Ciao, dear friends!
Several folks have expressed interest in being updated on where I am and what I'm doing during my upcoming Europe trip, and this seems like the best way to do that. I can't make promises on when I will write and how detailed I will be able to get because it's going to be a busy trip, but I will do my best!
First, a brief summary:
June 3: Arrive in Dublin. Travel around Dublin and day trips throughout Ireland.
June 8: Arrive in Sevilla. Day trips to Granada and Cordoba.
June 12: Arrive in Barcelona.
June 14: Arrive in Rome.
June 17: Arrive in Cinque Terre.
June 19: Arrive in Padua, day trip to Venice.
June 21: Arrive in Prague.
June 23: Arrive in Vienna.
June 24: Arrive in Budapest.
June 26: Arrive in Istanbul.
June 29: Arrive in Paris.
June 30: Arrive in Manchester, train to Sheffield.
July 1: Arrive in Dublin.
July 2: Fly back to US of A.
9 countries, 31 days, 2 best friends, and 1 new beginning.
Talk about a whirlwind. I am going to be wiped out when I get home, but we're in for the trip of a lifetime. My roommate Mike and I have have been talking about taking this trip since we were freshmen. It's a celebration of what we've achieved in the last four years of college, and the men we have become. I think we both feel like we deserve it, and I think we're both excited for a fresh start.
I stress fresh start because I'm trying to focus on the beginnings rather than the end. College coming to an end has been difficult. Friends dispersing, uncertain futures, and just the general question of who I am and who/what I want to become have been on my mind constantly. The end is definitely a little bit saddening, but I think this trip will be a great reminder that the possibilities for the future are endless, and while I've learned a lot from my past, there's no gain to be made in dwelling on it.
Tomorrow, we move out of the apartment we've lived in for two years, and in 10 days we cross the pond to begin our first major journey of post-grad life. Wish us luck, and I will do my best to keep anyone who cares updated with this page. Thanks!
-Ryan
