This holiday season I had the incredibly rewarding experience of traveling throughout this great continent of Europe. I think this might be the first time I ever admit this but… through the wise counsel of my older brother Sean, albeit to my mother’s chagrin, I had to take advantage of my current destination and use this winter holiday to travel abroad. From Prague to Budapest and Amsterdam to Paris, I had the unique pleasure of awe inspiring sights, smells, and sounds offered by each historic city.
What truly made this holiday great was the people I shared it with. Although I did not come back to the states, I still had the enriching experience sharing my travels with friends and family from home. My dad and two older brothers came to visit and thus began the start of my journey. We missed Johnny G and mother dearly but we still somehow managed to have our fun :). Staying true to who I am and what got me here to this day, the holiday first began in the gym. Before setting off, I played a basketball game in front of my brothers and father for what most likely was the last time. With school and basketball all wrapped up, it was time for the long awaited holiday!
The first destination on the list was Prague. “The City of a Hundred Spires” had a magical feel to it characterized by its gothic old town. The square was electric filled with its festive Christmas market, offering the delicacies of its rich culture. Like straight from a movie, we wandered the cobblestone alleyways as large snowflakes fell straight down upon us. From colorful boroque buildings to delectable schnitzels and pilsners, we managed to soak in the best of Prague and boarded a train to Budapest. Our next city had some of the most facinating structures I have ever seen. From the collosal St. Stephen’s Basilica to the magnificent Parliament building, Budapest sat grandly upon the Danube, Europe’s second longest river. At night, each historic building was cascaded with a gold light that captured the eye. Just as quickly as it came, my time with my family came to an end and I said goodbye to continue my travels.
This second part of my trip was spent with a little part of my Emory family. I arrived in Amsterdam and met up with one of my best friends Miles and his family, where his sister spent the semester studying. I was lucky enough to take in the artistic culture and elaborate canals with a special friend from my days in Atlanta. My time with him capped off with an all you can eat feast celebrated with his family. It was time to say goodbye as I packed my little bag and headed on my way.
But before I arrived in Paris, I made a little day trip to the wonderful city of Bruges. It was a perfect stop along the way as I even got to celebrate Christmas with a friend from home. All the way from Fawn Hill, one of my brother’s closest friends and his family happened to be in Bruges on that day as well. A little planning and great timing, I was lucky enough to spend a Christmas meal with a great friend and family. Well nourished and excited I made my way to this little city you might know, Paris…. ( to be continued).
