And so we come to the 129th and final entry in what has been a truly epic adventure. The story of our journey will one day become history, then history will become legend, and legend will become myth. Until then, let's get the facts right. Here is the best of the best.
Well, there isn't much more to say about our trip, as we have now used every positive adjective in existence, but if you want to contact us and ask any questions, please do. We really have had the adventure of a lifetime, but we now look forward to a lifetime of adventure.
Thank you very much for following the blog. We wouldn't have been motivated to keep it going if it wasn't for you, and now we're so happy to have all these entries to look back on. So thank you. Or should we say Grazie! Shukran! Efcharisto! Gracias! Kiitos! Tänan! Paldies! Blagodarya! Dank je wel! Hvala! Tak! Tack! Takk! Mulţumesc! Ačiū! Obrigado! Gràcies! Blagodaram! Tesekkür ederim! Köszönöm! Dakujem! Dêkuji! Dziękuję! Faleminderit! Danke schön! & Merci!
That's all Folks!
Let's Stay Forever Award for Best Region
Bronze Medal: Normandy, France
Half-timbered houses, sleepy cider-producing villages, Monet's gardens, 11th and 20th century history, bucolic green grass, golden canola fields, white cliffs and some nice town centres. We visited Normandy in Spring and enjoyed every aspect of it.
Half-timbered houses, sleepy cider-producing villages, Monet's gardens, 11th and 20th century history, bucolic green grass, golden canola fields, white cliffs and some nice town centres. We visited Normandy in Spring and enjoyed every aspect of it.
Silver Medal: Andalusia, Spain
Everything you think of when you think of Spain, is either from Andalusia, or better in Andalusia. The beautiful Southern region is home to flamenco and bullfighting, and the centre of Spain's Moorish history and architecture. We loved the food, the people, the lifestyle and the endless fields of olive trees.
Everything you think of when you think of Spain, is either from Andalusia, or better in Andalusia. The beautiful Southern region is home to flamenco and bullfighting, and the centre of Spain's Moorish history and architecture. We loved the food, the people, the lifestyle and the endless fields of olive trees.
Gold Medal: Tuscany, Italy
Perhaps it's a bit cliché but Tuscany really was all it's cracked up to be. The rolling hills of alternating vineyards and olive trees, create a wonderful patchwork landscape. The towns all share a common style but each has it's own unique character. And to top it off is magnificent Florence.
P.S. If you want to see this beautiful landscape with fewer tourists, then go to neighbouring Umbria. It's essentially Tuscany but without the draw cards of Florence and Siena.
Perhaps it's a bit cliché but Tuscany really was all it's cracked up to be. The rolling hills of alternating vineyards and olive trees, create a wonderful patchwork landscape. The towns all share a common style but each has it's own unique character. And to top it off is magnificent Florence.
P.S. If you want to see this beautiful landscape with fewer tourists, then go to neighbouring Umbria. It's essentially Tuscany but without the draw cards of Florence and Siena.
Little Miss Sunshine Award for Cutest Micro-Country
Bronze Coin: Gibraltar
Beating the ancient San Marino and extravagant Vatican City is the British dependency Gibraltar. There are a surprising amount of things to do in this country which can be circumnavigated by foot in a few hours. In addition to the English pubs and 18th Century fortifications, there are Europe's only semi-wild monkeys.
Beating the ancient San Marino and extravagant Vatican City is the British dependency Gibraltar. There are a surprising amount of things to do in this country which can be circumnavigated by foot in a few hours. In addition to the English pubs and 18th Century fortifications, there are Europe's only semi-wild monkeys.
Silver Coin: Liechtenstein
Mainly winning the Silver Medal for its incredible views of Switzerland is Liechtenstein. As the last nation in Europe where the monarch has significant power, this is truly a unique little spot on the map. We also did an awesome hike and survived the highest hostel prices of the trip.
Mainly winning the Silver Medal for its incredible views of Switzerland is Liechtenstein. As the last nation in Europe where the monarch has significant power, this is truly a unique little spot on the map. We also did an awesome hike and survived the highest hostel prices of the trip.
