Dear Fellow Traveler:I'm assuming that if you are looking at this web site you are either a relative of mine or a huge Rick Steves fan, just like me. My family might even classify me as a Rick groupie. I read his guide books like other people read best selling novels. We follow his advice while traveling, having "Rick-nics" for easy meals, packing light, and trying to do things like a local. I listen to his podcasts while getting ready for work just to have a little bit of travel fun each day. Of course my dream job would be to work for Rick Steves. (Since I don't have great foreign language skills to guide tours, I really think Rick should open up an East Coast office!) My family says I'm the happiest when planning and researching a trip.
Although I grew up in the midwest, I was always dreaming of croissants in Paris, afternoon tea in England, and pizza in Italy. I kept thinking that sometime, I would get to take the trip of my dreams. Life, however, had some different thoughts. After college, I got married, became a mother, and trips to Europe were only distant thoughts amongst the diapers and making dinner. Those thoughts were pushed back even further when my husband became very disabled from Multiple Sclerosis. In the midst of some of those very dark and difficult days, my mother brought me some old tapes of Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door PBS shows. Watching and learning from those shows not only brought back my passion for traveling to Europe, but gave me hope and something to look forward to. I was determinded to get to Europe, and I wanted to experience it on a Rick Steves' tour! So, I saved every extra penny that came my way. I took a leap of faith and set my sights on the Best of Paris in 7 Days tour. Paris was at the top of my must see list, and the week long tour was the most affordable choice! I had promised myself, that when life became a bit less stressful, I was going to take my daughter and see the world. My husband passed away in 2010. I was determined to fulfill that promise to myself and after the sadness of a long term illness, I thought we needed to make some happier memories. Our life is never going to be "ordinary," so I have decided to make it "extraordinary"! I have now been on four Europe Through the Back Door tours, with the fifth already booked! Joining me on these adventures have been my daughter, Rebecca (who is often my model in the photos!), and my mother, Donna. We are a three generations trio. I hope this scrapbook gives you an idea of the "extraordinary" fun we had on our week in London. Come join us on this virtual trip! Happy Travels, Erin |