Just got back from 2 1/2 weeks in Europe on a cruise. Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Montenegro. F'n' incredible trip. Of all the places, Montenegro was the biggest surprise. If I had an extra $20K lying around I'd fly there and spend 2 weeks in Kotor. As this was my first time in Europe, I learned a few things:
1. The history of the Greek and Roman cultures/empires is even more impressive than I thought.
2. Greeks really love penises, and they love painting/drawing them and selling anything with a penis on it to tourists.
3. Italians don't really care for Americans, outside of our tourist dollars. I'm not sure but this may go for most Europeans.
4. France is about what I expected. I'm good not going back there.
5. I will be going back to Italy, Greece, and Montenegro.
6. The ancient Greeks and Romans were smarter than we are it appears. Their knowledge of engineering was/is astounding. The Trevi Fountain is still supplied by an old Roman aqueduct, and the water is clean and drinkable. At least I don't have dysentery yet.
7. I HATE 7-8 hour flights. Especially in coach. I know I know, nobody feels bad for me but it sucks.
8. Italian women are amazingly hot. Their legs and asses are fantastic due to all the walking they do.
9. If you're planning a trip to Rome, stay at the Harry's Bar/Hotel Trevi. Right next to the fountain and the service is second to none. Pricey, but worth it. It's also built over top of the same aqueduct that supplies the fountain and you can walk around the aqueduct for free as it is part of the hotel.
10. Eating and drinking local foods and wines is the way to go. The typical restaurant house wine is as good as most you'll get in the store here in the states.
11. As Americans, we are grossly undereducated about the history of other parts of the world, at least the current and last generations are. Lucky for me I am a giant history nerd and I knew enough to not look like a dumb-ass American (to them), but a few people I spoke to on my cruise were oblivious to much of the history of Europe.
If you can get over there before Brandon puts the world on DEFCON 1, do it. My wife and I are going back for a few weeks vacation within the next few years.