Gold Coin: Andorra
We spent more time in Andorra (464km²) than Finland (303,893km²). This was of course because we went skiing for a week on the huge and affordable slopes of Grandvalira. So if you find yourself in Andorra, why not go skiing for a week? We highly recommend it.
We spent more time in Andorra (464km²) than Finland (303,893km²). This was of course because we went skiing for a week on the huge and affordable slopes of Grandvalira. So if you find yourself in Andorra, why not go skiing for a week? We highly recommend it.
Dr. Livingstone, I Presume Award for Place Off The Beaten Path
Bronze Medal: Soomaa National Park, Estonia
We spent an afternoon in Estonia's bog lands; picking berries, floating down streams and bouncing up and down in the mud. What more could you want?
We spent an afternoon in Estonia's bog lands; picking berries, floating down streams and bouncing up and down in the mud. What more could you want?
Silver Medal: Castiglione di Sicilia, Italy
Due to circumstances not worth mentioning, we spent three days in a small town in Sicily which probably exists in only the most detailed of guide books. We got to know all five restaurants, small streets and a few local characters too. In general, something we wish we'd done more of on this trip is staying in one place long enough to experience a slower-paced lifestyle. So we'll remember Castiglione fondly, but really this could have been any hilltop Italian village.
Due to circumstances not worth mentioning, we spent three days in a small town in Sicily which probably exists in only the most detailed of guide books. We got to know all five restaurants, small streets and a few local characters too. In general, something we wish we'd done more of on this trip is staying in one place long enough to experience a slower-paced lifestyle. So we'll remember Castiglione fondly, but really this could have been any hilltop Italian village.
Gold Medal: Maramureș, Romania
In the North-West of Romania, hugged against the Ukrainian border is a small region which remains linked to a simpler time. Despite a recent increase in wealth, people still wear traditional clothes, decorate their houses with traditional wood-carvings and ride traditional horses. We had no expectations of what life would be like here, but found a beautiful landscape, intricately painted churches and a hilarious cemetery. The only problem was that the hospitality of the friendly locals meant we drank way too much complimentary home-made fruit brandy.
In the North-West of Romania, hugged against the Ukrainian border is a small region which remains linked to a simpler time. Despite a recent increase in wealth, people still wear traditional clothes, decorate their houses with traditional wood-carvings and ride traditional horses. We had no expectations of what life would be like here, but found a beautiful landscape, intricately painted churches and a hilarious cemetery. The only problem was that the hospitality of the friendly locals meant we drank way too much complimentary home-made fruit brandy.
Auld Lang Syne Award for Best Old Town
Bronze Medal: Strasbourg, France
Never really a must see location, we visited Strasbourg from Germany's Black Forest as more of an after thought. But we were pleasantly surprised to find that the neighbourhood known as Petit France was très/über cute.
Never really a must see location, we visited Strasbourg from Germany's Black Forest as more of an after thought. But we were pleasantly surprised to find that the neighbourhood known as Petit France was très/über cute.
Silver Medal: Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn's network of baroque and renaissance houses have evolved within a framework of medieval walls and towers, giving the false impression of an intelligent design. Adding to this, and the cobblestone streets and squares, are the local market merchants who dress in ye olde garments. It's overflowing with tourists, but this actually just adds to the life of the town, and at night when the cruise ships have left, you can experience the charm of Tallinn in peace.
Tallinn's network of baroque and renaissance houses have evolved within a framework of medieval walls and towers, giving the false impression of an intelligent design. Adding to this, and the cobblestone streets and squares, are the local market merchants who dress in ye olde garments. It's overflowing with tourists, but this actually just adds to the life of the town, and at night when the cruise ships have left, you can experience the charm of Tallinn in peace.
Gold Medal: Prague, Czech Republic
No "Old Town" can compare with Prague in terms of size or variety. With almost no damage from World War II, it's great to see what all of those reconstructed cities are aiming for. It's not just that there are buildings from the 12th Century, but that there are several from every century since. Any of its several huge squares, churches, synagogues or bridges would be a centrepiece in other cities across Europe.
No "Old Town" can compare with Prague in terms of size or variety. With almost no damage from World War II, it's great to see what all of those reconstructed cities are aiming for. It's not just that there are buildings from the 12th Century, but that there are several from every century since. Any of its several huge squares, churches, synagogues or bridges would be a centrepiece in other cities across Europe.
