Conclusion!

Overall, I had an absolutely amazing, one-in-a-lifetime experience while abroad. I have learned so much about myself, about other cultures, and other countries.

Some general observations and conclusions after my 10 weeks abroad:

1. Every night is a drinking night, especially in London. In fact, binge drinking is not only acceptable, but highly encouraged.
2. Everyone loves to hate London. Whether it is complaining about the weather, how everything is over-priced, or annoying tourists, even Londoners complain. Except it is ironic that they wouldn’t live any other place.
3. Londoners are quite, and as Americans, we take that as being rude. No one talks on the underground- everyone just avoids eye contact all together. They don’t apologize or say, “excuse me.” They just run into you. So, while we thought they were just being rude, I think it is their normal way of life.
4. Everyone smokes in Europe. Everyone. Old, young, pregnant. It doesn’t matter. They thought that it was so strange that NO one, out of the 6 of us, smoked. I guess they aren’t aware of the risks?
5. Just because it is not raining now and it is sunny, doesn’t mean it won’t rain in 5 minutes.
6. In London, they do not refrigerate many dairy products including eggs, and everything in the grocery store is either expired or about to expire in a day.
7. Children are terribly behaved, but dogs are so well trained they don’t even need leashes. In fact, children are not welcome anywhere, but it is perfectly acceptable to bring your dog with you wherever you go. Especially the bar.
8. If you are not from California, NY, or Florida, you can bet that most people do not know where you are from in the US. In fact, they will just make fun of the word “Missouri” or “Ohio” and repeat it several times while laughing.
9. Everything in London closes early and is not open on the weekends. In other countries, store and restaurant owners “holiday” for weeks at a time and just close their entire store or restaurant. No questions.
10. Nothing is free at a restaurant. Just because they bring out bread and water to begin with, you better believe you are paying for it.
11. The US news and events have such a huge impact on Europe, especially England. They know all about what is going on in the US, from Barack Obama to celebrity gossip, but Americans know almost nothing about news and current events in EU.
12. Europeans do not drive pick-up trucks. In fact, they think that they are hilarious.
13. Public restrooms are coin operated. Seriously.
14. It is nearly impossible to find a trashcan, or rubbish bin, in London. Apparently they are not around to minimize the number of places people can place bombs. So, we would have to go to great lengths to throw away trash.
15. You are on CCTV at all times.
16. All faucets have different hot and cold taps. So, one you burn yourself, and one is freezing. It is nearly impossible to wash dishes!
17. European body odor smells much different than American. Americans sometimes smell too, but NOT like they do it Europe.
18. Australians are just as loud as Americans.

Things that I missed the most from the states: Football and baseball, reliable internet service, ice cubes, stores that are open from 9-5 and on the weekends, bathrooms, cold dairy, normal peanut butter, low-fat or light food and beer, hot and long showers, flat sheets on the bed, airline seats that lean back, electrical outlets in bathrooms, prepackaged cookie dough, drinkable tap water, Target, garbage disposals, large portions, bagels, and unlimited ketchup.

Things that I miss the most about Europe: fabulous public transportation, being referred to as “darling”, easy travel between countries, cheap airfare, the incredible history and architecture everywhere, the concern for the environment, fashion that is waaay ahead of the US, not needing a car, the amazing food in Italy and Greece and France, good and cheap wine, outdoor cafes, markets, and coca-lite.

One question I get ALL the time is: “What is your favorite city?” Honestly, that is almost impossible to decide and here is why:

London was absolutely amazing. There is so much culture and so much to do in London. I was in love with the entire city.

Paris was absolutely marvelous and such a dream. It was beautiful and romantic, we had great weather, we had amazing food, and was so much fun. And, I love the big city, which is one of the many things that Paris had going for it.

Italy was fabulous. Amazing architecture, AMAZING FOOD AND WINE, great weather, and Venice was one of a kind.

Greece, or at least Santorini, had a little bit of everything. It had the beach (which is my favorite), some of the best food, a great nightlife, wonderful weather, and breathtaking views. I would go back in a heartbeat.

So, those were my favorite four places, all of which I would love to go back to someday. Other places I really want to visit are: Southern France, Italian coast, Rome, Germany, Copenhagen, Prague, Amsterdam, and Istanbul..,just to name a few J

Overall, this trip has given me a completely different outlook on life. I am so much more open and receptive to people of other cultures and ways of life. I am amazed at how naive I would have considered myself before the trip, compared to everything I know now. I have so much more respect for all of the places we have traveled, people we have met, and cultures we have experienced. This trip has really opened my eyes. I am so impressed with how 6 girls successfully traveled around Europe. This is the first time that we didn’t have our parents to take care of things, so while it was often tough, each challenge we faced was well worth it. We learned so much about our capabilities and personalities!

I will probably never be as fortunate to travel like I did this summer, especially considering the length of time I was gone. However, I cannot wait to go back someday. Next time, I would like to spend more than 4 days in some places, travel along the Mediterranean more, and save enough money so that I don’t always have to sleep in hostels!

My advice for others that are preparing for an international experience, would be to take it all in and not take one second for granted. Time will fly by, and the experience will be over just as quickly as it began. Enjoy, don’t stress about spending money, and delve into the culture as much as you can! Challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone. It will be well worth the experience and lessons learned.

This experience has only enhanced my academic development. I finally got to see, in person, so many of the amazing architectural works and cities that I have studied and learned so much about. They mean so much more to me now. Traveling has really intrigued me, and I cannot wait to do and see more! I was so fortunate to have this experience, go to school with people from so many different walks of life, have an international outlook on design, and learn from and see both the international classroom and working world. For example, it was amazing to have such a well-rounded and well-cultured professor for studio, and it was great to visit HOK London and speak with two young professionals from the design department.

It has been very bittersweet to be back in the states. Both the US and Europe have to much to offer. I can’t imagine moving far away from my family and everything I have grown to know in the US, but I would embrace every opportunity to go back to Europe and live, work, or travel. We’ll see what the future holds!