Ciao,
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| Mandy and I on a gondola in Venice, Italy. |
Ernest Hemingway, a great American novelist, once said, “It
is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters,
in the end.” From the beginning of this adventure my story always ended back
home in Nebraska, but now that I have been home for about five days I still
find my soul back in the beauty of Europe. Within just five weeks I was lucky
enough to be able to travel to 1 U.S. state (North Carolina), 2 continents, 4
countries, and 10 cities. My dreams were finally made a reality and it couldn’t
have been any better. I saw places I’ve always dreamed about, I visited sites I
never even knew existed and I made friends with people that I never would have
if it weren’t for this experience. All it took for me to have the summer of a
lifetime was a dream, just enough money to survive and a plane ticket. After
being home I’ve been able to reminisce on all my crazy adventures with my
family and friends. It’s truly been a summer to remember from almost missing
our ferry to Croatia, to kayaking in the Adriatic Sea, to clubbing it up in
Prague, to getting lost in the streets of Milan, to making a wish at the Trevi
Fountain and finally cruising through Venice in a gondola. All of these
memories make me even more travel hungry than I already am.
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| The beautiful Trevi Fountain in Rome. Hopefully my wish will come true! |
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| The Colosseum in Roma. |
Although my soul wishes for more
adventure my heart couldn’t be happier to be back in the good life of Nebraska.
My trip couldn’t have ended at a better time because since I’ve arrived home
I’ve been able to celebrate America with all of the 4
th of July festivities.
As I speak with others about my time across the pond I have really been able to
appreciate America and realize how blessed I am to live in such an amazing
country and state. Here in America we have many things to be grateful for and I
would like to touch on two major reasons why. First of all, in the United
States we are lucky enough to feel safe everyday. Once you step off the plane
in Europe you are subject to their military roaming the perimeters with their
hefty military weapons. I know they are placed there to make you feel safe and
protected but it makes you think of the reasons why they need to be there.
Europe military have been stationed more heavily at all travel stations due to
events like the Paris attacks. Also, in America we don’t need to be as cautious
about pit pocketers as the citizens in Europe do. It is nice to not have to keep
my luggage and purse in front of me at all times anymore now that I am home.
Secondly, the many freedoms we receive as American citizens. You may not
realize it but as Americans it is a lot easier to travel across the globe than
it is for others. It was easy for me to travel to many different countries in
Europe, but I became aware by the Italians how difficult it is to enter the
United States. Also, water at American restaurants is free where that is nearly
impossible to find in Europe. Not only that but it costs to go to the bathroom
in public areas in Europe. These were just a few of the big differences I found
that we should be thankful for as Americans. As beautiful as the languages,
people, and countries were in Europe I don’t think I could live anywhere else
but the United States. Both Europe and America are beautiful in their own ways
but I can’t express how excited I am to get back to taking gravel roads,
helping out on the farm, tanking down the river, and enjoying some good ole
American football. Like a wise person once said, “I never realized how much I
like being home until I’ve been somewhere different for a while.”
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| Missing Italian gelato already. |
Pace fuori Europa,
Lindsey Jo