Do Fence Me In Award for Best Walled City
Bronze Bastion: Carcassonne, France
Easily worth 16 points, it's the stunning fortress town of Carcassonne in South-West France. There's not much to do there, but it has an atmosphere worthy of a film set, and looks super pretty, day or night.
Easily worth 16 points, it's the stunning fortress town of Carcassonne in South-West France. There's not much to do there, but it has an atmosphere worthy of a film set, and looks super pretty, day or night.
Silver Citadel: Fez, Morocco
With 9,000 narrow streets, the city of Fez is one of those classic places to just walk until you're lost and then make friends as you ask for directions home. With so much to see and do within the city walls, it was only worth leaving them to get this photo.
With 9,000 narrow streets, the city of Fez is one of those classic places to just walk until you're lost and then make friends as you ask for directions home. With so much to see and do within the city walls, it was only worth leaving them to get this photo.
Golden Gate: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic for a reason, Dubrovnik has been wowing travelers since its heyday in the 15th Century. The walls are huge and well maintained, and the walk along them was unforgettable. We were lucky enough to be there on our sunniest day in December, which meant the crystal blue water, bright red rooftops and wall-coloured walls looked absolutely smashing.
Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic for a reason, Dubrovnik has been wowing travelers since its heyday in the 15th Century. The walls are huge and well maintained, and the walk along them was unforgettable. We were lucky enough to be there on our sunniest day in December, which meant the crystal blue water, bright red rooftops and wall-coloured walls looked absolutely smashing.
Quintessentially Quaint Award for Best Village
Bronze Medal: Bruges, Belgium
Technically larger than a village, Bruges wins the Bronze by feeling like an old market town even when full of tourists. With large open squares, beautiful stone buildings, picturesque canals, quiet streets and some friendly swans, this really is the best reason to visit Belgium (other than for chocolate and beer).
Technically larger than a village, Bruges wins the Bronze by feeling like an old market town even when full of tourists. With large open squares, beautiful stone buildings, picturesque canals, quiet streets and some friendly swans, this really is the best reason to visit Belgium (other than for chocolate and beer).
Silver Medal: San Gimignano, Italy
Of all the hilltop towns, in all of Italy, we had to choose San Gimini. It looks just as good when viewed on the horizon as when viewed from its centre. With 14 towers left from an original 72, we can only wonder how the place looked at the height of its glory. Today, rather than being symbols of wealth, the towers are simply a great way to view the town's unique layout and position among gorgeous Tuscan fields.
Of all the hilltop towns, in all of Italy, we had to choose San Gimini. It looks just as good when viewed on the horizon as when viewed from its centre. With 14 towers left from an original 72, we can only wonder how the place looked at the height of its glory. Today, rather than being symbols of wealth, the towers are simply a great way to view the town's unique layout and position among gorgeous Tuscan fields.
Gold Medal: Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Sometimes, a city or a village is beautiful just because of where it's located, like Rio de Janeiro or Hobbiton. But when they built Český Krumlov on the hill in a bend of the Vltava River, they went one step further and made the village beautiful in its own right. With a castle overlooking steep cobbled streets and taverns serving the finest Czech beer, this is more than just a stopover, it's a destination.
Sometimes, a city or a village is beautiful just because of where it's located, like Rio de Janeiro or Hobbiton. But when they built Český Krumlov on the hill in a bend of the Vltava River, they went one step further and made the village beautiful in its own right. With a castle overlooking steep cobbled streets and taverns serving the finest Czech beer, this is more than just a stopover, it's a destination.
The Lower Case Award for Best City (Non Capital Division)
Bronze Medal: Marrakech, Morocco
Having already won gold for its main square, Marrakech wins a second awards for its overall good times. Its endless souks, its archeological sites and tasty tasty cous cous were a fantastic, if overwhelming introduction to Morocco. It was a great base to explore the Sahara, and has inspired us not only to return, but to see the rest of North Africa too.
Having already won gold for its main square, Marrakech wins a second awards for its overall good times. Its endless souks, its archeological sites and tasty tasty cous cous were a fantastic, if overwhelming introduction to Morocco. It was a great base to explore the Sahara, and has inspired us not only to return, but to see the rest of North Africa too.
