Restaurant sign in Dubrovnik, Croatia

It’s hard to believe that in less than two days on July 1, we will disembark from our two week journey aboard the Insignia. The time has gone so fast, yet it feels like a lifetime since I’ve been home. Experiencing all of these different countries, provinces, cities, ports, and coast lines has been nothing short of incredible, some more dynamically so than others. Naturally, I have a lot of information and photographs to sort through before chronicling it all out in reader-friendly form.

Just as I figured, an excursion such as this can be planned but can never be predictable. This has been the case for us in many ways, from having no luggage for nine days to the magnificent new landscapes we wake up to each morning. My blogging intentions were also thrown a bit as I never anticipated just how on-the-go we would be and of course, some of my crucial camera equipment was in lost luggage. This was a very different sort of travel event in contrast to the Europe I have visited in the past. And, through this trip and those prior, I can certainly surmise the following little lessons:

• Never take anyone’s word 100% for a place you’ve never been. Every person has their own unique perceptions.
• Always pack extra underwear, an outfit or two if you can swing it, and survival toiletries in your carry-on bag in the event your checked bags don’t make it on the flight (especially true when traveling internationally).
• Traveling always humbly reminds you of what you don’t know.
• Don’t assume everyone else understands your needs, customs, or speaks English. You’re on their turf. Have some respect.
• More to the last point. When it comes to dietary needs, do the best you can. In a lot of European countries, the raw food diet is virtually unheard of. Don’t take it out on the waiter at the café.
• I really need to consider getting my own laptop. I don’t like sharing with my husband.

The end of our cruise on Tuesday will bring us to Barcelona, Spain, where we will spend the next several days. While we will inevitably continue some sightseeing, my husband has some business to attend to and I can start transcribing all my handwritten notes and organizing photos. I look forward to staying in one place for a few seconds and catching my breath!

<3, JMK

Filed under: Travel & Galavanting