When we describe a cathedral, an amphitheater, an ancient beautiful building, or a fantastic scenic point, perhaps it helps if the reader knows we have seen many such places in other locations, so we have something with which to compare them.

During nine trips we visited Europe for nearly 1,000 days, and spent at least one night in 452 different places in 30 countries. Years of travel have taken us to nearly 75 countries and major islands. Cruise ships and ferry boats, with us aboard, have departed or arrived at 123 different cities on 5 Continents, on about 50 countries or major islands (including a 7 week freighter trip to the South Pacific). As Emmy often says, "No wonder I'm tired!"

We write only about places we have actually visited, and the information presented is not time dependent. For example, Rome's Colosseum was built between 69 and 80 AD; St. Mark's Basilica was completed in 1073; da Vinci finished the "Last Supper" in 1497; Michelangelo's Statue of David was commissioned in 1501, so what we found of interest during our first stop in Italy in 1970 had not changed in any significant way by the time of our eighth visit in 1995.

The good traveler, who will be welcome in any country, is one who travels with a purpose; who can adapt to necessary changes in plans, and to unfamiliar and unexpected conditions; who tries to remain courteous and keep his sense of humor when cold, hungry or tired; who retains an intelligent curiosity in people, places and things; who shows his appreciation for his surroundings; and who is grateful for the good fortune of being able to travel in the first place. In short, he has A Gift for Travel!

Our vacation is not a destination, it's the journey. Relax and Enjoy. Turn here, explore there, with little concern for where we will be tonight or tomorrow. We actually do what many people talk about and what few are able to do - when we see a fascinating village, or a road that heads in an interesting direction, we just turn and go, exploring endlessly.

In travel, as in life - different strokes for different folks. We don't say that our way is the only, the best, or even an acceptable way to travel, for anyone but us.

We Travel with the Idea That

• If we have no schedule, we aren't late.
• If we don't care where we are, we aren't lost.
• If we have no itinerary we're exactly where we ought to be.
• If we can't see it this trip, we'll see it next time.

In the RV, our clothes are on a hanger, there are goodies in the refrigerator, and we know who used the toilet last.