Ok, so I have a new resolution: actually keep up with this blog and write/document my experiences! I don't know if people actually read what I babble, but if nothing else this can be a record for me to look back on with the fondest of memories.
We had term break here at Westfield so Dorothy, Dehlia and I embarked upon 24 crazy days of traversing Europe... truly an adventure I will remember for the rest of my days. It is hard to even know where to start or how much detail to go into. Hm... well here it goes.
Looking back it seems like eons ago that we were running to the train station with granola bars flying out of backpacks all over the sidewalk. How much ground we had yet to cover. How much salami we had yet to consume (and pastries, and italian toast, etc, etc.). How many unknowns we had yet to face. When you're planning a grand excursion such as this one 24 days doesn't really seem like to much in theory. It was a fantastic trip, but is also a blessing to be back. It felt like coming home in a way, especially because the people here feel like our own little family. I love it and I love all of them... each person adds their own special dynamic to the house and I wouldn't trade the things I am learning and gaining from all of them for the world.
Ok, so I am easily distracted. If you are taking the time to read this blog, odds are you already know this about me, so tough cookies... you're warned. :)
Random lessons learned on my 24 day trek through Italy, Spain, Paris, and Dublin:
1. Don't assume that a car rental reservation assures you a car (especially if you're not over 23)
2. Driving a Fiat Panda stinks... like who even designed that car!?
3. Thank God (for real!) that the European mainland drives on the right side of the road.
4. Random islands full of old folks, bicycles, and fields can actually be quite nice.
5. Clif bars save lives.
6. Mamoria and La Moria are quite different locations.
7. When in doubt, follow a school bus.
8. Boxed milk is just weird.
9. Italy does indeed have snow capped mountains... sigh... :)
10. Rome is just as amazing the second time around.
11. Seeing the Pope is really sweet, even if you're a Lutheran.
12. Just because an airport has the city in its name does not mean its actually anywhere near that city.
13. Couchsurfing saves a schloo of dinero.
14. I could actually see myself owning a dog someday... maybe.
15. Barcelona has billboards in Castillian instead of Spanish.
16. Basically I just need to learn French. Period.
17. Europeans don't seem to dig clothes dryers.
18. Hanging underwear on the rearview mirror to dry while living in a car in Spain makes you look homeless.
19. Salami and chocolate cereal: staples to any pantry.
20. Gypsie kids really like to include you in their playground games... at least the ones we met did. :)
21. I'm so thrilled I stuck with Spanish!
22. Question one: Do you speak English? Question two: Hablas espanol? Question three: *sign* American sign language? After that: shrug, smile, and give up communicating with that person.
23. Bus schedules are hit and miss.
24. Large trucks +winding roads= rapid heartbeat
25. Navigating is not a forte of mine.
26. God really does provide ONE DAY AT A TIME! Trust Him!
27. Don't assume that heating or cleaning is included in the price of your Italian villa.
28. The stars in Tuscany are to die for!
29. Wine really will warm you up, especially if you have no other heating... or you can just buy a blanket at the black market in Madrid... either way. :)
30. In Italy you can buy pre-toasted toast. Who knew?
31. Sarah and Selena are great names for cars.
32. Sleeping without blankets or pillows will make you appreciate them the next night.
33. Look up the names of places you want to see BEFORE you assume its marked on the map, otherwise you'll go to Barcelona and miss out on La Sagrada Familia... fail.
34. Don't hop a fence in baggy sweat pants.
35. The stars at 4 am on the Barcelona beach are really beautiful.
36. Theological and life conversations can pop up when you least expect them.
37. Sea shells can be used for poker chips.
38. Apple hookah doesn't really taste that much like an apple.
39. Roundabouts are a driver's best friend... just drive in circles until you decide which way you should go!
40. Code names=good idea.
41. The leaning tower of Pisa is kinda whatever. Meeting interesting new people and breaching a language barrier: priceless.
42. Every 4th couple in Europe must name their son Alex.
43. Life's grand when random hippie music processions pop up in the middle of the street.
44. The word, "No" must not be as universal as we all thought.
45. Sometimes there are just those people you might remember forever, wonder how they are, and smile.
46. Zaragoza has a stinking awesome basilica. I'd never heard of it either, but you should all go someday.
47. There's no such thing as too much gelato.
48. Everyone in Dublin is Brazilian... ok, overstatement. But globalization is for real, dude!
49. The world is blessed with some incredible houses of worship.
50. Last but not least, God has blessed me so much with all that I have, and with all my incredible brothers and sisters in Christ. I take so much for granted. Would that I learn from my experiences and thank Him each day just for being alive and saved!
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