Exceeded your expectations?
 

Always finding all your opinions interesting. Like the biggest disappointments, I will list my top 3. Prague, Copenhagen, & the Tuscan countryside.<BR>Sidenote: I've also been impressed with how many people speak good English, even in Italy!

Before this goes too far - how 'bout elaborating also. <BR> <BR>And Matt, I'm not clear - did you like those three or not?<BR><BR>For me - the Aran Islands and Lucca

Matt:<BR>Expectations are based on the information you've received via reading, pictures, but mostly what other people have reported. We were told by relatives that Venice was just a big dirty city. Our expectations were low. What we found was a place we loved! I loved the people, the total atmosphere, the history ! the public water transportation, the small churches that have been there since 450 ad! I found that it is not a dirty, smelly city, but an just an old city. We loved Venice and it exceeded our expectations!

I said on that "disappointments" thread that I'd never been disappointed by any place in Europe. To expand on that, not only have I never been disappointed, every place I've been has *exceeded* my expectations, some more than others. <BR><BR>Places and sights which probably exceeded my expectations the most were: Rome (nearly tied with Paris for my favorite European city); Barcelona (Gaudi in photos doesn't come close to capturing Gaudi in person); the Amalfi Coast (absolutely stunning); Vernazza; Eze Village; Menton; Aix-en-Provence; the Gorges du Verdon; and the Berner Oberland in Switzerland.

I go into every vacation believing that I am embarking on a great new adventure. I don't go with expectations, other than that I expect to enjoy myself. I'm never disappointed and always have a great vacation.<BR>ja

The Esterel coast west of Nice and Cannes. Its craggy red rocks reminded me of Zion or Bryce canyon--so unexpected to find in France.