I've made it to Paris. Shelley flew in to Brussels this morning, we met there and took the train to Paris. We walked around the city with our packs which pretty much murdered our shoulders. I'm at the hostel now killing time till we leave at 3 or 4 a.m. to get to the airport for our flight to Athens. We spent about 5 hours walking around and we're pretty much done with the city. Sure, there's lots we didn't do, but our overview seems good enough for the kind of trail-blazing traveling we're undertaking.
By the way, I absolutely hate this keyboard. I have to punch in every letter or symbol so hard. I am typing super slow. Grrr. Anyhow, the main theme of my trip seems to be solidified daily: learn another language. I hate not knowing anything else. One day I'll travel with knowledgeof the laguage and be able to better enjoy and experience the culture. Skimming the surface is okay for now, but I desire greater depth.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Monday, September 3, 2007
Strong Personality
I've been enjoying the slower pace of this first part of my trip. I've been to Den Haag (The Hague), experienced a little taste of Belgium in Brugge (Belgian waffles are truly amazing), checked out a sliver of Utrecht, and most memorably...met some of the most interesting people. You know the phrase "strong personality"? I now know that the phrase is used way too loosely. The people I've met in the last few days have the strongest personalities I've ever encountered, by far. Very intelligent, funny, honest, expressive, raw people.
Perhaps my perceptions are amplified by the stark contrast between my environment at home and the environment here. It's pretty much the opposite. I mean, a few things carry over, but for the most part it's entirely different. For one thing, here the men far outnumber the women. That's something I'm not used to at all. It's an odd experience going from the majority to the minority-or, in some cases, the token, the only. It's kept me on my toes. As different as these people are from my usual crowd, they are most definitely good people.
For me, personally, this experience thus far has just shown me how vastly different people's mindsets can be and how suitable to me the one I already have is. Some say this place changes people; I think that's only true if one is looking to change, itching to redefine aspects of their lives. Well, here's where I stand: where I've always stood, just with the added knowledge of where others stand and why and precisely where I stand and why.
Perhaps my perceptions are amplified by the stark contrast between my environment at home and the environment here. It's pretty much the opposite. I mean, a few things carry over, but for the most part it's entirely different. For one thing, here the men far outnumber the women. That's something I'm not used to at all. It's an odd experience going from the majority to the minority-or, in some cases, the token, the only. It's kept me on my toes. As different as these people are from my usual crowd, they are most definitely good people.
For me, personally, this experience thus far has just shown me how vastly different people's mindsets can be and how suitable to me the one I already have is. Some say this place changes people; I think that's only true if one is looking to change, itching to redefine aspects of their lives. Well, here's where I stand: where I've always stood, just with the added knowledge of where others stand and why and precisely where I stand and why.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
You're American
Walking around the city today, I have spoken very little all day. For the first couple of hours, I might have said three words total. Yes, me. I smiled, nodded and laughed, but spoke little. Everyone at the store, the market or on the street (except for one person) spoke to me in Dutch initially.
Waiting to cross a street, this one guy said something to me of which I didn't even understand a word. I then said, "English." Awkward pause as crossing street. "I only speak English." Then he swithed over into English and told me what he had said, just pertaining to if I find it hard to be as long as I am. We chatted a little bit while walking and he "guessed" that I was American after a little while. He said, "You're American," and then told me that my English is very American. (So much for blending in; once I open my mouth, if not before, it's over.) He said that he didn't know much about America but feels that he probably knows more about America than most Americans know about Europe. I agree. His example: people who think that Denmark is the capital of Amsterdam. Wow...
Waiting to cross a street, this one guy said something to me of which I didn't even understand a word. I then said, "English." Awkward pause as crossing street. "I only speak English." Then he swithed over into English and told me what he had said, just pertaining to if I find it hard to be as long as I am. We chatted a little bit while walking and he "guessed" that I was American after a little while. He said, "You're American," and then told me that my English is very American. (So much for blending in; once I open my mouth, if not before, it's over.) He said that he didn't know much about America but feels that he probably knows more about America than most Americans know about Europe. I agree. His example: people who think that Denmark is the capital of Amsterdam. Wow...
So It Begins
After some changes in plans along the way over the last two months, I've finally made it to Europe. I'm not exactly sure why I'm starting this blog now, since I'm sure I won't be keeping it up for long, especially after I leav Amsterdam and pick up the pace of my travels. But I'm here, already writing this one so I might as well finish it. Don't be alarmed if I don't add anything else for a while; that will just mean that I'm busy taking pictures and creating memories that I can share later. :)
So, as far as day one of the trip goes...
Recap:
I flew in to Amsterdam yesterday morning. Fearing jetlag, I made it a point to stay up the whole day. My friend, Chris, picked me up from the airport and then we meandered around the city for most of the day, hitting up the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House.
Realizations:
1. Americans generally just don't know nearly as many languages as Europeans. The people I sat next to on the airplane had at least 3 languages they could get by just fine with.
2. For no apparent reason, I seem to occasionally, randomly speak with a mild British accent when I talk to someone with any accent. And my British accent isn't even good.
3. Bikes are THE mode of transportation in Amsterdam.
4. The U.S. needs more cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating conducive to people-watching.
So, as far as day one of the trip goes...
Recap:
I flew in to Amsterdam yesterday morning. Fearing jetlag, I made it a point to stay up the whole day. My friend, Chris, picked me up from the airport and then we meandered around the city for most of the day, hitting up the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House.
Realizations:
1. Americans generally just don't know nearly as many languages as Europeans. The people I sat next to on the airplane had at least 3 languages they could get by just fine with.
2. For no apparent reason, I seem to occasionally, randomly speak with a mild British accent when I talk to someone with any accent. And my British accent isn't even good.
3. Bikes are THE mode of transportation in Amsterdam.
4. The U.S. needs more cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating conducive to people-watching.
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