The Adventurers
“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.”—Tim Cahill
Andy, Karen, Rich, Greg, Gary
Karin, Toni, Jim, Anne, Leslee, Sharona, Ira, Orion
Elaine, Sally, Janis, Susan, Suzie, Jamie, Ann
Peter
“There are no strangers in this world, only friends I haven’t met yet.”
—William Butler Yeats
Who you travel with can make or break your trip. As I was a solo traveler my fellow group members would become my travel companions. I could not ask for better. We were from 2 different countries and 7 different states. We had couples, mothers and daughters, grandparents and grandkids, and us solo travelers.
Our group of adventures were kind, funny and adventurous travelers. I like to avoid using the term tour-mate because it seems so impersonal. We became more than just tour-mates. From the first day I saw how caring and encouraging this group was. I saw when one fronted money for someone’s first gelato on the first day as they had not gotten cash yet. Another picked up an item for someone else because they mentioned they needed it. At the Schilthorn the group helped the one who is afraid of heights. (Yes…it was me!)
“You and me, we are more than friends. We are like a small travel gang!”
—Unknown
Andy—Our Fearless Leader
Andy was our fearless leader. We met him the first day and we knew we were in for a great adventure. Andy was funny, kind, helpful and knowledgeable. He was always available to answer questions, give advice, and encouragement. He helped those of us that were timid about independent travel to spread our wings and take those chances to have our own adventures.
Peter was our master of driving. He was kind and had a wicked sense of humor. We had a smooth ride throughout our adventure. Peter always got us to were we needed to be when we needed to be there. When Peter saw me eating by myself one night, he joined me and we had a nice conversation. I will
always remember that kindness.
Heidi was our coach (Heidi was my nickname for her). She was a full size
coach which meant we each could have a row to ourselves if we
wanted. She had outlets for our electronics. She was
always clean. Peter even kept her stocked with drinks.
Peter & Heidi—Master Driver and Coach
Local Guides— Knowledgeable, Colorful, and Entertaining
Our local guides were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and sometimes very colorful (even musical). Having those local guides gave us insight into the sites that make connections you do not get from a book. With the use of the whisper guide headset we did not have to be as intrusive as other tours when visiting a site.
“One of the great things about travel is that you find out how many good, kind people there are.”
—Edith Wharton
