London, Paris, Munich, Venice…

If you have been following our journal, you know that Christine and I traveled to Europe recently. This is Part 2 of not-sure-how-many-posts (see part 1 here).We have a feeling you are a fan of traveling too, and therefore we want to let you in into a microscopic part of what this trip involved. Specifically, this is a purely personal post about my perspective, feelings, and thoughts as I viewed these mesmerizing wonders.

What I won’t forget about London:

This city surprised me in so many ways. Being a European living in United States I constantly compare the two countries on every aspect: culture, customs, people, health, lifestyle, you name it! In my mind a balanced combo of Europe and America would be a Utopia, and London seemed like exactly this– a perfect blend of what I love about America and what I love about Europe. It’s modernized and advanced, yet ancient, wise, and stylish. This is not to say that London isn’t completely unique on its on; in fact, you can taste, see, and smell originality. The countless cozy pubs at every corner,  the infamous British accent that really will make anything sound proper,  the warmth of the people… the shockingly amazing fashion! What I won’t ever forget about London, is my amazement with the Big Ben, so tall and regal. The architecture was one of my favorite aspects, reminiscent of a Disney cartoon (think Peter Pan flying onto Big Ben! or Mary Poppins dancing on chimney tops!). I also will never forget  this most genuine local gentleman, walking with his black cane and robe, enthusiastically directing us while it rained a London rain…

What I won’t forget about Paris:

Les Marias was by far my favorite district; it felt local, authentic, unpretentious, colorfully and quintessentially Parisian. I will never forget Versailles’ grandeur, its maze-like gardens and infinite orchards. The climactic feeling of seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time, and the second, and the third…This majestic structure glittering over the entire city, so aware of its own beauty. One of my favorite moments in Paris, was to come out into the peaceful courtyard of the Louvre, with the iconic glass pyramid right in front, and the chic night sky right above. I indulged in the beauty and taste of classic French pastries such as, giant croissants, fruit tartelettes, and macaroons all displayed in store fronts like fine jewels. I will certainly never forget the view of the immense city from the Sacre Coeur …

What I won’t forget about Munich:

Although it is the city where I spent perhaps the 4 most innocent years of my childhood, Munich had a very different feel coming back to it as an adult. Things sounded more familiar than they looked. Foods smelled more vivid than their appearance showed. Names and places felt as If they should have resonated with me more. The small, and normally cleaner city, was drowned by lederhosen wearing locals and tourists. It was a fun place to visit for two quick days and parts of it felt like very faint flashbacks. The new memories I made there alongside my friends felt real, enriching, and just plain fun. We went on a 1 day excursion to the Castle of Neuschwanstein, driving on the autobahn through the southern German country side, made me realize just what a gorgeous and fortunate childhood my parents allowed for us. Southern Germany in a strange way, feels something like home, like a very faded part of me. Exploring Neuschwanstein with my best friends, was another recognition of just how blessed my adulthood is too.

What I won’t forget about Venice:

Venice is art disguised as a city. Evey shutter, every surface is a painting. This petite city is yes, very touristy, but for a very good reason. Venice is simply put a jewelry box, holding countless treasures, beauties, and mystifying facets. With Its crackled ancient skin and mysterious canals, I know that it is Venice’s unconventionality that appeals to me most of all. Who knew that a flooded city could be so obviously beautiful!? The playful pigeons in Piazza San Marco, the majesty of the black and gold gondolas, the dispersive bridges, and the glorious colors of the buildings, are just some of those facets. Venice is art, or better, a painter’s palette. Colors crowd and mix accidentally, yet harmoniously. What I won’t forget about Venice are the uncountable artisan masks typical of carnival. These artifacts add to the mystery and intrigue of this famous Italian city. The lavish and artsy masks are the perfect representation of what Venice is all about: arts, drama, and mystique.

Xoxo
-Vania