Darren Mowry

1995

Itinerary

My itinerary included arriving in London where I stayed for a few days. I then made my way via the Chunnel to Brussels where I stayed only a day or two, unfortunately. Next, I went by Euro-Rail to Vienna where I stayed the majority of my trip. I then took the Orient Express from Vienna back through Paris to London where I departed. My trip had to be rather short due to internship arrangements that I had made prior to receving the award. While short, it was an amazing experience.

London

I found London to be an amazing place, full of some great friends. (All friends of John Harris', of course.) Far from what people had said, we have summer-like temperature and blue skies the entire time I was there. I had great Polish food, fantastic Indian food, toured some of the lcoal opera houses with one of John's friends, went to one of the esteemed Gentlemen's Clubs with another, and stayed right in the center of town. What an amazing place.

Due to as appointment to see a couple of John's friends in Brussels, I didn't get to see much of the city. I did, however, visit these great folks about an hour of the city where they had purchased the most amazing chateau...Full with its protective wass surrounding it, huge barn and storage areas, and acres and acres of beautiful scenery.

We had a great time touring the countryside, visiting other estates, and calmly chatting about American politics and the university over wine and cheese.

My trip to Vienna was a long one by train but surely ended up being my favorite stop on the tour. Of course, meeting John made the trip, as we had great Japanese food, toured the city, saw his ouse in the "country" (as he puts it), and even went to the theater as well as grabbed margaritas one night. The city was amazing, the scenery was breath-taking, but as I have said before, the friends I met there and the conversations I had take the cake.