During our morning gathering outside the hotel, getting the headphones active, and I hear “Julie, your jacket is on backwards.” It was a funny moment. Iris caring for her flock and not missing a beat.
Dear Julie & Bruce, thank you for coming on our Rick Steves Tour, for all of your kindness and positive vibes! It has been a true pleasure meeting both of you. I wish you a safe trip home. Iris
Our wonderful guide was Iris Andres. Her husband is an actor and also a tour leader. He is back home now. Iris gave us her email address and phone number where we could text her in case of issues during the tour. There were many details that Iris went over. She noted that she is from Southern Germany and her husband is from Berlin. The apprentice guide that was to help Iris got Covid and was unable to come.
Each day Iris posted a schedule sheet, on a different color paper. We are to consult the sheet for the itinerary of the day. Please be punctual.
Generally speaking, at a European restaurant, they assume you want to say and have conversation, so you must ask for the bill. Assume 10% is to be expected. Also assume somewhat slow service.
RS has a no grump policy. Restaurants do not usually have butter on the table and certainly no hot sauce.
WC is a toilet. In the WC you should assume $.50 charge, so keep a few coins available. The buddy system is a way to quickly run a check to see if everyone is with the group.
Covid is still a thing and Iris requested everyone use your mask indoors. Iris stated that if not feeling good, for the group sake, do a test and have to drop out if necessary. There is a five days in quarantine in Germany required by law.
Hotel rooms are given at random. Please settle with the hotel the night before we leave for the next location.
A registered trademark – There are no kangaroos in Austria.
As soon as Iris described this fun souvenir, I was on a hunt. She said that they were all over Austria, so I begain investigating every souvenir stall for these entertaining T-shirts for our grandchildren.
I’ve an adorable picture of our 4 grandchildren, ages 3-11 wearing the fun: There Are No Kangaroos in Austria T-shirts from our trip to Austria! Thanks for the tip Iris!