This week on BEEN THERE, we hear from 11-year-old Syd from New Jersey (aka soglam) who tells us about her trip around Europe!

Europe is an AMAZING place to vacation. There is always so much activity going on. The first place I went was to Switzerland. It is a Beautiful area. The scene is nice, the people are nice. . . Oh, the people are wonderful! Everyone there is kind because of the strict rules enforced. But, Switzerland has great food (The chocolate is the best!) and it is a very, very clean country. For fun, eat ice cream at the peak of a small mountain, explore a cave, or visit a living history museum.

Germany was my next stop. There is so much fun going on there! The people aren't as great as Switzerland, but it is a great place for walking around. There are vendors selling fun things, churches you can explore, and beautiful, beautiful mountains you can climb. And again, the food is amazing.

Next was Italy. Everybody knows about Italian food. Pasta, pizza, you name it. In Rome, there are many vendors with fun, cheap stuff in the many plazas. Or, if you want some adventure, climb the 300 marble steps of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. (Try not to be as clumsy as I was. . . Ouch!) Or, you can stargaze on the soft grass, just lay out your blanket and look.

France was my last stop. I thought it would be boring because we were not going to Paris, but I was wrong. The seafood is really good, and speaking of sea, the beaches are great! It is a bit pricey, but it is still really fun. At night the air is cool, and a stroll along the beach is wonderful. The city of Nice really reminds me of Florida.

A visit to Europe would be the PERFECT vacation, if you like to visit other cultures. I was sad to leave it behind. Check out the beauty and fun of Europe.

Syd, 11, New Jersey (aka soglam)