This is it!

Funny painting of ugly little girl. Done by Henri-Julien Felix.
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This is it!  After years of planning and preparation, and implementing a dream that finally came true, Plan B is on its last month.  The time has, of course, gone by quickly.  After an extremely successful two month Europe campaign, we will departing for Africa tonight.  Before I go, here are some likes and dislikes of the wonderful continent of Europe.

LIKES:

Number of countries visited in Europe?

Unfunny picture of me after mustard cap came off and buried my food in mustard.
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I'll start with the airlines.  We have been treated better than second class garbage like we have been so many times on American carriers.  Our flight check in times have been much more efficient, leaving me think that the US carriers should invest heavily in newer software for check in.

The trains.  They are phenomenal.  They are fast.  They are abundant and easy to use.  Amtrak is a disgrace to the US versus their European counterpart.

Funny picture from Sweden. She wanted me.
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Beer in vending machines.  I don't think I have to comment on this one.

Bread and Pastries.  Fresh bread and croissants are a wonderful addition to one's day.  And to think I used to endorse Wonder Bread.  (the Europeans still have not perfected the doughnut though)

Topless women at beaches.  This is something I could get used to, however, we have seen this "like" backfire from time to time.

Churches and Cathedrals.  It appears to me that god has more money in Europe.  The cathedrals are outstanding and floor the American wannna be's.

DISLIKES:

Toilets.  Not enough of them, and when you find them, they cost money.  You should never have to pay to use a restroom, especially in a place where you have already paid admittance.

Smoking.  Everyone does it, and I'm forced to deal with it, often ruining a nice dinner or just making me cough.

Service in restaurants.  I've learned that tipping is not such a bad thing.  Dinner in the US does not take an average of 2 hours because of slow service.

Dog crap.  Fewer than 10 percent of the dog owners pick up Fido's crap.  This is unsanitary and inconsiderate.

The value of the Euro.  Although I do not blame Europeans for an ailing dollar, it still makes an expensive place, even more expensive.

**Now, here are some interesting stats from this leg of our journeys:

-Number of art museums we visited-7

-Number of countries visited in Europe-14

-Favorite Cathedral-hands down, Notre Dame

-Number of times I stepped in dog shit-equal to, or greater than 5 times

-Nicest and most helpful country-Germany

-Times I had diarhea-0.

And now for our grand finale last month.  We will be setting foot to Africa tonight, which will mark our 6th continent.  Our last month activities include:  visiting the pyramids of Egypt, scuba diving the Red Sea, climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, and a safari in the Serengeti.  We are leaving our travels with a bang.

bkh