Our hearts are full! He hope this trip is only the beginning of many vibrant destinations to come. We got our money’s worth, but our memories are priceless.
Steve, your hardwork, thoughtful planning, and excitement to share your immense knowledge of the culture in all our destinations was so greatly appreciated by Howard and myself.
We will never be able to thank you enough. Looking forward to another exploration with EGT.
Ciao for now,
Kim and Howard A.
Stephan,
I know we both told you during the trip, but thanks again from Marianne and myself. Your 40-plus years of experience really shows in the little and big things that you take care of for your travelers. The transports to and from Airports, Train stations, excursions along the way really made things easy for the group.
It shows in the details, how much work you put into these tours, from easy check in/check out to the way the staff treats us. Every accommodation you had secured for us was top notch.
We now know what Brianne meant when she returned from her EGT trip in 2014 saying that we had to go to Europe. We could not have been more pleased with the trip as a whole, and appreciate all you have done to make this experience a major success.
Till we see you again soon, thanks again for everything.
John and Marianne D.
Good evening; this is Ashley Dabkowski. I was a student of yours (class of 2004) and went on the Europe trip with [you] that summer. I was accepted to the University of Georgia to pursue a doctorate degree. I am writing this e-mail to thank you for the hard work, dedication, and patience you put into the Europe trips. Without you and the program you created/ran/developed … I never would have had the opportunity to go to Europe and therefore develop a passion for history, culture, and art. I did not know what I was getting into with the trip and really only knew what we learned through the SPC classes; I went into the trip with an open mind. While we were in Europe I was absolutely blown away; I kept a journal there and I reread it last night; interesting to see my view of Europe as an 18 year old. Anyway… I kept all the materials from the trip (itinerary, packing list, that simple security belt, the art/sculpture book/journal we made for class, etc.). On the trip I was voted “most likely to be an art historian” and in a way that sort of came true. I majored in Social Science Education and now enjoy going to museums or watching shows on TV about Europe and culture. I kept up with what little French I know with hopes of going back one day. I am not sure if you remember Jane Skibicki, we were best buds on the trip and she is actually getting married in September to a fellow student on our trip, and I am her maid of honor.
What inspired me to write this e-mail was one part of my journal where I talk about loving Europe, being amazed, and dreaming that one day I could bring my family back and share this with them. On Monday, my family and I will be leaving for a 24 day European vacation…
You made dreams come true that I did not even know existed! I remember when you surprised us (or maybe I didn’t hear) the first day in Paris by taking us on the metro to trocadero to view the Eiffel Tower. I remember walking around a corner, and BAM, there was the Eiffel Tower, the REAL EIffel Tower, I remember crying happy tears under my sunglasses hoping no one saw me. That same emotion has stayed with me with feelings towards European history and culture. I am trying to recreate this for my family, I am not going to tell them where we are going and hope I can get off at the right station 🙂
Sincerely,
Ashley D.
(Europe 2004)
Hi Mr. Straub!
I’m taking an art history class at school (UCF) and love it! We have already learned about so many things that I saw on our trip! I took my first exam and got 96% which was really exciting. I felt like you would be proud so I just wanted to tell you!
Katie A.
(Europe 2009)
Thank you so much for such an amazing and unforgettable tour. I am still sharing the many memories I made to all my friends and family. I am also more knowledgable on Art History, something I didn’t know a thing about before this trip. Thank you again for everything.
Jonell G.
(Europe 2010)
Dear Mr. Straub,
Just wanted to take a moment to thank you (and your wife as well) for such a well organized trip. The meetings you held prior to the trip were a blessing. My husband and I have never been to Europe ourselves, and you helped us make certain that Brittany was prepared! You are correct in that it was a trip of a lifetime, and I know that she had a blast! My husband and I hope to get there sometime next year and thanks to you, we too will be prepared!
I could honestly not suggest on improvement to your program as I think you’ve got it down to a science! Again, we thank you!
Sincerely,
Cheryl H.
(Mother of Brittany H., Europe 2010)
It was unlike a tour where you experience everything from inside a bus — we got a lot of interaction and cultural experiences.
— Morgan M., East Lake High School
The advisors and guide were extremely helpful and full of knowledge. They helped us all when we were confused or lost. Their extensive knowledge of the art as well as the area was awesome.
— David S., Countryside High School
Mr. Straub was very helpful and provided great leadership. He is the perfect man for the job.”
— Will M., East Lake High School
We had adequate opportunities to interact with the people of each country we visited because we had our afternoons to sightsee, shop, etc. A fantastic experience!”
— Andrea H., St. Petersburg College
The trip was flawless, all accommodations were clean, pleasant, and had great staff. The schedule allowed you to learn with advisors and on your own with plenty of time to explore.”
— James H., East Lake High School