What was really amazing about this trip, was the realization that there is so much that the world has to offer. And that all around the world right now, so much is happening! Londoners are on their way to the city taking the tube, Parisenions (I don't know if I spelt that right but I swear our tour guide referred to "people who live in Paris", parisenions) are having small talk with the gypsies, and the Swiss are chillin and literally not caring about anything at all, all the while being so much cooler than the rest of the world. And richer.
I had no idea what to expect on this trip. I was excited, nervous, scared shitless, but mostly excited. I paid for this trip by myself from my savings of two years. My parents gave me spending money and that's it. It was extremely gratifying to know that I was there, because of me. I came back with essentially no savings.... but it was so worth it.
I visited: The UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. I was mostly looking forward to visiting Amsterdam because of the weed, I mean, architecture. But ended up falling in love with London. Everything about that place agreed with me. I loved the people, the buildings, the food, the pubs, the tube, and of course the accents. I loved that they say "lift" instead of "elevator" and that they didn't bother covering up what we are doing when we go to the "restroom", they straight out have signs that say "toilet", and you know exactly what you're going to get. If I wasn't an aspiring actress, I would move to London in a heartbeat. But, until I become super rich and can afford a second home, I will just keep pretending that I left London by choice because I didn't "fancy" it all that much.
Germany was my second favorite. I went to Dachau Concentration Camp, which made me feel the most privileged I have ever felt in my entire life to be born who I was and at the time that I was born. It didn't even feel real. It seemed like a horror film set that had been abandoned years before. I didn't think I could enjoy Germany after that, I almost felt guilty. I also learned that the only time you will ever really see "German pride" (In Munich for sure), is around the olympics. And when Germany is out, the flags come down. It's pretty crazy to me that this country is still acknowledging what happened there. Moving on to something not so depressing... Sorry about that... Actually, while we're on depressing, I also visited the Anne Frank house which was not only a workout, but a surreal experience. Mind boggling really. This little girl was so inspirational, and I know we all read her diary in 5th grade, but I think every adult should read it again. Okay now moving on.
The vibe of Munich was so lively and fun, it felt like the perfect mixture of city and country. TIP: If you ever happen to be in a foreign city and they offer bike tours, DO IT. I did a bike tour through Munich, and while it was very terrifying riding a bike for the first time in 6 years in a city where German people are honking at you to move, it was so much fun! We rode through the English Gardens that felt like the Enchanted Forest, but full of naked old men and naked teenagers. It really was something extraordinary. From what I experienced, everyone in Germany gives off a sort of a "hippie" vibe. Like, they surf. In the forest, in a tiny river they created. That's so hip. I will go back their one day to have more beer that was actually half lemonade but the best beer I have ever tasted (called the Rattler for my fellow weaklings).
Now, I could probably write a book about all the places I went and the stories. But instead, I'll conclude and post some pictures, because the visuals are the amazing part.
Even though I was cramped in a room with 4 other people that all had to share one bathroom, had to lug around a 50 pound suitcase everyday, ate way to many croissants because people in Europe apparently don't believe in big breakfasts,and literally came in contact with THREE ice cubes in 100 degree weather my entire trip, I would rewind time and do it all over again. I loved my roommates. We still group text. I now know that I over pack even when spending the night over night at a girlfriends house. My appetite in the mornings smaller, yay! And I have never appreciated ice cubes more than when I came back. Oh yeah, my tour guide was also the coolest person I have ever met and I want to be her flat mate and best friend. But anyway, my trip was completely unique to me and like a dream, and I definitely plan on going back.
Thank you for reading this insanely long post, here are some pictures! Enjoy! And get the hell out of the country at some point in your life!