After years of longing for europe, i have just returned.It was no big deal.I cant believe I'm saying this, I am really surprised at my reaction.I knew what to expect and was willing to experience a different culture, totally up for it.I found myself feeling lost, and was ready to go home in no time.The U.S. kicks ass all over the place when your talking about cooking.I think that we must have taken their recipes and improved on everything about 100%, just like most other catagories.Its just another place where people live, work ,and play.I am a history buff so this was part of my motivation.It was kind of like meeting a guy youve been dating on-line for a year and being totally let-down.I might go back again in a couple of years somewhere else just to see if I was mistaken.I feel compelled to do so now.I am looking forward to a vacation in the U.S. next year, because I have never been on a vacation here where I was looking forward to going home.

I guess there are some people in the world that are just happiest at home.Sorry you didn't experience one of the great pleasures of travel, seeing life through different eyes, the way others live, eat,their history is all around you. Maybe because of the times we are living in right now-you were unable to see things clearly-maybe after things settle down and the world is not so threatened, you can try again.

Interesting perspective, anon. Everyone has their own tastes, I guess. My experiences where quite different. Europe is a pretty big place though. Where in Europe did you? What did you see?

Well, I spent 4 days in London, then off to Belgium,Brussels for a few days, then we drove up to Amsterdam.It was only a 10 day trip

After years of longing for Europe, I have just returned. <BR>It was no big deal. I can't believe I'm saying this, I am really surprised at my reaction.I knew what to expect and was willing to experience a different culture, totally up for it. I found myself feeling lost, and was ready to go home in no time.The U.S. kicks ass all over the place when you're talking about cooking.I think that we must have taken their recipes and improved on everything about 100%, just like most other categories.It's just another place where people live, work, and play.I am a history buff so this was part of my motivation.It was kind of like meeting a guy you've been dating on-line for a year and being totally let-down.I might go back again in a couple of years somewhere else just to see if I was mistaken.I feel compelled to do so now.I am looking forward to a vacation in the U.S. next year, because I have never been on a vacation here where I was looking forward to going home.

We're all different, and isn't that great? For the past few years since an early retirement, my partner and I have traveled through Europe for 4 to 5 months each summer. This year we decided to stay in the US for a 5 month trip (plus across Canada to spend a month in Alaska). We had a fantastic time, but on the last leg home we both agreed that we really missed Europe. We love the US too and have traveled extensively over most of it, but there is something about Europe that is just. . .well, so foreign. . .that makes it irresistable to us.

Thats cool.Tell me where is your favorite place so that I know where to try for next time.

You must have gone to Germany....

You have visited London, Bryssels and Amsterdam. Yes, those are in Europe, but Europe is a bit bigger than that. How many countries? I should count them to be exact. And just as many different cultures, cuisines and sceneries. Different food in Italy and Finland. Different history in Greece and Spain. Different architecture in Sweden and Switzerland. You can really just say that you have been to London, Amsterdam and Brussels, but that is it. Don´t generalize.

Anon: I love this country beyond measure. However, I have always wanted to see and explore Europe. I love history and exploring differant cultures. We are in our prime, and must take advantage of travel, while we still are able. Getting to Europe involves a very long, uncomfortable flight, therefore I will try to do Europe, while "relatively" young. My USA, can just be a car ride away, when we retire. <BR> Of course, as I always say: Differant strokes, yes? <BR> Judy

London? Can't comment (never been), but food is not known as it's "big draw". <BR> <BR>Brussels? Went in Sept and it rained the entire time. Bleah. Not known for it's food (but the beer!) <BR> <BR>Amsterdam? Went in April and found it to be merely "ok". Not known for it's food, either! <BR> <BR>anonymous, try Paris, Vienna, Prague, Venice or Rome next time -- Brussels and Amsterdam (in my opinion) can't compete with those cities. <BR> <BR>The food isn't the best in Prague, but in the other cities, you shouldn't have ANY problem with the cuisine. <BR> <BR>History? The five cities I listed are close to tops (Rome especially). <BR> <BR>But remember, ALL cities are places where "people live, work, and play"!

Anonymous, Im sure the millions of people who visit the US each year feel the same way you do--BIG DEAL!

