How to Experience Europe - Getting off the Not-So-Beaten-Path

You're off the Beaten Path, now get off the Not-So-Beaten-Path

Everyone knows "how to backpack across Europe".  The classic, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Munich, etc. etc. etc. trip.  Go to Oktoberfest, or Carnival, or Running of the Bulls, or Stonehenge, or the Roman Coliseum, football game, castles, French riviera, gondola rides.  Sure, these things are great.  Honestly, I will probably do most, if not all of them this next semester when I go to Scotland and spend part of my Summer in Europe.

However, what about the people?  The language, the rest of the country outside of the city lights?  What about the rivers and forests and streams?  What about Le Havre, France, which is the sight of Henry V's siege of what was once Harfleur?  What about Waterloo, where Napoleon was defeated?  What about Hadrian's Wall, built by the Romans in England?  What about the Coliseum and other Roman architecture in the South of France, specifically Arles?  What about Al-Hambra, one of the greatest pieces of Moorish architecture in Spain, truly the melting pot of Middle Eastern and Western culture?  What about Syracuse, where the Greeks landed in Herdotus' Histories?  I haven't even gotten out of Western Europe...get what I'm saying?

There is so much more to see in Europe, so much more to learn, so many more experiences.  I love drinking with new friends, trying new bars and new pubs, meeting new people.  These are all essential to traveling.  If you ever get the itch to REALLY get off the beaten path (I mean you've already left everyone you know behind, you're traveling, you might as well leave everyone else, who left everyone they know behind to travel) then read on.

Back to School, Back to School...

Yes, ahhh.... Back to school.

Sorry for the long absence people.  Life was stupid, hectic, crazy, and boring.

I've only been here three days and the nights are running together already.  Today, while walking to downtown, I had to ask the girl I'd just met what day it was.  She smiled and asked me what I'd been up to.  "Yeah, about that."

I've thoroughly enjoyed myself this week.  So many more girl here, it's glorious.  I'm not quite sure that I want a girlfriend.  In fact, I'm pretty sure.  No reason to not tempt fate though, right?

Oh, how I need to start studying my Arabic again.....and fill out my application to Scotland.  Blah... I can't get my mind right for that.  I need to get a 4.0 this year.  

Ahh, the wishes, wants and desires of a new beginning.