I said before I went to Europe that this was so much more for me than just a trip; it was meant to be a journey to have a greater understanding of the world around me with the hopes of becoming a better teacher and ultimately a better person! I think and hope I have accomplished all of that and then some.
First off, I know this is cliche, but, the world really is small, and all of us have so much more in common despite our differences. Two of my best experiences in my five weeks were just small conversations with two completely random people in two very different cities. When I was in Maastricht, I went to get a kebab across from my hotel and spoke with an Iranian Muslim, just about life, his daughter (who goes to Colby), and politics. When I mentioned I was Jewish, he told me how much he appreciated Judaism and did not shy away from me; rather, it was striking to see how similar we were to each other.
The other conversation I had was with an Iraqi Kurd who ran a laundromat in London. He and his family had fled Saddam and hoped for a better life in the UK. I had never met a Kurd before, so it was great to pick his brain about his perspectives on politics and life.
My main point here is that all of us can get along with each other and learn from each other. If we respect each others' differences and have an open mind, well, genocide, violence and hatred disappear!
Now, some other points. My main mission has been accomplished! I had the chance to honor my own past as well as America's by a visit to Normandy and the American and British cemeteries. Very few things in my life have EVER been as important to me as having the privilege of giving thanks to so few who sacrificed so much, for so many!
Besides Normandy, the second most important visits I made were to Holocaust memorials and concentration camps. I still can never fathom how this even happened and how or why genocide still occurs.
On the subject of the Holocaust, no country aggravates me MORE THAN GERMANY! It was arguably my favorite country and had some of the coolest cities I have ever seen in my life. It is beautiful, the people are amazing and open-minded, and it has one one of he most advanced economies in the world. Yet, I cannot let go of the Holocaust and the fact that the nation caused two World Wars. To Germany's credit, it has gone out of its way to atone for its past and remember what it has been responsible for and to celebrate its great art, scientific, cultural, and architectural achievements. Is it time for ME to let go of my anger toward Germany!? I am not sure what the right answer is here.
Other last rumblings: I LOVE the idea of the European Union and hope it grows stronger! It is amazing to see how so many countries that have had such sordid histories have managed to now work our differences and have free, open borders.
ROME KICKS ASS! No other way to put it!
Prague is definitely my favorite city, but, I have so many others that are close seconds that I cannot decide!
Every city I went to except for Plzen, Paris and Brussels I wish I had spent more time in. I loved Paris and will be back there, but, three nights is all I can really take at a time! Plzen is beautiful but not much there other than a brewery owned by Miller-SAB. Brussels is just weird; I cannot describe it, but I didn't get it.
Denmark and Sweden are ridiculously expensive but have the most beautiful people I have ever seen in my life! Holland is not too far behind the two in terms of people. The Dutch are freaking GORGEOUS :)!
Seemingly every European city I visited had more bikes than cars on the road, the exceptions being London, Rome, and Paris.
One area where the some of the US is especially more advanced is smoking prevention. People in Europe smoke everywhere, and I can only imagine what kind of burden this places on health care!
Finally, I think I should shut my phone off right now. I AM 35k feet up in the air, flying over the UK! Attached are the views.
Less than one year until my next trip here :). Now, back to the real world!
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