Throughout the last ten years, I have had the opportunity to experience many differing cultures, both by traveling abroad and having a diverse array of friends. Whether enjoying a rented house with friends in Italy in October of 2001, wandering Ireland by myself in September of 2003, or participating in a Bangladeshi wedding in Oregon, I have learned to enjoy and adapt to numerous cultures that have expanded my outlook and broaden my experiences.
The knowledge that I have gained from many trips to Europe has provided me with many perspectives that have enabled me to determine that Belgium has the best chocolate, being the only English speaker in an Italian restaurant has its advantages, and French people are amazing. I am not a chocolate eater and had always heard that Swiss chocolate was the best, but I am one to find my own favorites. My experiences in Europe have led to my appreciation of history, art, and cultures. Watching the London Bridge appear before my eyes after climbing steps from the Tube station and turning to the left was a profound experience, and discovering my favorite museum, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, was a wonderful opportunity of time and discovery.
I had always wanted to rent a house in Italy and share this experience with friends. Unfortunately, after months of planning, four friends confirmed, two rental cars, plane tickets purchased, and itineraries laid out for everyone, came September 11, 2001. The world as we knew it suddenly changed, and after a few days of reeling from the personal shock of that day, we began to talk about whether we should continue with our trip to Italy scheduled three weeks later. We departed the United States on October 2, 2001, and with the added assurance of reporting our whereabouts to the American Embassy in Milan, we had a wonderful trip.
Every time I make a trip to Europe, adapting to the culture is always entertaining and unique. My opportunities have enriched my life by improving upon my pre-conceived ideas. Every day, I am grateful for the opportunities I have had in my life, indulging in my love of numerous cultures, and observing the influences they all have on the world in differing manners. I enjoy new environments, new discoveries, and believe that immersing into a different culture in the best possible way to feel complete.
1 comment:
Very well put. :)
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