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>>Finally, disagree with Sandralist both on the transportation issue and on her statement about restaurants (although not with her remarks about food:

Sandra lives in Europe and is used to the transportation system. You don't and it will be a mystery until you've used it.
At this time of year, I wouldn't take a chance on just walking up to the ticket office with a plan to get on the next train.<<


If you read my advice, you'll see that I advised doing research, not simply walking up to a ticket office.

Also, while it is true I live in Europe, I don't everywhere in Europe. I live in Italy, and whenever I go elsewhere in Europe, the transportation options are different, and I have to read up on them. But I still don't agree with the statement "it is the most difficult part of travel."

Your trip is still quite a ways out so this is good start. The nice thing about a huge itinerary is that it can be adjusted.

Personally, I love that you want to go to Bordeaux because of Chalet you saw in a movie. Some of our favorite quirky places have been discovered b/c of something like that.

Keep your mind open and keep us posted.

Sandra, what do you think is the most difficult part of travel?

As a P.S. to my earlier post, while I do think you should consider a Eurail Pass given the length of your stay, car rentals might be the more economical option particularly with your interests.

Siren--check back when you get more details filled in.