I recently asked an old friend (old in many ways) Ray Thompson if he and his wife, Nancy, had any photos left over from the trip we took with kids to Europe in 1981. And I was pleasantly surprised to find several in my inbox the other day. Many were of architectural wonders and natural wonders...but a few contained photos of people on the trip. One of those brought back memories of events I still recall 30 years later.
Nancy Thompson, Jay Jalenak, Mark, and Jason Hoblit on a downtown street in London.
This photo is from one of our very first days on that incredible Europe trip in 1981. That's Nancy on the left, I'm the one with the wild beard and the cap, think that's Jason Hoblit on the right with the stripes on his sleeve. But in the middle is none other than Jay Jalenak, who was 16 years old at the time. He was our oldest "camper," and was our "junior counselor."
It was an incredible trip and one none of us have ever forgotten. And I'm so pleased that I've been able to take two more Europe adventures (2004 & 2009) and I'm already gearing up for a return in 2013.
It was an incredible trip and one none of us have ever forgotten. And I'm so pleased that I've been able to take two more Europe adventures (2004 & 2009) and I'm already gearing up for a return in 2013.
What was particularly amazing about the 1981 trip was that we were gone five weeks and this was in the day of no cell phones, no email, no web, no ATMs, no euro (every country had its own currency), and NO ITINERARY. Parents had no clue where we were once we left London until we returned for our flight home. And we all did return home after five weeks of some of the most incredible experiences anyone could ever imagine.
And so when it was time for me to think about another Europe trip over 20 years later I had no clue if parents would go for the idea of "no itinerary" or not. But they did. Because I no longer had all summer free, the trip had to be shorter...but before I knew it we were heading back to Europe in 2004 for an 18 day trip. Things were easier with email and a fairly-standard currency and an easy way to get cash...but we still went with no reservations and no itinerary except for the first two and last two days. Again, it was an amazing experience.
Fast forward to 2009 when we went again. This time Ray Thompson (who has been on several MTA trips recently) was with us along with Craig Jolly, a colleague. Again...a great time...and at that point I knew I would have to go again.
And so when it was time for me to think about another Europe trip over 20 years later I had no clue if parents would go for the idea of "no itinerary" or not. But they did. Because I no longer had all summer free, the trip had to be shorter...but before I knew it we were heading back to Europe in 2004 for an 18 day trip. Things were easier with email and a fairly-standard currency and an easy way to get cash...but we still went with no reservations and no itinerary except for the first two and last two days. Again, it was an amazing experience.
Fast forward to 2009 when we went again. This time Ray Thompson (who has been on several MTA trips recently) was with us along with Craig Jolly, a colleague. Again...a great time...and at that point I knew I would have to go again.
Mark on the beach in Nice, France. That's a bottle of sunscreen in my hand (I think). I had to crop this photo kind of close up because there are some parts of this photo I can't let you see. Don't worry moms...we didn't go to Nice in 2004 or 2009.
And so, plans are well underway for a return in July of 2013. Sign-ups aren't happening officially until this January but already over two dozen boys have asked to be added to the "no application, no deposit, no commitment, save-me-a-spot maybe" list. We took 19 in 2009 and that certainly is the limit in 2013. But it's not too late to get your name on the list if you're interested in being part of this experience. As in the three prior trips, we travel with first-class Eurail passes good for unlimited travel on Europe's wonderful train system that enables us to pick and choose where to go from over 20 countries. Boys decide where to go and how long to stay. It's the only way to travel!
Back in 2009 I asked Jay Jalenak, now a lawyer with two kids of his own in Baton Rouge, to send me a few thoughts about his 1981 trip. Here's what he said.
My trip to Europe was one of the greatest adventures of my life. Almost every day was a new city or country. It was an education in history and different cultures. But, most of all, it was an unparalleled education in living and traveling with a group. Our group worked together to chart our travel and plan our activities. No other travel experience allows the participants to have such input; that is the difference between a "tour" and an "adventure." It is the one trip which I still talk about all the time. There were so many experiences that 27 years later I am always recalling stories from that summer to tell my kids.
So boys and parents...the trip might be 21 months away...but now's the time to be thinking about it. Check out the page on this website with more info. Official info will be available here (and via snail mail) in less than three months. Picture yourself in Europe for 20 days having the time of your life in 2013.
Back in 2009 I asked Jay Jalenak, now a lawyer with two kids of his own in Baton Rouge, to send me a few thoughts about his 1981 trip. Here's what he said.
My trip to Europe was one of the greatest adventures of my life. Almost every day was a new city or country. It was an education in history and different cultures. But, most of all, it was an unparalleled education in living and traveling with a group. Our group worked together to chart our travel and plan our activities. No other travel experience allows the participants to have such input; that is the difference between a "tour" and an "adventure." It is the one trip which I still talk about all the time. There were so many experiences that 27 years later I am always recalling stories from that summer to tell my kids.
So boys and parents...the trip might be 21 months away...but now's the time to be thinking about it. Check out the page on this website with more info. Official info will be available here (and via snail mail) in less than three months. Picture yourself in Europe for 20 days having the time of your life in 2013.
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