European Memories

How well do you know Europe? Probably most of us have favourite memories ... perhaps a secret sandy beach, an awe-inspiring palace, a remote mountain meadow or an exhilarating fiesta? This is such a varied continent, with a huge range of landscapes and centuries of history - can anyone claim to know it intimately?

For over 50 years, I have been visiting Europe, both its familiar tourist haunts and its hidden corners - sometimes as a tourist myself, or visiting friends ... but especially through 25 years of escorting coach tours around the continent. My memories include architectural wonders and magnificent scenery, but also the complicated procedures necessary to guide a group to enjoy them. Certain places remain in my memory only because of situations or events which took place there - some challenging (what would you do, if a guest died on your coach?)
and some amusing (could you explain to a group of ladies, how to use a French toilet?).

Yet I have been privileged to personally experience huge changes over the years ... as Central European countries broke free from the communist yoke to reclaim their independence ... as divided Germany was reunified ... as Yugoslavia was torn apart by earthquake and war.

Come and travel with me through the countries of Europe, as I have known them!