Into the Lens of Europe
On this day, exactly a year ago, I stepped off the plane into London, England. This was the start of an amazing adventure. I explored and traveled across 7 countries in Europe. I want to share with you the 10 highlights and why you need to add Europe to your bucket list.
1. The Landscapes and Scenery
Sometimes the best memories were just looking out onto creation. There were no limits for what kind of landscape and scenery came my way as I explored Europe.
I stepped into another world when I hit Portfolio, Italy. My mom and I took a cab up to the highest point of the city. The view was absolutely stunning.
Whenever I hiked the mountains, it always gave the greatest sensations. This view is from the mountains of Salzburg, Austria.
The Northern coast of Ireland made me speechless.
2. The History
As I explored parts of Europe, I was amazing at all the rich history that has not only influenced Europe, but the whole world. We were taught about Plato, civilization and buildings that are 2, 000 years old.
The Louvre in Paris, France. I spent about 4 hours in here one morning, but I only really saw a glimpse of all the history. This museum is one of the largest and has the most valuable history in the world. It is said that it could take up to 6 full days to see every value it holds.
Pompeii, Italy - Mount Vesuvius, a volcano near the Bay of Naples in Italy, is hundreds of thousands of years old and has erupted more than 50 times. Its most famous eruption took place in the year 79 A.D., when the volcano buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii under a thick carpet of volcanic ash. It was amazing to see the ruins of this historic day.
Stonehenge in England - The history here is still a mystery with many myths and tales of how these stones came to be.
It was the 150th anniversary for The Salvation Army. People from around the world gathered to celebrate in London, England. My family and I had a blast as we experienced The Salvation Army at its finest with glorious music, teaching and touring London, England.
3. The Food
As you explore Europe, you will see that their food is very different from North America. Everything is fresh and local. If I could take one thing from Europe home with me, it would be the quality of the food. Every day, I made sure to get in my gelato - the best kind of ice-cream in the world. My favourite meal was the authentic Indian food served to us on the Mediterranean sea. My mom and I tried to make it our goal to eat something new every day.
The pastries in Paris were to die for!
In The Netherlands, cheese was a part of every day.
Chocolate shops were everywhere. I definitely had my share.
One of the many pictures of my gelato. You must give it a try!
4. The People.
The people I met along the way were beautiful. Of course, none of them are perfect, but I met some amazing people while traveling. I met a Spanish lady who I got to know very well. She told me that mothers are the most precious gifts and that we are to cherish every moment.
5. The Culture and Lifestyle
People in Europe are living such a healthy lifestyle. They know how to slow down, cherish family and appreciate the small things in life. My favourite kind of days were when I did not have to tour and rush around. I could just sit at a cafe or in a park and take in the culture all around me. When you go to Europe, make sure you plan days where you can just experience the culture and true lifestyle and not be a "tourist".
Art was everywhere. It was so relaxing and inspiring to see this while we walked the streets in Paris, France.
My mom and I did so much biking in both Austria and The Netherlands. It was a great way to exercise and become a part of the culture, as everyone biked! I will never forget the hours we spent riding along the canals of Amsterdam.
Music seemed to be on every corner. I especially loved the orchestras in Salzburg, Austria.
Barcelona, Spain had hundreds of streets. Each street curved with its own characteristics. I was only in Spain for 2 days, but it was one of the highlights and I cannot wait to go back.
One of the many cafe's I enjoyed sitting at; just taking it all in.
6. The Memories
I am SO grateful I got to experience most of this trip with my family and even some close friends. My brothers were able to join us for the first two weeks of the trip. My mom and I carried on for the last five, but along the way we saw old friends and made some new ones. These are memories that will last forever.
The most exhilarating experience was hiking up one of the highest peaks in Wales: Pen Y Fan.
In Ireland, we all crossed the Carrick-a-Red-Rope-Bridge.
Here are some more "family". We took a small break as we were hiking up Pen Y Fan.
We experienced the true Italian pizza with our friend Estelle in Rome, Italy.
It was a blast touring Paris, France with friends from home.
We had some serious kayaking on the Mediterranean near Monaco.
7. You Leave a Mark
They say you leave a part of your heart everywhere you go. That was definitely true when I visited Venice, Italy. If there was one place I could go back to, it would be here.
Venice, Italy - the pictures really do not do it justice.
8. The Ports
My mom and I had the privilege of taking a cruise boat into the small and private ports in France, Monaco and Italy. These places had such character as there were hardly any tourists and they kept most of the buildings in its original structures.
Eze Village, France - This place was both historic and rustic.
Monte-Carlo, Monaco - I will never forget the winding roads and beautiful views as we took a long drive through the coast of the city.
9. Excellent Photography Opportunities
If you like photography, make sure you bring your best camera. There are endless opportunities to do some photography.
The start of the Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
San Marco Square in Venice, Italy
One of the many canals in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
10. There is Always More
With Europe, you can always visit again and again and still not see everything. I hope to go back to tour Scotland, Germany, Switzerland, Finland and so much more.
There's one thing for sure, I will be back!
The whole earth is filled with awe at His wonders. - Psalm 65:8