I am excited to be embarking on Abbey Road’s Western Civilization trip in just a few short weeks! This will be my first experience traveling abroad and I cannot wait to experience the cultures and customs of Europe. I love America, but I often feel as if I am in a bubble, circling through the same activities, meeting people similar to me. I hope to get a glimpse into what life would be like if I actually lived in Greece, Italy, and France and not to merely observe these places as a tourist.
Although I am unsure of exactly what the summer will be like for me, I hope that it will change, influence, or inspire me in some way. I am making a pact with myself to step out of my comfort zone and genuinely embrace the new lifestyles, customs and the people. I love all the classes I am taking in school, but my favorite is history class. We have spent a good part of the year learning about the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, so I am looking forward to seeing first-hand what I have read about in my textbooks. My goals for this trip are to enhance my understanding of world history and to develop further as a person, immersing myself in the diverse cultures of Europe. I hope to come home from the trip with a clearer view of the world and friends that will last a lifetime.
Thinking about a month away from home in another country with a group of people I have never met before and leaders I do not know can be nerve-wracking. Will I get homesick? What will the food be like? Is Europe going to be everything I imagine it to be? Many questions flow through my head as I am awaiting my trip to Europe. However, as nervous as I am, I am way more excited for this amazing opportunity. I am extremely lucky to be able to go on this trip and I know that not everyone can have a chance like this, so I am planning on soaking up every moment in Europe. I cannot wait to share all of my new experiences on this blog throughout the summer!
