So I'm at the half way point! Today was spent traveling, as most days are, so we weren't able to go to church...again :( It's ok. I know we'll get to church soon :) The plane flight was nice, and check-in was a breeze. I feel like a well-traveled individual at this point, which makes everything seem so much more natural. It's both fun and strange to see the new girls just getting in from the States. I know I was just as confused, anxious, (tired!) and full of anticipation as they appear to be. Now with that said, I'm way tired and anxious as well because I am starting fresh with a new professor who seems way more intense with her teaching style, so we'll see how that plays out... :/ :)
I feel like I should end with my favorite parts of all the counties I've visited, and maybe I'll rank them in order...maybe.
ITALY: The sites were incredible, and you can just tell there's so much history packed into each city...Naples was not my favorite, but Pompeii was pretty awesome. Florence was beautiful and by far my favorite city in Italy. No nasty smoke being blown in your face, great fun and relaxed environment, and worthwhile views.
GREECE: Not knowing what to expect aside from little white houses with blue roofs on the coast (thank you Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants!), I was blown away by the incredible scenery everywhere we went. Granted, we basically bused through all of Greece and weren't able to do the same in Italy (except for the train rides), but I thought everyplace in Greece was breathtaking. Palamidi anyone? Apart from the land, Greek food was excellent. It definitely put me in my happy place. The only difficulty about Greece was the complete language barrier. Almost all the time, I had no clue what people were saying to me and I felt not that many people spoke English (compared to all the other places I've been).
GERMANY: Unfortunately, I feel like I didn't spend enough time in Germany to give a worthwhile opinion, but what I did see (remember that one day public transportation was my friend? Or maybe it wasn't...) was pretty sweet. I was pleasantly surprised at the slower place and not a whole lot of people (like there were in Rome) for the capital city. Germany's also has chocolate going for them...so good. Oh, plus their meat has been excellent (I've realized a lot about myself throughout the course of this journey, and one of them is I can't live without it. I struggled in Italy...Germany, on the other hand, was my best friend). I enjoyed the weather here the most. It wasn't hot-like Italy and Greece were-but it wasn't too cold, either. "All you need is a light jacket" ;)
FRANCE: I'm way excited to go back in a few weeks, partially because I love the culture and speaking French, partially because it's totally romantic, and mostly because I miss baguettes. :D Ok. Maybe not that ratio, but the bread in France is above the rest anywhere else I've tried it (especially compared to this "baguette" I brought with me from Ireland...tasted like cardboard. Love the other bread I had, in Ireland, though). Again, the rich culture and delicious bread are some of the beat parts of France, for me at least. Same thing goes for France as it did in Germany, though. I'll only get to experience a teeny bit of French culture since we won't be venturing far from Paris.
ENGLAND: I thought England was the most like America for several reasons. The most obvious being we kind of speak the same language. Kind of ;) the second reason I'd say we're alike is that Americans and the English are both extremely fast-paced. I don't feel like I speed walk past people on the sidewalk like I did in Italy or Greece (and I don't walk fast...). Now after stating our similarities, I'd say England couldn't be more different. I'm amazed by the collective admiration and adoration for the Queen and know it links the English together tighter than I thought possible. Coming here during the Queen's Jubilee and preparation for the London 2012 Olympics is such an experience in and of itself because the English spirit is almost tangible.
IRELAND: Everything about Ireland was incredible. I found the most amazing scenery, unbelievable food (it was the best because it was hearty enough to satisfy me completely without making me feel stuffed. And it felt like it was prepared in grandma's kitchen over a wooden stove...a real home-cooked meal), and the most genuine, charming, friendly people I've ever encountered. And they were all strangers. Maybe it's because it was the latest trip, but Ireland has won the award. It's my favorite. :D I would love to go back someday.
Ps. Pictures of today's adventures would have been boring, so sorry there aren't any... ;)
Great re-cap!
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