It’s been 720 days since I walked along the Seine river, sampling decadent treats and soaking up the Parisian culture. 720 days since I shopped in the fancy boutiques in Notting Hill and drank delicious teas with cucumber sandwiches in Chelsea.
I can remember every detail of that trip, as if there is a silent film playing in mind with snapshots flashing back. The people I met, the sounds that I heard, the food that I ate.
Oh the food. There is nothing like sinking your teeth into perfectly fried fish and chips from some hole-in-the-wall market in London. Nothing can compare to eating a freshly made Nutella crepe in front of the Louvre with the sun shining down on your face. Isn’t it funny that you immediately remember the food you ate on special trips, holidays, or celebrations?
Food is an important ingredient in culture, playing a huge role in our lives and most of the time we take it for granted. I think the one thing America seriously lacks is a predominant food culture. Maybe because the United States is such a melting pot, it’s not surprising that our food culture thrives off of a very diverse blend of ingredients from various groups. Where else can you find pad thai, warm challah bread, homemade tamales, and fresh margherita pizza than in America? But, I can’t help but think that if I could, I’d trade our regular food fare for the dishes in France, Italy, Greece, even China. I know I should be appreciative of the plethora of options I have at my fingertips… but…
I can’t help but get nostalgic around this time of the year, especially when the urge to pick up my belongings and jet-set across the globe is at an all-time high. Every day, I fantasize what it would be like to stay in those countries for longer than a few days here and there. I want to be like a fly on the wall. To stay and absorb everything, with a camera and fork in hand.
I started saving my money, in anticipation of my next big European extravaganza. I’m thinking Italy, Spain, Greece. Maybe even Switzerland, Portugal, Turkey, Czech Republic. The possibilities are endless. I can’t wait to try and sample all the different cuisines out there in each country. Come December after I finally graduate college, I’m packing my suitcase and hopping on the fastest jet with a big appetite and of course, a ready and waiting fork. Are their any countries that you have been to in the past that have stolen your heart? Any places you long to go to?
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Alysia - I’m heading to London and Paris this summer and I’m so excited. I cannot wait to eat clotted cream again with scones and tea. Or try all the pastries in France. I’d love to go to Russia, to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Alysia - I’m heading to London and Paris this summer and I’m so excited. I cannot wait to eat clotted cream again with scones and tea. Or try all the pastries in France. I’d love to go to Russia, to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Jenna - I lived in Australia at the University of Queensland for 7 months and it was, literally, the most magical time of my life. The country is infinitely beautiful, the people are kind and welcoming (and gorgeous!) and you will never get fresher seafood or better Thai cuisine (unless you’re actually in Thailand!)
I cannot reccomend a trip across the Pacific highly enough.