Time Flies

Every time I look through the photos on my phone I am in shock at all of the places I have been. In 2 short months I went to France, the Netherlands, Spain, England and Poland. I have seen major cities, national landmarks, and famous works of art. Going to different places and experiencing all a culture has to offer has helped me grow so much as a person. When in a new city, you are forced to cope with language barriers, unfamiliar food, and an overall different way of doing things. Even though two countries are next to each other, their cultures are often polar opposites. France and Spain, for example, are neighbors but speak different languages, have completely different food, and have entirely different attitudes and ways of doing things. 

I was told before I left for Belgium to try not to say no to new things during my time abroad, and this is a challenge I have taken seriously. I quickly learned that Europe is not friendly to picky eaters like myself and I was forced to adapt. I tried octopus in Barcelona, escargot in Paris and goulash in Krakow. While I don't enjoy all of my new choices, I have developed a new-found love for gourmet cheeses and Belgian beers; I also fully intend to bring the Spanish tradition of siestas back to the US! My favorite place to eat in Brussels is a traditional West African restaurant that offers wings, samosas, and fried plantains (to name a few). I would have probably never tried a restaurant like this at home, and now I go there for lunch every few weeks. 

This is my first time leaving the country and it is crazy to look back and see I had a beer inside the British Parliament in London, climbed Tibidabo mountain in Barcelona, saw the Eiffel Tower lit up at night, and visited the Auschwitz concentration camps. In the European Parliament I have met the Kurdish ambassador, heard victims of Isis speak and taken notes in meetings working towards ground-breaking world trade agreements. Living abroad has been an indescribable blessing that has changed how I view the world. I have a new found desire to see more of the US and countries in all parts of the world.