Me in my new favorite city, Amsterdam |
2) Least Favorite City - Paris. Ughhhhh too many people. And the smell! I know that I should probably give it a second chance, preferably during a time of the year that isn't so touristy. The Eiffel Tower is cool, but up close it looked like a bunch of barbed wire twisted into a huge tower. The Louvre was impressive, but with so many people there it was really just a battle of crowds. The subway was a public bathroom and the smell was very close to intolerable. The worst part, however, where the people. I have never had so many people turn their noses up and frown in my direction when all I'm doing is sitting there. At least by the end of it I learned not to take it personally and I stared them right back down.
Mussels in Brussels |
Hiking in the Swiss Alps |
5) Best Memory - Tie between hiking in the Swiss alps and skinny dipping in the french riviera. Alexa, Justine and I quickly learned that the Swiss aren't the best at marking trails or leaving signs so we probably trespassed the entire time. The mountain was extremely steep, but the air was so crisp and the views so breathtaking that it didn't matter. The French riviera is a topless beach, however this American wasn't very thrilled about the idea of exposing myself to a bunch of strangers. I choose, instead, to swim very, very far out and throw my swimsuit to a nearby friend. While she had her back turned I swam around like a mermaid and turned my sun-soaked face to the ancient, white buildings that lined the coast. Bliss.
Touring Ireland via Bicycle |
7) Best Hotel - NH Musica, Amsterdam. We were only two per room, rather than the usual four or five so we had plenty of space. The bathrooms were clean and modern with marble sinks, towel warmers and deep bathtubs. The rooms themselves had lime green comforters and accent walls. A helpful staff, blasting air conditioning and high-speed internet sealed the deal. The breakfast buffet they provided was so delicious that I had to go through the line at least three times. They had every kind of fresh-squeezed juice, warm baked bread, platters of fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes and pancakes.
Amanda repacking her bags to flee our Florence hotel |
9) Places I sprinkled Thomas' Ashes - Ireland, France, Italy and Spain.
10) Favorite Artist - This one's really hard. Monet's water-Lilly series actually made me cry and Goya's Dark Paintings were intriguing in a "tap into my dark-side" sort of way. I could look at Salvador Dali's Girl Standing at the Window everyday, it makes me feel like I'm safely nestled in at our Gardner Lake house. The Sistine Chapel is almost too much to comprehend, especially when you take into consideration that such a large portion was done by one man.Those are my winners Monet, Goya, Salvador Dali and Michelangelo.
Salvador Dali's "Girl at a Window" |
12) Best Natural site - The Cliffs of Moher were breathtaking, and biking up those cliffs definitely made me feel like I earned the view. The ocean at Nice had the must alluring water I have ever jumped into and the Swiss Alps crushed the Rockies.
13) Best Music - Ireland. There was live music in pretty much every pub we walked into after 6 p.m. The style was romantically reminiscent and drunkenly rowdy all at the same time. My favorite new Irish song is entitled "The Galway Shawl" which dad and I saw performed at a pub in Dublin.
14) What I missed about home - Easy access to free water and clean bathrooms. No language barrier. Waking up sandwiched between Chris and Stella.
15) What I'll miss about Europe - The history. Everything over there is so much older than in this young country we live in. The stories that seep out of every brick and light pole are remarkable. History brings with it influential thinkers and artists, battles and culture. Marcus Garvey once said "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." The trees of our culture are so much thicker and deeper in the old world, and it's fallen leaves have been lovingly collected and preserved.
15) Thanks - Big giant thank you to all the wonderful people I got to experience this trip with.
You can't have him! He's MY dad |
Dad, we will never forget our Ireland biking tour. I'm so lucky to have a dad that I not only respect and admire, but that I also get along with so well. Thanks for being exactly what I would want in a father.
Alexa, you are a wonderful human being. Having a friend who also happens to be a walking encyclopedia on all things medieval came in pretty handy! In addition to being smart you are fun, easy-going and adventurous.... traits that are very admirable, particularly in a travel buddy. I sincerely hope we stay in touch.
Justine, Alexa and I on Alexa's birthday in Rome |
Amanda - Roomie! I am so excited for you to continue your European exploration while studying in Florence. We roomed together pretty much the entire trip and never once had a hiccup. Smart, beautiful, and outgoing, I know you will do great things in the world. If I ever need a lawyer, I'm calling you.
Me with Beth (left) and Amanda (right) |
And, of course, a big massive thanks to the wonderful people at Mother Earth News magazine. For hiring me, then encouraging me to see the world first. I'm home and more excited to join your team than ever before!
In conclusion, I wouldn't change anything about my time abroad. I made some amazing new friends, checked about a thousand things off my bucket list, and learned more about art and architecture than I imagined possible. I have also enjoyed blogging so much that I've been brainstorming blog themes for while I'm home. I've settled on blogging about my progress on the online herbal medicine course I have signed up for via "Herb Mentor." I'll write all about my attempts, successes and failures at making herbal remedies and salves, teas and lotions from my own kitchen. Stay tuned for more!