100 Day Summary!
Today marks our 100th day of traveling. We prepared some cool statistics and a highlight of each country. We have been to 13 countries, seen around 25 major cities, hiked in 5 mountain ranges and spend time in 2 deserts. We have used 21 long distance buses, traveled with 16 cars, took 11 long distance trains, 4 flights, 1 boat not including the one we stayed on, and slept in 46 different beds, all that in a short period of time. So far we have learned a lot about new cultures, can remember bits of new languages, and we made lots of new friends! Ashleigh learned how to not sweat the small stuff and everything works out the way it's supposed too, a crucial lesson when traveling spontaneously around these countries. We actually enjoy the thrill of not knowing where we are going to sleep the next night! John has become a semi professional destination planner and a secret German spy. Ashleigh has narrated our travel route many times over and over again to other curious travellers and is getting pretty good at naming the capitals of the not so popular countries, such as Podgorica. We are so excited to see what the next 100 days will bring!
Iceland was amazing, one of our favorite places so far. The landscape changed daily and the drive was worth every Krone. Besides an unsuccessful whale watching tour, we got to drive the Ring Road and venture into all the great places along the way, such as the lava fields in the north, the eastern fjords, the glaciers wits it's slumbering volcanoes in the south, and we got to see all the famous highlights of the Golden circle as well as the capital of Reykjavik. An unforgettable start to our trip.
Germany, our home base was a lot of fun. We watched almost all World Cup group games, visited friends and family, and just relaxed after traveling to other parts of Europe. We were fortunate to be able to stay with friends and family plus see all the cool places such as Hamburg, Cologne, Munich and of course the many small towns not many travelers get to see.
Morocco was a positive cultural shock. We arrived in the bustling city of Marrakesh, explored the High Atlas by reaching Mt. Toubkal, tasted the delicious Moroccan cuisine, relaxed in the windiest beach in Esssaouri, spent a night under the stars in the Sahara desert and got lost in the medina of Fez. It was an all time adventure.
Our time in Spain was spent on the beaches in the south before exploring the major cities such as Sevilla, Madrid and Barcelona. We got to experience a bullfight in Madrid, hear about the current situation of Spain from a friend and witness the Kings resignation. To finish it up we were awed by Gaudís work and the crazy & busy city of Barcelona.
Croatia was good to us until July 1st when it was time to get out due to increased summer prices. We did however visit Zagreb the capital, the beautiful Plitvice lakes, Zadar for a beach day and stayed a few nights on a small sailboat in touristy Split. To finish it up we stopped in Durbovnik the iconic city with its fortress walls.