Quite a few friends raised their eyebrows back home in Chicago when I
announced my move to Europe. In fact, a few people told me outright that
I'd lost my mind.

But here I am, 25 years later, still enjoying European life. It just suits
me. I love the people and the languages, also exploring hilltop castles
and tiny Greek islands. Getting current travel information used to present
a hassle, but now with the click of a mouse, you're on your way. Here are
some sites to get you started.

Freewheeling

This new (August 1999) site offers best bets for seeing Europe by
wheelchair, with specifics on castles and folklore festivals. As you enjoy
the professional graphics, find out what's worth seeing in Spain, France,
Italy, Germany and Switzerland. Intelligent style and full of humor.

Blvd Europe

Very upscale! Worth special mention on this site--which covers the elegant
side of European life--is "Grapevine," sort of an insider's gossip column
about the oddities that happen around Europe. Overall, quite
France-centered, which makes sense since it is created in Paris.

Euro Link / Euorpean Travel Briefs

Since January 1998, this site has been providing entertaining tidbits about
visiting Europe, everything from how to tour Chernobyl (Ukraine) to
Frankenstein's Castle (Germany). Read about a European hotel chain just
for motorcyclists or about haunted hotels in Britain. Updated every few
days with what guide books don't tell you to do and see around Europe.

Overseas Digest

A very comprehensive site offering insider tips about the ups and downs of
moving and living abroad, kept in an informal conversational tone.
Coverage includes everything from local customs to how to find jobs. Many
expatriate voices contribute to make this a mixed bag of information,
whether about schooling or dining habits.

German Way

Undoubtedly the top site to explore German life and culture, including an
excellent language section. Well organized and inviting style, though far
too much for viewing in a single visit. A wealth of information - no
wonder it's so popular with travelers and German language students alike.

Central Europe Online

Whether your interest in Central Europe centers on Hungary, the Czech
Republic or Romania, you'll find plenty of news on this site. It's
significant because it covers events or issues in those countries often
ignored by the wire services. Think of it as your friendly little
newspaper for Central Europe.