May I quote Keats to you? <BR> <BR>There was a naughty boy <BR>And a naughty boy was he <BR>He ran away to Scotland <BR>The people for to see <BR>Then he found <BR>That the ground <BR>Was as hard <BR>That a yard was as long <BR>That a song was as merry <BR>That a cherry <BR>Was as red <BR>That lead was as weighty <BR>That fourscore was as eighty <BR>That a door <BR>Was as wooden <BR>As in England <BR>So he stood in his shoes <BR>And he wonder'd <BR>He wonder'd <BR>He stood in his <BR>Shoes and he wonder'd <BR> <BR>Of course Europe is a place where people work, live and play. Were you expecting a Hollywood theme park? <BR>I must say that anyone who can visit the places you mentioned and not be interested in them should just stay at home or do a lot of reading up before they go. London alone has 2000 years of history at least, museums, theatres, pubs,parks, gardens, markets etc. I can't imagine anyone not finding something to interest them. <BR>On another literary note, you remind me of Nancy Mitford's "Uncle Matthew" who declared that "abroad is bloody and foreigners are fiends." ;-)

That's cool, but what exactly were you expecting? Clogs and kilts and lederhosen and chirpy cockneys and qauint towns of well-dressed (no black or dark grays)people? <BR> <BR>There's only one Neuschwanstein castle, the opening crdits of the Wonderful World of Disney may have led you astray somewhat. <BR> <BR>I'm supposing I find it hard that someone can spend xx dollars on a flight over to Europe without actually realising what was waiting for them (in a general sense, that is). <BR> <BR>

Sorry to hear you were disappointed with your first visit to Europe, but traveling in Europe is obviously not for everyone. <BR> <BR>I was thrilled with my first visit to Europe in 1979 and have continued to be ever since. <BR> <BR>

I was really trying to keep expectations low so that I wouldnt be let down.I did a lot of reading before I went and kept an open mind.I didnt expect a theme park, but after hearing people gush and slobber in thier trip reports over the years, I couldnt report my trip in the same way, and wonder what did I miss.

Did you find the rituals of travel unpleasant? Finding your way around in an unfamiliar city, dealing with foreign currency, packing, unpacking, packing, unpacking? I found on my first trip to Europe everything was more of an ordeal than at home, where to eat, what to order, how to pay, do I tip? At least you were in countries where English is predominant, but I do understand a bit about feeling let down after all your expectations. On my first trip I also visited London, Brussels and Amsterdam and I must admit I couldn't rave about the food with the exception of Indian food I ate in Amsterdam and mussels I ate in Brussels. But I then went on to France and Italy and things improved. My attitude improved as well, I got the hang of things and subsequently relaxed and began loving Europe. <BR> <BR>So, I can understand how you feel and maybe Europe just isn't your cup of tea but maybe next time try and stay longer and visit different places. I'd put Paris and Venice at the top of your list.

I bet that if you spent as much time on your English homework as you do trolling on a travel forum, your spelling, punctuation and syntax would greatly improve. <BR> <BR>

One thing that hasn't been mentioned (unless I missed it) is who did you travel with? I have been to fantastic places with people who don't travel so well and they have tainted my experience. Could this have been it? Well if not then maybe Europe just isn't "it' for you. Maybe Australia or Asia or Latin America?

Well, all right. That's fair. Everyone is different and that IS what makes the World go round. I would encourage you to go at least one more time to Paris or Rome or Budapest. Or, if you prefer the countryside and tranquility, Tuscany, Umbria, Provence, Dordogne. Try to sort out what it is you like. You mention history. Are you into Architecture, museums, food (still a great part of visiting Europe despite your experience). There is good food available in London, Brussels and Amsterdam. Don't know where you ate. Do a thorough job of research with an eye to your own preferences. Now, it sounds like you did at least some of all of this and still weren't happy. When all is said and done, maybe overseas travel just isn't for you. I would try it one more time before I gave up on one of life's real joys (for me). By-the-way, I have travelled all fifty States and while I enjoy US Travel immensely, I will still head out of the Country at the drop of a hat. Hope you find what you are looking for.