Sam's Eurotrip

Not only is the Eurotrip over but I'm already feeling like I'm starting to get settled into the Raleigh life once again. It's hot today, however, with a good dose of that North Carolina summertime humidity - a far cry different than the weather across the pond, and just another thing with which to re-familiarize myself. I've already gone to Target, had some sweet tea, enjoyed some pepper jack cheese, and just mellowed out while driving and listening to music, all things I missed whether I knew it or not.

My trip means a lot to me for a variety of reasons. I feel so humbled to have encountered a handful of cultures that are so rich and steeped in tradition stretching back over the centuries. It is really awe inspiring to think that these nations have existed in some form or another for so much longer than the United States, which is comparatively so much younger a country. I found myself wondering if this is any explanation for why things like public transportation, health care, etc. are more "advanced," but also couldn't help but think about the cultural quirks like the Spanish siesta that seem to prohibit progress at times. All things considered, the quasi-immersion I experienced in 5-6 different cultures (the sixth being that of Italy, but I just wasn't there that long to feel a huge impact) is something that I will not soon forget, especially because it makes me appreciate things of our American culture that I might have otherwise not given the time of day.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience in a Spanish-speaking country, fumbling around at first, though finally coming to some point of being conversational by San Sebastian. It was frustrating to listen and comprehend conversations that were not based on literature, history, or any other subject normally covered in a Spanish language class, being that such an atmosphere of conversation was all the experience I'd gained prior to the trip. I spent a lot of time asking how to say certain things, realizing that my vocabulary for common, everyday things isn't exactly comprehensive just yet, though learning new words along the way. I found myself thinking in the language more as my time in Spain went on, but I know that I have to keep practicing in order not to lose the progress that may have been made!

The trip made me feel, I think, more independent and confident in myself in terms of managing a relatively-tight day-to-day budget, travel itineraries, and simply my own attitude. I got markedly better over the course of the journey at realizing my own foul moods whenever they might arise and correcting them. I feel a sense of empowerment as well as related to my upcoming move out west - the 6 weeks abroad seems to have become some sort of litmus test for my ability to stay safe and get everything done that I want to, and I think I did much more than pass. If anything, the trip made me much better at planning out meals and doing my best to conserve food (and therefore money!) and water while still taking care of my body!

I'm glad to be home. The six weeks amounted to the perfect length of time for traveling, at least for this starter course in backpacking through Europe. There are so many places that I would love to visit again - Prague, Barcelona, Granada & Sevilla in any season but summer, Lisbon, San Sebastian - and so many places I'm still longing to visit. Needless to say, I know I'll go back before too many years pass. I'm hoping to be able to use my experience to talk my parents into braving the 9-hour flight over and indulging in some European culture before too long; Dad, you would love Germany for its beer, food, rich culture, and precision in everything, and Mom, you would love the wine, food (tapas!), and beautiful scenery of Spain. I owe the two of you a bazillion thanks for helping to make this trip possible, for supporting me, and even for worrying about me until I touched down at RDU last Wednesday. I really do hope that someday soon you can see some of the amazing things I had a chance to see!

For now I'll bid my readers "cheers" one last time, though if I ever have poignant memories that need to be documented I may be back. Also, if I find a way to share more of my photos (there are thousands, of course) I'll be sure to put a link up here.

Thanks for reading, for following along, and for (I hope) traveling with me for the last six weeks. It was an unforgettable journey!

Cheers,
Sam

[Postscript: Wolfpack Shout-Outs, Part II - We ran into a middle-aged Raleigh couple while walking along the Seine on the last night in Paris. We'd walked past them without much ado but quickly heard a loud "Go Wolfpack!" from behind us. Turns out they, Larry and Pam, were big State fans, and their 19-year-old son was competing for the US National team at a motocross event in Belgium. They had been enjoying a weekend in Paris while abroad watching him compete. We chatted for a few minutes before going our separate ways and, while we kept walking toward the Eiffel Tower, we heard Larry exclaim quite jovially, "that's good stuff!"]