Foreword

Back in the summer of 2003, my friend Kelsey and I went on a 3 and a half week trip through Europe. Our visit was mainly concentrated in Switzerland, but included visits to Italy, France, and Germany. For most of the visit, up until the last few days, I kept a journal chronicling the events as they occurred. Kelsey had been asking me for quite some time after the trip had ended to make her a copy of the journal. I never got around to it, for various reasons: laziness, school resuming, work, etc. Then a few nights ago, I was at dinner with Kelsey and she mentioned an incident from the vacation. And it occurred to me that I could post the journal on an online blog, so that Kelsey, and all of my other friends as well, could enjoy them. And also any random strangers that happen to stumble by. Most of what I have written was in the midst of extreme jet lag and the sugar highs that resulted from the attempts to stay alert. Some of the content has been edited for a multitude of factors (but only when absolutely necessary): its boring, too personal, a little crass (I can cuss like a sailor), or to protect the innocent. But rest assured, all of it is 100% true, it really did happen, and all the writing is my own. So enjoy....