I got to Heathrow Airport via the tube and checked my baggage. I then went from Terminal 1 to Terminal 5 to try and eat at Plane Food, Gordon Ramsey's restaurant, but you had to go through security first so I wasn't able to eat there. I came back to Terminal I and went through the security check-point. I found a place that sells a Full English Breakfast (aka the Full Monty) so I just got seated and will wait for my food. I ordered an apple juice and breakfast tea. I proceeded to devour the English breakfast. I was very hungry and it tasted great.
I take a moment now to reflect on my 33 day voyage. Firstly, I realize how privileged I am to have an amazing aunt who financed this trip for Ricky and me. Aunt Carroll is the best! Many people who I met in other countries seemed envious of the fact that I could spend a month traveling across Europe. The trip came at a perfect time in my life when I didn't have school or a full-time job to get in my way. Honestly, I have Ricky to thank because without his study abroad in Scotland, we would have never planned this trip.
It is now 12:45 and I have boarded the plane. Each city we went to had its own unique culture and was just as interesting as the last city. It's difficult to say which city or place I like the most. Each area had its own qualities that made it special.
Poland was a great example of Eastern Europe, as it was my first time in an Eastern European country. The salt mines were amazing and Krakow was lovely. Warsaw was very modern and it was interesting to see how Polish people lived. The food there was good and fresh too. Things were cheap there since the American dollar to Polish zloty is 3:1.
Berlin was a very cool city because the public transit was phenomenal. It was so quick and easy to get around. There were many sites to see there and the city was very modern. The beer and food was great.
Before we knew it we were in Amsterdam. I felt like it was the Las Vegas of Europe. I was very impressed with the open-mindedness of their culture. There were great museums there and I could get use to drinking Heinekens every day.
Brussels was a brief stop, but I loved it. I could see why Carroll liked working there. They had great food, beer, and most important, great chocolate. What's not to love about Belgium?
Scotland was the country I was most excited to visit (partially due to my heritage) and I was not disappointed. It was a truly beautiful country with many outdoor activities and tons of culture. It doesn't hurt that they have 650 golf courses too! I wouldn't mind living in Scotland. Though I have to admit, I lucked out on the weather tremendously while I was there and on the whole trip really.
London was the best city to end my journey in. There was so much to do and see there. I was there for 8 nights and I barely fit in all the things I wanted to do there. It is the heart of England and I loved that most of the museums were free like in Washington, D.C.
Around Europe in 33 Days was the greatest adventure I have ever had. It was an amazing feeling to be able to plan a huge trip and accomplish every you had planned. Being in a foreign country just with Ricky or even alone was extremely gratifying because it boosted my confidence in my own independence. After you do something like that, you feel like you have the aptitude to travel the entire globe if you needed to. I share many more characteristics with Phileas Fogg now. Though my time running around Europe is over, I'm sure many more adventures have yet too come.
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