As a dad who happens to be a travel writer, reading Jackie’s last paragraph, in which she so vividly distinguishes three distinct cities, makes me very proud. Jackie and Zoe traveled with their eyes, hearts, and brains engaged. They hung out with the globe-trotting party animals that are forever dancing around this world. They gained an appreciation of three great cultural capitals. And they did it on budget, on schedule, and safely. Congrats girls, and thanks for sharing your experiences in your blog entries.

Posted by: Rick (Jackie's Dad) - Jul 29, 2009 10:02 AM

Having read every one of your posts, I must say you are a great travel writer. You and Zoe did a great job of showing me a little of Spain and Portugal. I really enjoyed it. I have never been to either country but my son spent the summer in southern Spain several years ago as an intern. Thank you.

Posted by: Ken - Jul 29, 2009 10:06 AM

Now you understand why Lisbon is my fave city in Europe and why I could live there. :)

Posted by: Jeremy B - Jul 29, 2009 12:31 PM

I agree that both women did a good job of writing - from the perspective of 19 year-olds - about their experiences in those three cities. We certainly know where the boys are, the noisiest spots and how they felt about the food. I found their ability to communicate effectively and enthusiastically a real tribute to the K-12 school system in the Pacific NW. It also seemed to me that they were pretty good ambassadors for the U.S. Seville would have been an entertaining addition to their tour but perhaps when they are ready for more history. And certainly what they wrote was an incentive for many of their readers to visit Spain and Portugal. Jackie may go on to follow in her dad's footsteps - it's a living but one which could get old. I prefer the Zoe model which sounds like, travel some and then go back to where your heart is. Because it's contrast that makes life enjoyable. A steady diet of anything: work; travel; political commentary; escargot; gelato; mojitos, blogging; dulls the senses. As for the so-called "heckling" that Rick Steves and even his daughter seem to get from time to time, legitimate differences in opinion are the contrasts that make his company's offering even more valuable. The really nasty, non-objective stuff just proves the point that the empty barrel makes the most noise. Bill Kester

Posted by: bill kester - Jul 29, 2009 1:04 PM

Thank you, Jackie and Zoe, for taking us through the Iberian Peninsula through the eyes of people my age (23). It was incredible reading your blogs and your taking us along during your trip. We all are going to miss your journeys though Spain and Portugal. I learned a lot about Spain and Portugal through your descriptive blog posts about the sites you saw and describing a music genre I have never heard before. Hope you two have a wonderful rest of the summer before school starts again. I especially love your post about a church in either Madrid or Barcelona, Jackie, and the fact you were "closer to God" looking at the artistry in the church. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your posts! God bless and have fun while you can.

Posted by: Robert Newstrand - Jul 29, 2009 3:16 PM

Jackie................ Reading your and Zoe’s excellent blog, with vivid, honest and thought provoking descriptions has been a treat.........I enjoyed Andy’s blog from his first European trip......and I believe Andy’s blog inspired Rick to start a blog which I have followed for years now......and your blog now is really fun and interesting, as many readers have noted....keep bloggin’ and we’ll keep reading and commenting...good luck on the RS tour guide job.....

Posted by: Bill27 - Jul 29, 2009 6:54 PM

Hi. Wow. I was lucky enough to happen upon Rick's website and your blog. I'm going to Lisbon for 8 days in 3 weeks. Trying to decide if I should also visit the Algarve or Porto. Any thoughts? PS: It'll be me and my 14 yr.old.

Posted by: Lorig - Jul 30, 2009 1:43 AM