[underDAWG]

We are heading to Munich next wed nite and to pick our E92 Xi. We will be in Europe for about 10 days,

1. Arrive in Munich Germany on April 24
2. Arrive in Milan on April 26
3. Arrive in Paris on April 29, drop E92 off.
4. Train to Frankfurt on April 2 (edited May 2)
5. Home to Philly on April 3 (edited May 3)

I have a few general questions/concerns, really need your help.

1. Get Euros in the States, pay by credit card as much as possible?
2. First night, we will stay in Kings Hotel. Thereafter we will stay at Novotel in most cities when possible.
3. Which is the most scenic drive from Munich to Milan?
4. How is the drive from Milan to Paris?
5. Verizon loans us their European version phone (Blackberry) at not cost to us, but $1.29/min. What is the best way to call States over there?
6. Will my Garmin GPS work over there, where can I upgrade the maps?
7. Is Wifi easy to find in major cities?
8. What must we see in Munich and Milan?
9. What is the dress code over there? I want to blend in instead of stick out like an American with a loud mouth, lol.
10. I know I will love the food in Milan and Paris, but I am not sure about Munich. Am I nut?

Your input is appreciated. Thanks.

[machonachos]

1. Getting euros at an atm once you land in Germany is your best bet & best rate. Banks in the states charge you an onerous fee. Theres a Deutsche Bank atm right at the baggage claim area at Franz Josef. Credit cards will charge you a 1% or 2% fee depending on which card you use.

3. The Brenner Pass (which I took) is probably the quickest and fairly alpine scenic. I would guess a drive through Switzerland would be more scenic?

4. Drive from Milan to Paris is great, but can be tedious. Driving in Paris is madness. You might want to consider dropping off in either Geneva or Nice and considering a train ride to Paris. Ticket would be similar in $ as gas if booked early, and you don't get a chance to ride a high speed train in europe often.

5. Get a GSM unlocked phone and get a global roaming sim. I used www.celtrek.com Definetely better than the $1.29 verizon is quoting you.

7. Finding wifi is is tough. Usually higher end hotels will have wifi access...for a fee.

8. In Munich, if you have the time......Neuschwanstein.

9. Dress dark you cant go wrong in Germany or Milan.

10. What can I say...I love meat and beer so...I loved German food

[underDAWG]

Hey Man.... thanks for the reply. I will act accordingly.

[itsxtian]

1. Arrive in Munich Germany on April 24
2. Arrive in Milan on April 26
3. Arrive in Paris on April 29, drop E92 off.
4. Train to Frankfurt on April 2
5. Home to Philly on April 3

How are you traveling back in time to April 3?
e90 not delorean right?

jk, have a great trip! Take pics for the forum!

[underDAWG]

hahah.... wise man..... Ooop typo I meant ..... Wise Guy.

Did you mention pictures?

Wifey says: Travel light. Therefore here is what I pack. Two pairs of undies, two T's, two jeans, Cabelas light jacket, wearing my hiking boots plus the followings.

D200 body with Canon SD850
18-200mm VR
24-70 f/2.8
14-24 f/2.8
50mm f/1.4
SB800 x1
Wireless trigger and receiver
Diffuser
Polarizer
Batteries and chargers
Flash meter
Card reader
CF card 8GB x2 and 4 GB x2
Brush and blower
MeOH 99.999% pure and swabs, lens tissue
Monopod (haven’t pick out one yet).
Mac book

I hope I can do some fashion shoot in Milan.

[Appropriate]

The food in Munich is hearty and tasty. Though it's a tourist staple, the hofbrau house (forgive my butchering of the spelling) is great, and when I was there in high tourist season, it was still full mostly of Germans. Also, the food at the bigger beer garden (I think it's the largest one in the world, and is on the north side of town... can't remember the name) is awesome as well.