Amazing Things I learned While Abroad: I love Europe, but love America even more. My preconceived notions of Europe were partially right, and partially wrong, and with my previously very narrow perspective on the world, I am now much more interested in the history of the world and in people and places beyond our country. People in Europe have such a sense of pride in their culture and history (so far beyond most Americans), and it makes me want to know more about cultures beyond our own, as well as our own culture, actually, which I feel somewhat naive about after listening to the richness (and details) of history from the mouths of so many Europeans, and the pride with which they tell their story. London is stunningly beautiful, especially at night. Beautiful architecture, amazing history and richness of tradition. The food only stinks if you eat the weird stuff. Otherwise, the cuisine is actually delicious. Extremely intrigued by the history there. Ireland is incredibly lush and beautiful, and the people are the kindest people on the face of the planet. Genuinely kind, with no expectation of anything in return. They are very welcoming, and are part of the lure to return. Some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. Ive never felt as tranquil as I did in the gardens at Powerscourt in Wickolow, Ireland - the most serene and beautiful place (which National Geographic ranked the 3rd most beautiful garden in the world...it is hundreds of acres, and breathtakingly beautiful). Scotland, while our visit was brief, was fantastic. The landscape is like a finely made quilt, each little square of land with such uniqueness, such a rich variety of colors and such beautiful, rolling landscape dotted with both charming and welcoming villages and ruins. I loved the rain showers that are evidently a big deal in Europe, tried things I havent tried before (including Ales, which I previously thought were disgusting and actually ended up liking a little!), saw the 3rd highest ranked garden in the world (by National Geographic) in Ireland, saw a very exclusive tour of the House of Parliament in London, and walked the 18th green of the most famous golf club in the world (with Payton in an umbrella stroller) by the side of my husband and Dad, witnessing them live out a bucket list dream of playing the highly coveted and world renowned St. Andrews Old Course. Will be a little bit hard to start to face reality tomorrow (well, sort of....we are working from home tomorrow to help Payton...and us...adjust to the time change), but I feel so blessed to have experienced all of this, and it was just enough of a vacation so Im not even really dreading going back to work :) It already feels like a somewhat vivid dream that is beginning to fade - hard to believe that we actually experienced these potentially once in a lifetime things. I think this is the first genuine vacation (with literally no work) that Ive really ever taken since beginning my career 7 years ago, and I just think I may have to do that more often. I feel like a different person now, having experienced 2 weeks with my family without any work at all, and very little technology (being that its far too expensive to use phones there, and our charger to our computer exploded, despite using the proper adapter and converter!). I am reminded what is most important in life, and I do not feel that I will soon forget that lesson. Pics to come! (Since Dad isnt on Facebook...)
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 01:10:04 +0000
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