Europe 2004 Wrapup

Well, now that I've been back in the flood-y environs of greater Tillamook for a few days, I suppose it is time to give my general impressions of my trip.

First of all, mad shout-outs to my boys, Trevor and Brent. Without them putting me up, and putting up with me, the trip would have been a lot more scary. Thanks a lot for having me at your places, and often paying for things, and being overall lovely travel companions.

Europe is pretty awesome! I enjoyed the vibrancy. I enjoy studying the built environment, and how different places "feel." There were so many more great places there than what I've experienced here. This was not unexpected, but was wonderful to actually see for myself. I think it makes me realize that we aren't necessarily stuck like this.

For these reasons, I liked London a LOT. It may be just that it is the biggest city I've ever been to, and the fact I live in a city of 4,400, but I really envy Brent right now. Even in January, there was a great energy to the city. There are so many people, so many places, so many opportunities. I don't know if it showed, but I was having a grand time just walking around.

Paris was also lovely, although I liked London more. I don't know if it is a language thing, or what. Trevor actively disliked Paris, but I cannot say that. I would like to visit again someday, perhaps another season of the year. One thing I was afraid of, and people have been asking me about: people were not rude to us at all in France. Quite the opposite, in my experience. It was enjoyable.

Bury St. Edmunds! What a neat little town. I'm sure that there are many like it all across Europe, but this is the place I got to experience for a few days. While certainly not as large as London, I came to enjoy the lifestyle in Bury as well. The level of activity in the town centre, the places we could get to on foot, the abbey gardens, the pubs. What a rich experience.

I think what I'm trying to say is, I enjoyed experiencing each of these places. I didn't get to all of the tourist spots, or plan my time out to the last minute, or take a gajillion pictures. I think the time spent there was quite rewarding in itself. I'd like to take a month or 2 someday and rent a flat, and just live somewhere else for awhile. That would be a great "vacation."

Oh, I have lots of other things to say. But I can't remember them now and I want to get on with it. So perhaps you'll see some more ranting in the future. So that's something to look forward to.

January 29, 2004 05:55 PM