Moving on for a bit

Watch out on the hostels ... there are reasons why they are hostile. I was kicked out of a hostel in Venice and Brussels. The one in Rome had fly catching lizards in it. I saw them scurrying around from the corner of my eye. I thought they were mice so squashed two. The hostel people were pissed. Good times.

But do stay at the Flying Pig in Amsterdam.

Never got the chance to meet you Maggie, but wish you the very best of luck and safe journeys.

My only tip is stay away from those Italian guys, those devils will talk you right out of your hiking gear before you know what's going on!

Congrats! Sounds like you'll have a fab time!!! Please be safe out there. :-*