What were the most important factors in choosing this trip (length, season, price, destination, friend's recommendation)?

The destination was definitely one of the most important factors in choosing this trip. I had never been to Europe, and had wanted to go to Italy since the third grade when I completed a project about Italy. Destination, and the fact that it was led by a tour guide. The most important factors for me were the price and destination. The fact that the trip was going to Munich was a major pull on me. For me the most important factor was the destination, whether or not I had an interest in the locations we visited and then most importantly, the cost. Being a college student with more than enough loans, the cost would probably be the most important factor. The season- Going in May and June fit into my schedule. The price was very economical and a determining factor in allowing me to go. The destination- I had wanted to finished the Italian Rennaissance Art tour that I had started with you last year. Going to Italy would accomplish that goal. Although I had been to Munich/Dachau in '95, on this trip I saw Munich in a totally different way. An added bonus was the much desired trip to Salzburg, Austria. Price The Length of the trip was fine but I really appreciated the price and attention to detail that allowed us to do so mush for that price. We had heard good things about the previous trip so wanted to go with an 'expert.' Length, destination, companions, and outstanding value

Do you have a favorite "wow!" moment or magic memory from your trip?

I had many "wow" moments while in Europe. One of these moments was in Rome, when I crawled up what is thought to be Pilot's marble staircase, the same staircase on which Jesus had walked and spilled blood. Whether the staircase was original or not, it was nevertheless a meaningful experience. A "wow" moment also occurred in the dungeon in which Peter and Paul had both been imprisoned before they were executed. Another unforgettable experience was walking down the Via Sacra, thinking of all the historical figures that had also walked there. The above is just three experiences while in Rome, but that was only the beginning of the trip; I had many more unforgettable experiences. EVERY DAY had a "wow" moment but I really think the one that hit me the most was standing in the Piazza San Marco. I was away from the group just by myself--absorbing the fact that I was 'really in Italy!' What an incredible experience! Walking out of the subway station in Rome and seeing the Coliseum for the first time. Crawling up the stairs from Pontius Pilate's palace. That moment was very sobering. I have to major "wow!" parts from the trip. The first was in Rome when I was standing in front of the Pieta. I really loved getting to see that work and honestly didn't move on. The second was in Venice. When we went to Venice, I was just ready to be in Germany, but I loved Venice. It was just so beautiful! There are so many memories, the most significant probably being when we first left Chicago for London, I was so excited. After landing in London walking through the airport and realizing I was no longer in the United States was one of these moments. Each time we arrived in a new place, Rome, Florence, Venice and Munich, was a "wow" moment as I prepared myself to learn a whole new area and its history. It is very hard to narrow down one "WOW" moment when there were so many. Sistine chapel, the Vatican, Old Rome, Coliseum, the steps, Florence- David, all the famous art, Venice, the kids wanting this "old woman" to go "out" with them and the Sound of Music Tour. There have also been "WOW!" times after I arrived back home when I watch the Sound of Music movie and I've been to those places. I watched the Christmas Mass from the Vatican and "WOW" I've walked those aisles. The quote I sent you is so true, "The world is a great book, of which they who never travel only read the title page." There were many "wow" moments, but a favorite was the Colliseum, Peter and Paul's jail cell (can't remember name and can't find the picture I took :( Also, not just the sights, but the travel mode experiences was interesting. I really enjoyed seeing the Eiffel Tower and when we came back to see it at night. Also, it was so cool to see all the places I'd only read about in history books. I really enjoyed seeing Pompeii, the Colosium, all the driving from one end of Italy to the other. The over night train was really cool, I liked learning to use the metros. The entire trip was fantastic- I don't think I can name a certain part as the best! I liked Italy better than France though. Both were very enjoyable. Eating dinner with leader and daughter in Paris, ordering inappropriate food for my daughter(my mistake), loved the companionship that evening.

Could we have used your trip time more efficiently?

I have no complaints, only the regret that we were not able to go to Pompeii due to strikes. I think there was a good balance of sight seeing, lectures, and rest. I think the time appropriations were done very well! No, I enjoyed it exactly how it was! I think we crammed everything possible into this trip. I would like to take another where we have more time to enjoy the sites but that's how this trip was set up. No. I felt we filled every minute with all that the eyes, taste buds, and senses could have fathomed and endured. Don't think we could have moved any faster! :) We could have spent a little more time in some places. Sometimes it felt like we were dashing from one place to another just to say we have been to it! By shortening the time we had for sleeping. Was incredibly efficient. Too much so for me, I like to dawdle and since I took advantage of the side trips, I had little time to shop and just get the feel of a city. Could Go Global have better oriented and prepared you for your trip? If so, how? No! It was actually pretty amazing just how much we were prepared before even stepping on the plane. I felt well prepared for the trip. I was pretty well prepared to go on the trip from the various discussions with the office. I think we were wonderfully prepared. No. I don't know of any way we could have been better prepared. I guess the main thing would be to stress even less about carrying dollars into Europe. Hit an ATM quickly and don't waste the space carrying American dollars. The packing tips were unreal! I didn't think it was possible to pack 11 days into a duffel bag but I was proven wrong! That made the trip so much easier. I appreciated the email updates, and Dr. J. was indispensable in assisting my family and I find reasonable airfare and lodging when I found myself lacking in preparation. He jumped right in and "saved the day" by finding flights and accommodations as we overnighted in Munich. I think I needed to hear the words, "It is my intent for you to be somewhat independent on this trip, i.e. find your way home unescorted from museums, or restaurants." That was a surprise to me when we got over there. Yet you really "bent over backwards" to make sure we could make it home OK. It would have been a tough trip if Sterling hadn't been along, too. He was good to help oversee others. And wouldn't put up with stuff from the young men on the trip when you weren't around.

Were you misled in any way in the promotions of your trip?

No, I was not misled in any way. None I did not realize that the cost of the class was not included in the original price given. No. NONE AT ALL No

Tell us about your guide's leadership skills (including any suggestions for improvement)

Dr. Jarmola was a pretty amazing guide while in Europe. The group always knew what to expect and when, where the best and most non-touristy dining was, as well as where our leader would be at all times. Our leader prepared the group extensively months before we even left. Dr. J knew the ins and outs of all the countries we visited, as well as the language, and shared very helpful insights and historical facts along the way. Though a little fast paced for some, our group was able to see everything we paid for as well as more. It was very fascinating, everything that we learned during the trip. I think our guide did a very good job. Guide gets an 11(on a scale of 1 to 10) for patience and organization and being cordial as well as professional Dr. Jarmola is very knowledgeable, and a great guide, my only suggestion would be a little more time for pictures, or just plain viewing a site. I do realize however that due to scheduling not a lot of time can be spent in any one place to assure that all sites are seen. I really enjoyed going with Dr. Jarmola. He was very fun and he helped to see a less "touristy" side of the places we visited. He knew exactly where to go and what to see. I don't think I could ever return without him as a guide or without his advice. I felt Dr. Jarmola had spent much thought and time in arranging the local guides, historical, sight seeing attractions, and pacing the schedule with days off when we could visit at leisure attractions that we chose. He was good in giving suggestions on places to go and good places for great pictures. He stayed flexible to the wants and needs of the group. Some circumstances were beyond his control. (ei ) The ride to Austria/Germany on the overnight train. However, we now have funny pictures, and a humorous story to tell. This is why I suggested to the group to stay flexible and to keep a great sense of humor! Very informative and well planned. Appreciated the way you tailored the trip to our interests. Loved the way you took care of details and made it possible for us to just enjoy the travel experience and not worry about those details. Suggestion: when time and situation allows, wait until more of group is near when giving info. as we toured places. I know our group was large and hard to keep together, so maybe this isn't an issue in smaller groups. With a group as large as ours--it was difficult to hear Dr. J when he was explaining different locations and events. I know with a smaller group that would be less of a problem so I just tried to hang around the front!

Do you have any more comments about your trip?

My trip to Europe with this group will always be in my heart. My love for other cultures and languages became stronger as a result of this trip. Also, I think we all can say that we made unexpected friendships along the way. I would definitely love to travel with Dr. Jarmola again. It was so much fun and I learned a great deal, I will carry the memories from that trip with me for the rest of my life, and I am so glad that I can say that I went to all those historic places. My only other comment is that I wish I could again!!! :) Can we go again? Since working at the Library part time I have discovered a book that I think would be a great addition to the tour for the group to use. It is ROME Then and Now In Overlay by Giuseppe Gangi. The book illustrates Old Rome in ruins and then with the overlay shows an accurate reconstruction of the buildings. This helps us to understand much better the splendor of this Roman culture. The only other comment about the trip would be the walking. Perhaps we could go a bit slower, but only a bit. I was prepared but some of the group wasn't and suffered for it. This is also why I stressed to the group to WALK, WALK, and WALK some more. It was an awesome family experience and I highly recommend others to use you if they desire to travel to Europe. The leader's guidance and abilities to keep us all in line were amazing. An unbelievable trip for such a great price--everything was so good for our trip--I can't imagine trying to take such a trip with out the expert help of Dr. J setting up the activities for our trip Guide was understanding in finding restrooms for multiple women, and drinking water for the Americans. This was critical for me.