so relaxed and the food is great. Maybe you can take a side-trip to Mont Blanc, or take a boat ride to the other side of the lake and visit France for lunch.

If you go to Lausanne be sure to visit the Olympic Museum, Lausanne is also a great place to get a boat over to France. Have lunch at the Beau Rivage, then walk out and take the boat to France. The Beau Rivage is good for lunch, it's expensive but when you compare it to 'cheap' places it's not that expensive. Get an outside table if possible, their steak tartare is wonderful. Near Lausanne is LeRosey, you might want to visit just out of curiousity lol, I knew a girl who went there, they charge like $60,000 a year and she's no smarter than me:cool:

If you venture into France for whatever be sure to have your passport, they usually just wave you through but sometimes they do checks.

ATTENTION: beware of the pickpockets if you go near the train station or the airport or take public transport. Lots eastern European gangs operate in Switzerland. Everyone expects to be picked in Paris or Rome but too many people let their guard down in Switzerland

Ciao

By the way, Switzerland is one of those countries where diesel is more expensive than gasoline, is there still a big price difference?

Wow, ain't technology grand?! I'm sorry, but I'm old enough that I still marvel at things like traveling to far away places, but still being able to log onto the forum and chat with your buddies.

I hope you have a terrific time, Pete.

Wow, it's nice to know your having a great time. Ummmm Switzerland, chocolate and watches.

Those European keyboards are a *****. Typing a whole paragraph and then reading the nonsense that comes from your fingers is frustrating. Keep us posted on your travels. What's your itinerary?
I just sewed loops into the bottom of my trouser pockets so I could tie in my wallet to avoid pickpockets.

Nice!
 

I was only in Zurich for a few hours, but the people were very nice and the exchange rate on the Franc was a little better than the Euro.

If you end up in zee Fatherland (and you aren't traveling with the family :D) make sure you get to Hamburg....the Reeperbahn is amazing, along with all the other historic, and less risque stuff.

Have been to France, Switzerland, Austria, and am now in Munich. People in Europe have been positively fantastic. The French in Paris couldn´t do enough to make sure you were comfy, as is everyone else. The French deffinately have some good looking women,,,, it´s like a country full of "Mistresses". The cars Mercedes has here that you can´t get in the States makes you want to cry,,,, I saw a new C class Station Wagon today,,,, they LOVE station wagons in Europe. In France Diesel was cheaper than gas, but the Swiss was higher. Don´t know what they want in Germany yet. Free WiFi is very,,, almost impossible to come across anywhere, so the I Pods are pretty worthless here,,, we just keep looking for internet cafes, and unlike what I had been told,,, they are not "everywhere". Will check back next time we find one.

Glad your having a great time and it's neat your checking in every now and then. We look forward to the photos you will post when you get back. Thanks for the compliment...:P

Glad to hear you are having a great time.

I was in Germany exactly 1 year ago, and Diesel was €1.39 a liter. Gasoline was about 10 cents higher. You will see very few pick-up trucks over there, as for some reason, the taxes are quite high on them - no one seems to know why.

If you have a day, head south to Garmisch. I think of it literally every day; my wife and I love it there. Have fun!

Went up to Hitlers´ Eagle Nest today,,, kind of chilling to be standing in the same spot as Hitler was. Heading to Stuttgart tomorrow and hope to visit the Mercedes factory. From there, to the Black Forest, Cologne, and home. This has been a fantastic trip. Didn´t make Garmish, but it would have been easy,,, next time. I saw a Chrysler 300 station wagon today,,, why don´t we have one ?

Have fun. Have you sampled any of that good German beer?

Berchtesgarten is really interesting -- did you get to walk through the museum? The cars over there are light years ahead of ours in terms of mileage; I just don't get it. Saw a Jeep Compass turbo diesel when we were there, and it looked very nice. The little 6-speed Audi A3 TDI we rented was great, too. Oh well!

Have a good time!!!

If you should take the Autobahn that passes Heidelberg, look at the hills on your right....about 10 mins north of there, is an exit for Weinheim...I lived just over those hills. Wish I could be there again!