Yesterday marked the one-month “returniversary” from my 3-weeks-isn’t-long-enough travels through parts of Europe. And at the risk of sound trite, it was one of the greatest trips of my life. Travel is in my blood (as it is with many people!) and when I cross those international borders I feel like I can breathe.

Not that there’s anything suffocating or unpleasant about where I live…there’s just something so refreshing about setting foot in an entirely different place, with new sights, smells, sounds, faces…it reminds me how small I am in this world (but in a good way!) Traveling never fails to remind me that I/we are a unique part of something so much bigger.

—–
Reflections…

Places Visited: 8 || Amsterdam [Netherlands]; Bruges + Brussels [Belgium]; Prague [Czech Republic]; Athens + Mykonos + Santorini [Greece]; London [England].

Airports Seen: 7 || Did you know that even on short 50-minute flights they’ll still give you a drink and a sandwich? And you gotta love the perks of international flights, personal movie screens, wine, and all

New Friends: Many! || Rented an ATV from a guy who could “first name” people like Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan (well, he called him James Bond), and America Ferrera since he’s worked on the sets of their movies while they film in Santorini… Talked story at the Acropolis with a married retired couple from Arizona… Shared a room with a young woman who’s been traveling the world for almost 2 1/2 years straight… Just to name a few!

Foods I Wish I Could Eat Everyday: At least 3 || The chocolates in Bruges were blissful, the mussels in Brussels [no joke!] were divine, and the TOMATOES (fresh, sundred, cooked) in Santorini were to die for!

Hostels Experienced: 7 || Czech Inn in Prague was by far one of our fav’s! [Thx Beth & Bryan!]

Misadventures: A few || Hint: Make sure you always have your ticket with you (and validated) when riding “the tube”/Metro/subway.

Boat Rides: 4 || Ferries between the Greek islands, riding the relaxingly beautiful canals of Amsterdam, and sailing into the sunset of Ia, it’s such a great thing to be out on the water.

Money spent: Enough || We were in the ballpark of our budget though!

Starbucks Encounters: 3 || It seriously pops up out of nowhere! We saw it in Prague, Athens, and Mykonos. Our rule when we travel is usually “do as the locals do” and venues like this (or McD’s for example) are usually self-forbidden…but I have to admit we did stop at 2 of the 3 aforementioned locations. It’s crazy how walking through the doors it’s like you’re transported back to Seattle.

Items I Have A New Appreciation For: 2 || Toilet seat covers and water in any form (ice cubes, shower, drinking, etc.)

Item I Wish I Could Have Brought Back: 1 || ATV’s are good fun!!

Moments of Pure Joy, Gratitude, Awe: Countless.
—–

There’s a big world out there. Go out and find it .

[PS: Stay tuned for some photos and other highlights!]