My travel agent was my computer.
I began by searching for lists that had any information on travel or the countries/regions I wanted to visit. I joined about 12 BITNET discussions groups (some were in Polish, I unjoined those quickly). I posted messages about my desire to travel to Europe and stay with local families. On TRAVEL-L I read about an onÐline homestay database called HOSPEX. EUREKA! This database provided me with forms from people in Europe who are wiling to host visitors. With a map, a Eurail timetable, my (computer) calendar and all the travel books I could devour Ñ my journey began to unfold. On HOSPEX, it was as easy as "Hey, I'm coming to Estonia about the 27th of JuneÉ"
Russia was one place I really wanted to get to, but there were no entries for Russia. As fate would have it, my computer journey led me to a fellow named Vladislov from St. Petersburg who wanted to sell computer equipment in Russia. As we began communicating, I learned that his Ukrainian mother lived in Tallin; the USSR had moved her there following the Chernobyl disaster. When I told him I would be visiting Estonia, he offered to be my host in Russia. His employer, Leningrad Nuclear Physics Institute, faxed me an invitation to visit Russia. I contacted another Russian named Vladimir Ñ he also sent me an invitation to visit Russia.
Finally, my itinerary was coming together.
I began corresponding by eÐmail with other people who had visited Europe. Some people sent me their computerized travelogues. I even received a response from Australia. When messages travel at the speed of light, it doesn't take long to travel around the world.
Now I'm back.
I correspond regularly with my new friends throughout out Eastern and Western Europe. I have even had the opportunity to host some Italian friends named Daniele, Tanya, and Francesco. Vladimir will be here the end of October. Next, my computer and I are planning my return trip to Czechoslovakia where I will visit my "old" friends Milan, David, Eduard, Lida, Marek, and Martina.