Venice Amsterdam Toronto Windsor

We said goodbye at 3 in the morning to “Michelle” our bus drive for the last 2 weeks. He was headed back home to Serbia. Goodbye to Thomas who was the local guide for the trip. He was headed back to his home in Dubrovnik where we started our tour. They both had long days ahead of them but were sleeping by the time we were on the plane back to Canada. Venice check in, security and 2 hour plane ride to Amsterdam went fast enough as we probably slept most of the way. Amsterdam is a central hub KLM and was very busy as were expected. We needed to do the exit EC countries but the automated kiosks worked with no problems. I think all told they have at least 6 copiers of and photographs for safe keeping. The 8 hour flight to Canada was uneventful but very long as expected. There is no way to avoid travel to Europe! Canadian customs was a breeze as expected and the only hitch was getting the luggage. Everyone from the trip had their luggage in the last load taken from the plane. I suspect it was because we arrived in Amsterdam so early that the luggage got ob the plane first.

Our ride picked us up and we spent the night mostly sleeping until mid morning and then waiting for the time to leave. We are still adjusting to the 6 hour time change. A subway ride to the train station and the Via rail train to Windsor got us in in late afternoon. We really did enjoy the trip but to see the sights of Croatia etc you do need to travel a long way. It is the price you pay. The bus driver and guide did an excellent job of getting us where we needed in plenty of time. Michelle never seemed to make a wrong turn but google maps was always on his phone. The coastal cities have deep history of Roman and Venetian occupation. The interior had more influences from the Ottomans and other Eastern European groups. Perhaps the surprise of the trip was staying at a hotel hosting leaders from Europe. Going through airport security to get to the hotel was not expected. Then the blocks long police cars in the morning delayed everybody. Our travel Manger Daisy did an excellent job of not loosing one traveller! It was the second time she has guided a tour for us and we hope to cross paths sometime in the future. Balancing the quirks of a group takes patience and skill even when “some” always seemed to be last to be ready to go. Well done Daisy. Well Done. Laundry and rest are needed now!