I am new to this blog. In fact it is the first time that I have blogged! My wife and I just returned from the nine day "Amazing Italy" tour W202 depart April 3, 2009. The highlight of this tour was our tour dirctor, Belinda Richardson. The superlative weather and the beauty of Italy came in second and third, respectively.
I have to say that Ms. Richardson is a most extraordinary person. In this world of "jobbers" it is rare to deal with people who fullfill all the expectations associated with their profession. Ms. Richardson was most well-prepared in terms of her depth of knowledge. She was well tuned-in to the needs of the diverse group. Her sensitivity included anticipating the groups need for access to rest rooms, down time, and the needs of individuals with physical limitations. Her rapport with various local guides and contacts in the various cities reflected a commaraderie that enhanced the traveler's experience beyond any expectations.
Examples of her exceptionalism include her assisting us with last minute Pompeii arrangements that accomadated our limited time. Without her expertise and accuracy we could never have accomplished this side trip in the time frame available to us. More dramatic was her calm and steady manner in the face of the 6.3 Richter scale Italy earthquake that struck at the start of the adventure. She went to the hotel lobby to assists the staff with language barriers, to explain and reassure travelers at 3:40 A.M. (She never got back to her room that morning).
I could go on and on. My wife and I feel so lucky to have made the acquaintance. We are commited Insight travelers from this time on. Hopefully we will be able to link us with Ms. Richardson on new itineraries. She is without a doubt the BEST in the industry.