_Julie_

Yet another vote for Brugge. I was also surprised at how beautiful Strasbourg was.<BR><BR>I think my biggest surprise had to be London - I wasn't one of the destinations that I had been overly excited about. I tend to favor more 'exotic' places. My conclusion was that London would be much like NY, or any other English speaking metropolis. On my first trip I spent seven days there before heading for the continent and I dreaded leaving London and found myself already planning how soon I could return.<BR>This summer I hope to go back again and explore other parts of the British Isles.

JmVikmanis

One thing I've found is that places I've visited once and found only ok can turn out to be much better on a second stop. I found this true with Lisbon and with Munich, probably others too if I take the time to think about it. Lesson learned: sometimes it pays to second guess yourself. First impressions can turn out to be wrong if on a second pass you have better weather, fewer mishaps, lodging in a more central locations, etc.

Maira

The Western Highlands in Scotland: I lived close to the Adirondack Mountains Region in New York, so I have seen glorious mountains range, lakes, rivers, etc. I was expecting the Highlands to be similar to the Adirondacks, but OH, BOY!..... what a spectacular mix of plains, valleys, mountains, snowed peaks, quaint villages, greenery, castles, fascinating history. It blew away every expectation I had. <BR><BR>The Northeast coast of Portugal: During my first hour in Viana do Castelo, I just sat on the little square with my jaw open at the sight of the vendors selling their wares (fruits, fish, flowers, vegetables, etc...) out of wooden carts surrounded by medieval buildings that still housed the Town Hall, the Court, etc... A total feeling of Time Travel. <BR><BR>Good question!

ciaony

Cadaques, Spain.<BR> <BR>Tiny fishing village on northeast coast.<BR>What a great place to spend a weekend.<BR><BR>Fresh seafood, a rare (to me) Spanish treat called Fideos (or Fideua) was the best I've ever had it.<BR><BR>Dali' spent many years there and there is a great small museum consisting of almost none of his work but of pictures of him with friends, locals, family through the years. Very personal and very interesting.<BR><BR>...and that breeze off the Mediterranean!