HELLO, THANK YOU, GOOD-BYE!

Azure-colored oceans blending into bright turquoise at the shores, undulating hills of green surrounding crystal clear lakes, and rolling sand dunes brushed with light blue...man-made monuments that have withstood the march of time from the pyramids to Hadrian's Wall--are rich memories of Ellen and Stephen Williams' adventures. Eating "brik" in Tunisia and "churchkhela" in Tblisi! Drinking "kvas" in Ukraine! Passing up "lavabread" in Wales-all were adventures that nearly didn't happen. Ellen did not want to leave her comfortable home in Texas. Content with their rural life but forced to relocate due to her husband's job she reluctantly began her move to Germany. She was a foot-dragging-don't-want-to-move-wife. Determined to make the best of a challenging situation she and her husband soon embarked on a plan--to experience as much of the region surrounding the Mediterranean Sea as possible. Within months Ellen and Stephen developed a passion for touring. Faced with language barriers, clashes of culture and cuisine they followed their plan with a vengeance visiting over 30 countries in the space of three years. Their frequent trips within a short period of time gave them a unique overview of the region. They could spot historical and cultural linkages between people and their respective countries. They saw the crossovers and mingling of traditions and languages. Soon they became the consummate travelers. Many friends began asking for recommendations of their favorite locale. Chronicled here are their adventures, misadventures, faux pas and joys as they grow from fledgling sightseers to consummate travelers. Journey with them as they realized the more you discover about other people and cultures, the more you ultimately learn about yourself. After reading the book perhaps you, too, will also learn to say in French "Bon Voyage," in Spanish "Buen Viaje," and in German "Gute Reiser"-In short, Happy Travels!