In late summer of 2002, I decided to take the leap and hit Europe for a 3 week backpack and train adventure. I had never taken a trip this big and this far from home by myself, but figured it would be a great opportunity for me to take in culture and experience new things. Normally people do this while in college, guess I was a little late.

I started out by flying into Vienna, where I spent my first few days. I didn't really have a plan, just an overall idea of the things I wanted to see. This was my first encounter with Europe since I was 8. Needless to say I don't remember too much from then, so here I was looking at the awesome history and architecture of Austria.

From Vienna, I traveled to Salzburg, home of Mozart and "The Sound of Music". I didn't do the "Sound" tour, but did spend a rainy day exploring the city. Next came Munich, where I wish I had been for Octoberfest. It's a great city that I'd love to see again sometime.

Coming out of Munich, I dove into the Bavarian Alps, full of medieval castles and post card views. There, I stayed in a very nice little town called Ruette, which seemed like the place to be in ski season.

Switzerland was my next and possibly my favorite stop, seeing as I love the mountains. Absolutely gorgeous country! I spent a few days touring Luzern, Interlaken, and Montreux, and made a quick stop to the highest altitude train station in Europe, at Jungfrau.

Itching to get back into warm weather, I took a night train to Florence Italy. This was a crazy, busy, beautiful city with amazing art and architecture. Just watch out for all the mopeds!

Next up: Pisa. Just a day spent there, to see the leaning tower. I was going to climb it, but decided not to, since it's just another of may I've already walked up in Europe. Also, there was a poor guy that had a heart attack half way up, and I didn't want to wait for all that to clear out.

Getting close to the end now.. I spent a few days relaxing in the Amalfi Coast with a crazy set of Danes. We spent a day exploring the ruins of Pompeii, which I can definitely recommend to anyone going to Italy. The history and technological advancement of the ancient Romans is truely astounding.

Speaking of Rome, that was next. If you think Florence is busy, just wait till Rome! More huge architecture here, and of course the Vatican. I actually got around to seeing the Pope too.

My vacation ended up with another bit of relaxation in the Italian Riviera. Santa Margarita was the perfect end to an awesome vacation, a totally kick back kind of place, with a lot of money.. Unfortunately, I wasn't one of the rich guys with the huge boats!