As you would expect, we had the most wonderful time as we made our way through 11 countries and saw some of the most incredible sights.

The trip also taught us some valuable lessons. Here are just a few things I learned.

Lesson one: French people aren't so arrogant

The French are often touted as pompous, but we did not see this side during our time in Paris.

In fact, a French train conductor turned out to be one of our best friends.

We had a rail pass for a number of countries and had reserved seats on the trains we needed.

However when travelling from Switzerland to Paris, we handed over our pass and reservation to find the pass didn't actually cover France. Oh dear.

Thankfully the conductor was very understanding - and spoke English - and didn't boot us off the train, though legally he probably should have.

Lesson two: sometimes you have to do away with being nice

Italy is renowned for its street sellers. I was prepared for them; not so prepared for just how pushy they would be.

In Venice there are dozens of men walking around with bunches of roses. Which looks romantic until they try to shove said roses into your jeans and ask you to pay for them.

The first few times we had people come up to us I was polite, said hello, was happy to chat.

But once we saw their true colours - and the fact they don't take no for an answer and that you practically have to run away for them to give up - I had to do my utmost to just ignore them.

Or, my husband would continually swap positions with me on the footpaths to ensure I was always on the side the seller was not so he could 'protect' me if needed.

(I only say 'protect' that way because if I were anyone else, I'd be more scared of me than my husband. But they didn't know us so the ruse worked.)

Lesson three: Australians are a brilliant bunch

One thing that really surprised us was just how courteous Australian people are compared with many other nationalities.

A particular moment that stands out was at a restaurant one night, when a group of American women ordered cocktails and then blasted the waiter when the cocktails arrived because they weren't cold enough.

Really? 

Meanwhile when we were having trouble getting our credit card to work in Greece, an Australian couple offered to loan us some money.

What a contrast.

There are plenty more lessons I could share, but I'll save it for another time. 

I really hope someone doesn't cut me off in traffic now or try to steal my wallet and ruin my arguments.