I am really enjoying the memories this thread brings back! Visiting Europe certainly makes you appreciate all the conveniences that we have in the US... and also makes you see how spoiled we can get because of them. It opens your eyes to the history there is out there and acknowledge how insulated we can be here in this country. Our history is SO short in comparison.
I hate to say it, but be very careful being an American in Europe right now. We may not be very popular right now
Definitely check into how to call home to check in with your folks. I hear that trying to use your US cellular carrier can be horrifically expensive.