European Escapade: Reflections from the First Half of My Journey
I've been in Europe for 7 weeks now. Today is my second-to-last day in Dublin, and I leave for Lisbon tomorrow. I'm about halfway through this trip, so I figured I should just talk about my overall experience being here for a decent amount of time.
The first thing I want to say is that it still feels surreal—probably even more so by the day. I catch myself randomly just taking it all in, especially when I'm doing something mundane like grocery shopping or ordering at a restaurant. I pause and think to myself, 'Wow, you really just ordered a drink in Dublin, or you're sitting down to dinner right now in Brussels.' It really gives me pause. As I've settled into this nomadic lifestyle, I've come to realize how rare and incredible it truly is. The support and the various questions I've received from people have been amazing; I'm truly in disbelief!
One thing I've really enjoyed about this trip so far is the personal growth it has brought. It's given me the ability to push myself in ways I wouldn't have been able to back home. It's like a shock to the system that forces me to adapt and figure things out—a great challenge that propels me forward. Spending this amount of time 'alone' has provided ample opportunity for self-reflection. The solitude has allowed me to step away from the distractions that naturally come with familiarity—familiarity with people and the spaces around me. Stepping outside of that comfort zone has already offered me a fresh perspective on myself, my goals, and even my flaws.
My recommendation is to embrace self-discovery while traveling. You're already accustomed to your usual environment wherever you're from, so when you're in a different place, explore a little. Try new and different things. If you don't enjoy something, you can always revert to your comfort zone. This doesn't have to be limited to traveling abroad; it applies to traveling to different states, provinces, cities, or even mingling with different friend groups.
A couple of things have genuinely surprised me during my time here. One notable aspect is how well-informed people are about American politics—not just informed, but eager to share their opinions. Almost every conversation, regardless of age, gender, or other factors, somehow veers into political discussions. The level of engagement varies, ranging from light-hearted jabs and jokes to deep dives into the intricacies of why things are the way they are in America. What's amusing is that when I inquire about their own political situations in their respective countries, no one seems satisfied with their own systems either. This observation holds true, albeit to a certain extent, as I've encountered some who think Americans are ignorant, but that perception seems to be changing.
In Europe, you often hear about how Europeans view Americans as unintelligent, and to some extent, that stereotype holds. However, after interacting with different people, I frequently receive comments like 'Wow, you're a smart American,' or 'This is unexpected; most Americans are portrayed as this or that.' Their candidness is intriguing. While political correctness exists here, it operates differently. People aren't afraid to ask any questions or share their feelings about a subject at any moment—politeness is their version of political correctness. It might sound confusing, but despite some off-putting or unusual moments, these interactions never stem from malice. At least, that hasn't been my experience so far. Overall, I'd say the people have been courteous, and if someone is being rude, it seems to be far more frowned upon than a poorly-phrased question or comment.
With all that said, my time here has been overwhelmingly positive. If the worst thing I can complain about is people wanting to discuss politics, I can certainly manage. Everything else has been fantastic. I've had the chance to experience a plethora of new things—whether it's different foods, drinks, or atmospheres. Even activities I'm accustomed to doing in the States have a distinct flavor over here. The nightlife in various places has also been an experience worth delving into. If you're interested, we definitely need to have a conversation about it!
This is just a reflection on the first half of my journey; there's still a long way to go. While my perspective could change next time I embark on a similar adventure, I doubt it. Nevertheless, there's only one way to find out. Thank you once again for reading; I genuinely appreciate it, and I'll make sure to keep you updated with more discoveries as I continue on this journey.