The Best of Europe--Part 1

The Best of Europe:  Part 1

I'm not doing much today.  I rented a bike, cruised around town, patronized a few cafes, and laid in the park for a while.  So, I believe it may be a time for a "Best of Europe" special, where I highlight some things and boost my ratings a bit.  I think this is all anyone cares about, anyways.

1)  Guinness, Ireland

I enjoy writing it like that, as if it's a geographic location.  Guinness is the experience in Ireland, and most certainly the highlight of Dublin.  The sights and city can almost be disappointing.  But once the sun falls, you meet some people, and hop around some bars, you develop of feeling of what Ireland is.

2)  St. Mark's Square, Venice, Italy


The pictures speak for themselves here, and certainly St. Mark's is one of the most famous squares in the world.  I most certainly recommend visiting before 9am, before the tour groups raid the city.  Venice is a very wet city--not just because of the canals--but it rains a lot, as well.  As a result, I feel St. Mark's has an eery feeling during or after a rain shower, and I'm to dangerous cloaked men looming in the shadows.

3)  Il Campo, Siena, Italy

This city is simply marvelous, and I feel it's been transported in time directly from 500 years ago.  The main square is unlike anything else, and sitting upon it, hearing the conversations, and people strolling lazily, was a very memorable experience.  The afternoon tuscan sun touches these walls like no place else.

4)  Rome by night

The ancient cobble stoned streets, the unseen laughs from nearby squares, the cafes, and the bearable evening weather make Rome an amazing city by night.  The distinctive yellow lighting found throughout the city offers a distinctive ambience and an image of the Eternal City that remains with you.

5)  The Good Life in Vienna, Austria

I've never met a people or seen a place that appreciated the finer things in life like Vienna and the Viennese.  The quality of life here must be amazing, as quaint cafes dot street sides, frequented by smiling and tranquil patrons.  It's the greenest city thus far, and the have people have found a peaceful existence, seemingly acknowledging their city's glory days are long gone.  It's life for life's sake here in Vienna.