1982 European Grand Tour

This Journal was composed in 2023 from a diary handwritten in 1982. In England in the Victorian era (and before), young men from high-status families were sent on what was called a “Grand Tour” of Europe as the official ending of their formal educations. They were expected to learn about the arts, music, literature, and history of France, Germany, and Italy in particular. The more interested and intelligent ones were also expected to pick up some fluency in the languages of the continental countries. These experiences and accomplishments would establish them as gentlemen of the realm.

Young women were not sent on such explorations unless it was to rescue them from an unfortunate attachment to the wrong sort of person. If they were from sufficiently affluent families, they might be sent to a “finishing school” to inculcate in them proper manners, ease at small talk, and talents as hostesses for their husbands' business friends and comrades. They were not expected to travel on their own, even in their own home areas. Life had to come to them.

How lucky we four were to be able to plan and enjoy our own “grand tour.” We certainly learned so much from each stop and enjoyed every minute of every day. I cannot report that we became fluent in either Italian, German, or French, but we enjoyed trying to learn a few helpful phrases in all three. Since it is now 41 years ago, I doubt that we could recall much from our linguistics studies.

Though it was such a long time ago, I think that a report of our travels might be interesting, at least in an historical way. Remember, there were no cellphones, no internet, and no inexpensive travel companies to help plan such trips. We were all of limited money means, but we had the thirst to travel in plenty. So, what did we use to plan such an extensive foreign trip?