Reality. Isn't that such a frustrating thing sometime? The most hilarious thing is that reality really truly does happen everywhere! So often after my trip people would ask me how it was. Or during my trip I would think about if I was having fun.
And most of the time? The answer was yes. I was having an amazing time.
But something that people forget is that, even in Europe, reality hits. And it always does while traveling.
Instances of reality in Europe:
1. It was so so so so hot the first few days. The weather isn't perfect...even on the other side of the pond.
2. Ordering food was hard. I typically didn't speak the language of the waiter or waitress and that was always awkward. I felt uncomfortable having to ask in English and not understand the language they spoke.
3. You're tired. Jet lag wasn't too awful going there, but you are still tired. Walking around all day is a lot of work. I remember being so tired the first day in Paris and all we had done was walk to our apartment.
4. You can get hungry. The first few days we tried to have a dinner of bratwursts at my uncle's house three times in a row. We never did eat them...you just make do with whatever meals you have.
5. Sometimes you don't like the clothes you packed. Go ahead and label me petty...I don't care. But sometimes you didn't always feel cute or put together...sometimes you felt as rumpled as your suitcase. Your hair isn't the same, you don't have the same routine as you do at home, or your favorite products, etc.
But, if you balance it out with the amazingness factors of Europe:
1. The food. I can honestly say I liked every single thing I tried in Europe. All of it was sooooo good. The pastries. Oh my. The bread. The cheese. The chocolate. The ice cream. The sandwiches. The schnitzel. The salad. The quiche. Everything. So so so good.
2. I was actually content with what I packed...and the clothes there to buy! I wish I could have bought bags and bags and bags of more clothes. Primark baby. That is where it's at.
3. The scenery and weather were beautiful. I am still blown away by the views that I saw. The German vineyards. The rolling Irish hills. The city of London. The quaint villages of France.
4. The landmarks. I had the opportunity to see a World War I trench. Do you know how amazing that is? Do you know how moving that is? I saw a memorial of bones. I saw the Eiffel Tower. I saw Big Ben. I saw the P.S. I Love You bridge. (Cutest movie ever!) I saw German castles after German castles.
5. The boys. Sorry American boys. I highly doubt you can compete with Jacques. He was attractive. (Right Camille and Valon?). But seriously....there were some cute boys!
6. The atmosphere. Each country I went to had such a culture and chemistry. I absolutely loved it. Going to another country and seeing how people lived? Priceless.
7. The humanity factor. I got to interact with so many kind, humble, and sincere people while I was there. People are much quieter and more respectful there, that's true, but they are nice. They try to help you. So many instances of kindness that I was privileged to witness.
8. The art. I had the chance to go to the Louvre. Ok, that alone was mind-blowing. Seriously? The Mona Lisa and Venus De Milo? Code of Hammurabi? Also, the British Library? Two Magna Cartas, a Gutenburg, Beetles lyrics, Jane Austen's writing desk, Leonardo's notes. Crazy.
9. I went with great people! It was so much fun getting to know my aunts and uncles better and of course, my cousin and her friend.
10. Europe. The experience alone was so perfect, it couldn't have gotten any better. I don't even have words to describe it.
See? The good things double the reality of Europe. I'm down with those odds.
