My Eroupe

My Europe

Visiting another country will definitely have an outstanding effect on anyone. Leaving the country you have lived in all your life, and being thrown into a place where you can't understand anyone, and no one can understand you, is definitely a life altering experience. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience another culture because people would be more understanding of others and where they come from.

Last summer I took a two-week trip to Europe with my mom, and best friend. We left Grand Rapids, Michigan on a Monday and arrived in Paris, France on a Tuesday. The flight was a grueling eight hours. Our European vacation consisted of visits to each of the following countries: Germany, Austria, France, and Italy. Amazingly, we actually found our way to each and every planned destination. The first stop on our journey across Europe, was charming Paris. It was very big, busy, crowded, and at times dirty, but was a fascinated city.

Visiting Paris was close to being in another world; it is so different to be someplace where hardly anyone speaks English. Thanks to our translation book we were able to communicate with people, translate signs, and maps. Trying to find our way around the gigantic city, or just our way to the hotel, was near impossible. The people were also very interesting and fascinating, you just want to sit and watch everyone around you. While we were wandering around aimlessly, we were lucky enough to stumble onto some of the most stunning and magical

Klein 2

landmarks I have ever seen. I was able to climb to the top of the Arch De Triumph, see the Eiffel Tower, visit Moulin Rouge, walked through Notre Dame Cathedral, and took a double-decker bus tour of the city. My breath was taken away on many occasions, but mainly by the striking size of the city, the elaborately ornamented buildings, the historical monuments, and just the city as a whole.

Besides the breath taking scenery, my second reason for having a fantastic time in Paris was the food. The food was absolutely mind-blowing! There was literally a bakery, butcher shop, or outdoor restaurant on every corner. The smells were enough to make your mouth water. I did not want to leave France, because I knew I would never have food like that again, unless I make a return trip. All the food was so fresh, it had so many flavors, and almost all of it was homemade. It was to die for. They had some very interesting dishes to choose from as well. My favorite foods were the pastries and baked goods, absolutely amazing! We were lucky that we had to walk everywhere, or we may have left France 100 pounds heavier than we arrived. I don't think I've had food quite that good since we've left. The food alone is worth the return trip.