OVERVIEW OF THE WHOLE TRIP

well, we are at the end of the major trek across eleven different countries

we are in Mojencice, Poland - at les's sister's house

it is a village and it is quiet and it is a day of rest and relaxation

i want to describe the trip as a gestalt:

forests trees and more trees is the most striking and unexpected part of the trip. europe is covered in forest. every country we went to has kilometers and kilometers or miles and miles and MILES of forest

art like i have never seen before. in the street. free for the eye to see at any time without paying for a museum. if you have ever visited the HEARST castle in california - that is what every street is like. esp in italy. what a great country. no wonder so many famous artists lived,  worked and made masterpieces there. I fyou have ever gone to the royal palace in petropolis, that is also what every house looks like.

huge buildings. the buildings are massive. normal day to day buildings are massive. the palaces and castles - hmmmmmmmmmmmffff - colossal. and that is also the fun part . to see castles in your hometown is fun fun fun.

and lastly, every one speaks some english. not every one was friendly which is surprising. if you work at a rest stop where people from all over the world are stopping, at least have a smile ready. doesn't cost a thing. if any of you europeans have a chance, talk to your friends who own businesses and make sure your employees are always smiling. it can make someone's day.