Europe On My Toes: A Journey of Discovery and Delight

In the summer of 2019, I embarked on a journey that would change my life forever. I quit my job, sold my belongings, and bought a one-way ticket to Europe. My plan was simple: to travel the continent on foot, one step at a time.

Europe On My Toes: A Ballet Dancer's Diary

by Ysabelle Taylor

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2754 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	213 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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I had always dreamed of traveling Europe, but I had never imagined that I would do it on foot. I had always been an avid walker, but I had never considered myself a hiker. However, I was eager for a challenge, and I knew that this was the perfect way to see the continent.

I started my journey in Paris, the city of lights. I spent a few days exploring the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. I also took some time to wander through the city's charming streets, sampling the local cuisine and soaking up the atmosphere.

After a few days in Paris, I set off on foot for the south of France. I walked through the rolling hills of Provence, past lavender fields and vineyards. I stopped in the medieval town of Avignon, where I visited the Pope's Palace. I continued on to the Mediterranean coast, where I spent some time relaxing on the beaches of Nice and Cannes.

From the south of France, I crossed the border into Italy. I walked through the Italian Riviera, past colorful villages and stunning coastal views. I stopped in the city of Genoa, where I visited the aquarium and the maritime museum. I continued on to Tuscany, where I hiked through the rolling hills and visited the medieval town of San Gimignano.

From Tuscany, I walked to Rome, the eternal city. I spent several days exploring the city's ancient ruins, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. I also took some time to visit the Vatican City, where I saw St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

After Rome, I continued on to the north of Italy. I walked through the Dolomites, a mountain range with stunning peaks and valleys. I stopped in the town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, where I took a cable car to the top of Mount Tofana. I continued on to Venice, where I spent a few days exploring the city's canals and bridges.

From Venice, I crossed the border into Austria. I walked through the Austrian Alps, past snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes. I stopped in the town of Innsbruck, where I visited the Hofburg Palace and the Swarovski Crystal Worlds. I continued on to Vienna, where I spent a few days exploring the city's museums and palaces.

From Vienna, I walked to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. I spent a few days exploring the city's medieval streets and castles. I visited the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the Old Town Square. I also took a day trip to the Sedlec Ossuary, a church decorated with human bones.

From Prague, I walked to Berlin, the capital of Germany. I spent a few days exploring the city's museums and historical sites. I visited the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, and the Berlin Wall Memorial. I also took a day trip to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.

From Berlin, I walked to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. I spent a few days exploring the city's canals, museums, and coffee shops. I visited the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum. I also took a day trip to the Keukenhof Gardens, a tulip garden with over 7 million flowers.

My journey came to an end in Amsterdam, but the memories will last a lifetime. I walked over 5,000 miles, crossed 10 borders, and visited 15 countries. I met countless people along the way, and I learned so much about myself and the world. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have experienced Europe on my toes.

Tips for Planning Your Own European Walking Adventure

If you are considering planning your own European walking adventure, here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Choose a route that is right for you. There are many different walking trails in Europe, so it is important to choose one that is appropriate for your fitness level and interests. If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a shorter trail. If you are more experienced, you may want to challenge yourself with a longer trail.
• Plan your itinerary carefully. Once you have chosen a route, you will need to plan your itinerary. This includes deciding how many days you will walk each day, where you will stay each night, and what you will see along the way. It is important to be realistic about your abilities and to allow for rest days.
• Pack light. You will be carrying your belongings on your back, so it is important to pack light. Bring only the essentials and leave the rest at home. You can also consider using a luggage forwarding service to send your belongings ahead to your next destination.
• Be prepared for the weather. The weather in Europe can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared for all types of weather. Bring a raincoat, sunscreen, and a hat. You may also want to bring a pair of waterproof shoes.
• Learn a few basic phrases in the local language. This will be helpful for communicating with locals and getting around. You can learn some basic phrases online or by using a language learning app.
• Be flexible. Things do not always go according to plan when you are traveling, so it is important to be flexible. Be prepared to change your itinerary if necessary. You may also need to be flexible with your budget.

Walking Europe is an amazing way to see the continent. It is a challenging but rewarding experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Europe On My Toes: A Ballet Dancer's Diary

by Ysabelle Taylor

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2754 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	213 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE