My sister has the bug!

July 25, 2008 10 Comments A+ a-

The Europe bug, that is!

So, I was on the phone, talking with my sissy, Donna, who recently took her kids to Europe for a month. We had also gone to London in March, which was her first time to Europe. I very nonchalantly said "Let's go to Paris."

You could have bowled me over when she replied, "Okay, when?"

She's afflicted--yes, infected! She's got the travel bug now!

A few e-mails back and forth with some other destination suggestions, and we've narrowed our options to Amsterdam, Brussels, or Zurich.

<---Donna and her kids last month




I haven't been to any of those cities, nor has she. Which of them would YOU want to go to? If you've been, what was your favorite thing about that city?

Now, comes the hard part--making sure the flights are open on the days we want to go. You really have to have a stomach for standby travel, and some flexibility...but, it will be interesting to see where we end up! Of course, I'll keep you posted--after I pick my jaw up off the floor!
Blondie

10 What's YOUR view? Click here to comment, please!

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Anonymous
AUTHOR
July 25, 2008 at 4:04 PM delete

I've been to all three, but Amsterdam is most favored, because at the time (20 years ago) I had IBM friends living there on assignment. I got to stay with them in their nice, large apartment on the canal and they took me around and I met some of their Dutch friends. I do remember a lot of graffiti and dog poop, but maybe that has changed. Brussels and Amsterdam aren't too far apart so you can probably check out both.

I know what flying standby is like; I worked part-time for American for about five years.

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Blondie
AUTHOR
July 25, 2008 at 4:08 PM delete

Thanks for the info, Joe! And, standby isn't bad for me--Donna's the one who's the scairdy cat! (and she knows it!!)

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DUNCAN
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July 26, 2008 at 8:42 AM delete

Paris is my favorite of any place, but I have never been to Brussels or Zurich. I say Paris because I am all about the food of course.

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UpUpnAAway
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July 26, 2008 at 10:33 AM delete

I'm pretty sad,,, You didn't ask me to Paris!~.......I'd do anything to get away from Columbia SC!

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Anonymous
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July 26, 2008 at 10:49 AM delete

hey blondie,

I would recommend Amsterdam and just forget about Brussels. I have a nightstop there nearly every month and I don't like it at all!to be honest, i think it's one of the ugliest cities in europe at all. if you want to visit Belgium, go to Brügge.
AMS is a exciting city with so much to see you could easily spend a month there, and if you're into art, the Rijks-museum is completely open again after renovation.
and there's indonesian and arabian restaurants everywhere!
and the best thing: I will be there on monday :-)
I wish you a nice trip!
greetings,
Claudia

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Heather
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July 27, 2008 at 6:33 AM delete

If you fly to AMS you can use Haarlem as a base, cheaper than AMS but easy to get into the city. Go to Maastricht or even down Luxembourg if time allows, Luxembourg City is a picture perfect town on a plateau. Zurich is lovely, lovely but oh so pricey... Brussels has Antwerp nearby as well as Ghent, both of which are great day trips. Pick whichever trip will net you FC seats!!

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Jul
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July 29, 2008 at 5:19 AM delete

They all have their charms, but if you're only going to see one I'd recommend Amsterdam hands-down.

Have a great trip!

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Anonymous
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July 29, 2008 at 9:07 AM delete

You know I am going to say PARIS!!! Can't wait to go with you again! Loves you Madre!

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Anonymous
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July 31, 2008 at 3:33 PM delete

Oh, do I love Paris! But, that's not one of the options, so I would pick Amsterdam. And only because the Anne Frank museum is there...

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Anonymous
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July 31, 2008 at 3:33 PM delete

Oh, do I love Paris! But, that's not one of the options, so I would pick Amsterdam. And only because the Anne Frank museum is there...

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