So I just got back from Europe and had an amazing time. We went to Switzerland, Holland, Liechtenstein, Germany, and drove through France (had to say France too). It was an amazing experience and a great environment to be in. I'm actually still used to the time zone there so I got up this morning at 5:13 since it would be 11:13 in Europe. I also took many pictures that I'm going to try to upload today, probably only a few but I'll get to the rest later. Anyways, the culture there being so different and all was like a refresh and a real break from America. But I also understand now what it's like to be in a country surrounded by people who only speak that language and feel really strange not knowing what others are saying. Now I have a taste of what it feels like for people who come to the states such as Latinos and how most of them can't speak English. Obviously though many Europeans speak English because they all learn it in school since its such a worldwide language but still feeling like a tourist and not knowing whats going on is just very confusing and uncomfortable and even a little embarrassing.

When you live in Europe going to another country is not that big of a deal. For example when I was with family in Switzerland, they were so close to the border that they would just go to Germany to get groceries like its no big deal. "Honey, I'm going to Germany to get food, do you need anything?"
Something along those lines. Or when I went to visit my dad's cousin, he worked in Switzerland as a chef but has to commute through Germany and France to get to work..
But the more i was there the more i wanted to live in a place like that, being able to ride your bike anywhere without being run over cars, history surrounding you wherever you went, the people, and so on. There is so much to learn and see in such a short period of time but that's what made the trip so much more exciting since we always had something to do. Although when you live there these things are just not that big of a deal and just normal, like living right next to the Alps. But now that it's all said and done, I am pretty happy to be back home and take a break. I also realize what vacation is all about, not taking those things in for granted and appreciation of others.