How I did it: We began our conversation as a sort of exercise in hope - the hope that we would get through the winter and escape somewhere come spring. We looked at pictures of graffiti on the internet and read about German architects. One thing led to another until suddenly one day we were on a plane, flying through the night to Scandinavia. We moved through foreign countries in absolute innocence, looking for beauty and real places. When we were mistaken for locals, we felt that our day had been well spent.

Lessons & tips: Cathedrals are not tourist traps.
People are not criminals.
Linguistic differences are not worth throwing punches over.
Don't worry about the news.
Bathrooms cost money.
Babies want to play peekaboo.
Having spent hundreds of dollars to get to Europe, don't freak out over spending a few extra euros if it means the difference between a so-so time and a great experience.
Remember that you are on a different continent, far from anyone you know or care about, but don't be an asshole about it.
Always trip with a buddy.

---

Jun 24, 2011, 07:40PM PDT | 0 comments | 8 cheers