Silver Medal: Seville, Spain
There were only a few places that within hours of visiting, we wanted to stay for months. Seville, with its winding streets, late-night lifestyle and Andalusian passion, was one of those places. There was nothing specific about the city that we can say we loved, it's just the vibe of the place.
There were only a few places that within hours of visiting, we wanted to stay for months. Seville, with its winding streets, late-night lifestyle and Andalusian passion, was one of those places. There was nothing specific about the city that we can say we loved, it's just the vibe of the place.
Gold Medal: Istanbul, Turkey
Having been one of the world's great capital cities for the last two millennia, Istanbul is kind of cheating by winning this category. But considering we spent seven days among its gigantic mosques and hectic markets and still didn't do everything we wanted, it wins a well-deserved Gold Medal.
Having been one of the world's great capital cities for the last two millennia, Istanbul is kind of cheating by winning this category. But considering we spent seven days among its gigantic mosques and hectic markets and still didn't do everything we wanted, it wins a well-deserved Gold Medal.
The Upper Case Award for Best City (Capital Division)
Bronze Medal: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
We started and finished our odyssey in Amsterdam and for this it will always be fondly remembered. Not many cities can boast as wide and varied array of reasons to visit as Amsterdam. You have enthralling canals, world class art, laid-back coffeeshops, accessible history, an amusing sex culture, deadly cyclists, yummy cheese, cute boutique bars and a whole lot more.
We started and finished our odyssey in Amsterdam and for this it will always be fondly remembered. Not many cities can boast as wide and varied array of reasons to visit as Amsterdam. You have enthralling canals, world class art, laid-back coffeeshops, accessible history, an amusing sex culture, deadly cyclists, yummy cheese, cute boutique bars and a whole lot more.
Silver Medal: Paris, France
Having already won awards in several categories, it may come as no surprise that Paris is our choice for Silver City. When we planned this trip, we were disappointed that most people recommended the obvious and cliché destinations, such as Paris. But we were happily surprised each day here, and we stayed long enough to get to know a few different areas. And we should mention too, that not once was an experience ruined by a stereotypically rude Parisian.
Having already won awards in several categories, it may come as no surprise that Paris is our choice for Silver City. When we planned this trip, we were disappointed that most people recommended the obvious and cliché destinations, such as Paris. But we were happily surprised each day here, and we stayed long enough to get to know a few different areas. And we should mention too, that not once was an experience ruined by a stereotypically rude Parisian.
Gold Medal: Berlin, Germany
As we said in our Berlin blog entry, we didn't take any good photos because we were too busy enjoying everything the city had to offer. From the early days of the 20th century the metropolis has been a centre of liberalism and artistic ingenuity. Now that it exists in a free and unified society, this bohemian culture has exploded into every street, park, restaurant and bar. We had an incredible time there and if we ever learn German by mistake, then we're moving to Berlin in an instant.
As we said in our Berlin blog entry, we didn't take any good photos because we were too busy enjoying everything the city had to offer. From the early days of the 20th century the metropolis has been a centre of liberalism and artistic ingenuity. Now that it exists in a free and unified society, this bohemian culture has exploded into every street, park, restaurant and bar. We had an incredible time there and if we ever learn German by mistake, then we're moving to Berlin in an instant.
Well, there isn't much more to say about our trip, as we have now used every positive adjective in existence, but if you want to contact us and ask any questions, please do. We really have had the adventure of a lifetime, but we now look forward to a lifetime of adventure.
Thank you very much for following the blog. We wouldn't have been motivated to keep it going if it wasn't for you, and now we're so happy to have all these entries to look back on. So thank you. Or should we say Grazie! Shukran! Efcharisto! Gracias! Kiitos! Tänan! Paldies! Blagodarya! Dank je wel! Hvala! Tak! Tack! Takk! Mulţumesc! Ačiū! Obrigado! Gràcies! Blagodaram! Tesekkür ederim! Köszönöm! Dakujem! Dêkuji! Dziękuję! Faleminderit! Danke schön! & Merci!
That's all Folks!
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