a look back

It’s been over a month since I’ve gotten home. Things are back to normal, well as normal as they can get. I’m working again, which isn’t the ideal situation but I’m broke so I need the money, classes start in 10 days or so. I’m looking forward to it, as sick as that sounds. Just something new and one year closer to graduating and off to med school.

I’ve had plenty of time to sit back and just finally take in the experiences and the memories. First and for most this is a trip I will never forget. Since I’ve been back at work and everyone asks what’s my favorite country, favorite city, blah blah.

So here’s the run down in no particular order….

Italy

Simply amazing! What people say about it is true. Just for the sheer beauty and history, it is one of the top places to go.

Rome
One of my favorite cities out of the whole trip. Most people said they thought it was dirty and too crowded, and yes it is dirty and there are a lot of people, but what about New York or Chicago? And they obviously haven’t been out in the middle of the city at 2 in the morning and just see how amazing it is…..

Venice

This is another one of those don’t miss places. There are no cars so it’s all boats, but there are a ton of people. But none the less the sights are worth it. And it’s fun getting lost, which it’s impossible to not get lost a time or two. Germany. Munich had some of the best beer and best atmosphere out there. Just a fun city, I wish I spent more time in there is a ton to see. The English gartens and the beer gardens (basically just a giant brewery and restaurant, much like Rock Bottom). Such as the Augustine, or the oprenhaus, very cool places to grab a liter of beer and relax with some friends. Yes, that is correct I did say LITER!

Germany

Berlin

Massive. I spent 5 days there and still didn’t get a chance to see everything. Very modern and culturally diverse.

Switzerland

One of my favs, I think it’s the only country I could live in. just perfect.

Interlaken

Great, some good times; extreme sport capital is what some people say. Went canyoning, and on an insane hike.

Zurich

I thought was garbage, but to each his own.

Poland

Krakow

Now there’s a fun place, not so much, just there to see Auschwitz, don’t think I’ll ever go back, nothing out there but that. But meh that’s my thoughts… moving on…

Czech Republic

Prague

Nice, not what I thought it would be. But definitely didn’t disappoint me. Saw the castle and that was important to me. The food was good and cheap right along with the beer, but when the exchange rate is 25 to 1 what do you expect? I spent a lot of good times with Jared and Derek and jay

Netherlands

Amsterdam (the capital just in case anyone was wondering)

• The parts I remember were good. I saw plenty of the things on my list;
• Anne Frank’s house
• Van Gough museum (although I am a little upset that starry night wasn’t there)
• The Heineken experience
• great pancakes
• Some weird sex museums
• Other randomness only to be found in Amsterdam

Now on to my pet peeves…

1. Having to pay for ketchup… what is that? Honestly. Get me a damn tomato and ill make my own.
2. No free refills…
3. Water is not free. I’ll drink outta the toilet if I have too. oh I will
4. Ranch dressing doesn’t exist out there, I’m going to introduce it to the Europeans and make a killing…
5. Most restaurants charge you to sit down. Just to sit. ridiculous
6. Nothing tastes the same as it does back home. A snickers for instance, should taste amazing, oh but it doesn’t.
7. They have 2 popular types of water, carbonated and non. Well let’s just say I’ve been pleasantly surprised more than a few times and it’s the worst ever. You’re expecting a nice refreshing bottle of water, but no garbage and you can’t return it. That’s the real kick in the balls.

That’s all I got on that right now.

But seriously everyone I talked to prior to leaving would say how much you’ll come back a different person, and it’s not so much that once I was out there I just magically and all at once changed. it was a slow and gradual process starting from those first few moments off the plane. you grow up real quick. you learn that’s life, shit happens and move forward. You’re not so quick to react and judge. I’m thankful for the opportunity that most people will only dream of. I’m thankful for having the views I have now, I took off my rose colored glasses and I am finally seeing life the way it was meant to be seen, blurred and imperfect.

I’m going back next may, Greece, Spain, Ireland, Hungry and Turkey.

Who’s coming with me??