what I learned from my time in Europe

Just a few things that I discovered along the way...

-People all over the world are friendly, will go out of their way for a stranger and want you to love their country

-Why not is often a good response

-I can live without a cell phone, my mac and tv for months and feel like I am a better person because of it

-Nothing feels like a shower

-American music is listened to everywhere

-Do not hold a cup of hot tea between your legs (especially in a moving vehicle)

-Planes get you there faster but you miss the scenery and hours of reflection provided by trains

-There is nothing like family - regardless of how you are related or how long you have known each other

-Coffee is meant to be enjoyed slowly savoring each sip while sitting (no take away)

-Czech beer is unlike any other (in fact, non-alcoholic czech beer tastes better than any american beer according to my cousin)

-Shoes should not be worn on yachts

-Amazing people will fly all over and buy $$ tickets to travel with me - I am a lucky girl

-Euros, francs and kronas go quickly!

-The world is a huge playground that I have only scratched the surface of

-I am not above miming to communicate

-Sometimes hotels, food and views are worth splurging on

-Driving on the other side of the road is not horribly difficult (especially when it is 4 am and there are no other cars on the road)

-there is a difference between the Queen's English and the English we speak

-Ask how much things such as brunch at the Ritz and beers in Italia are before partaking

-there are all kinds of things you can do with potatoes (even on the same plate 4 different ways!)

-cheers on the bottom of a glass not to pass the plague

-I can still pass as a student

-As Americans we are lucky for many reasons: we can go wherever we want, vote for whoever we want, etc. but we lack the traditions, history and culture of other countries

-A simple life is appealing

-Patience and positivity go a long way

-Everyone has a story

-I am comfortable not knowing what is being said around me

-Everything happens for a reason

-As a country, we have much to learn

-Thank you sounds similar in many languages. Tone says a lot

-Never judge a book by its cover