So, much like Johnny Cash's tune suggests, I've been everywhere man this year. It's been great to see so many places, people, and ways of life. Pictures just don't do it justice--Like an inside joke, you have to be there. I have many more places that I want to see on this Earth, but I am very thankful for the places I've seen.
The following is my quick-and-dirty impression of my travels abroad:
Africa (Senegal): Go there. It is amazing. No Zebras and Giraffes running down the road--It's Western Africa, so the climate is dry. Lots of sand. The people I met there are amazing, and inspiring. The music and culture stays with you long after you've returned home. I definitely dug the traditional Senegalese meals, where people sit on the floor on mats around a big platter of rice, veggies, and a meat or fish. Everyone has their section from which they eat, and utensils are optional! Overall, an awesome trip, and I definitely would like to go back.
Budapest, Hungary: A gem of a city. Plenty of sites to see, including a huge Castle high on a hill, amazing bridges, and then some. Food was delicious, and I dig the European style of waiting on tables. They let you do your thangy-thang! Great night life. Keep an eye out for potential bamboozling.
Ljubljana, Slovenia: Scenic, serene, and seems to attract a diverse amount of European travellers. I had the camera out the whole time. The canal area of the city is similar to what I have heard about Venice. Beautiful. I had the best pannini of my life at this sweet sidewalk café that played the dopest of music in the 'chill out' genre. People were calm, and laid-back. The Artist District was not bad either. A lot of backbackers. We drove, so we dealt with the boarder patrol, and they definitely don't see many Americans making a European Road Trip. They checked our passports at least five times.
Bled, Slovenia: Like being in a fairytale. The landscape was breath-taking. We just drove through, and only spent about a half hour there, but I'll remember it forever.
Zagreb, Croatia: My favorite place on the trip. The people were clever, hilariously sarcastic, and they were more in the loop on Brangelina than most Americans! Scenic and full of historical highlights. The sandwich I had at this 24/7 place was off the cheezy. I only had one, but could have easily put down 4 or 5. It's like that. We met a nice American cat who lives in Croatia with his wife, who is Croatian. He filled us in on the best places to go. Cheap beer, and an enjoyable nightlife. Pub style. We might have slept 2 hours while there. One of the most impressive farmer's markets I've ever seen.
Austria: These kittens know how to do Rest Stops! We just drove through, and didn't get to take in much, but "The Sound of Music" definitely did this place justice. Absolutely amazing views of rolling hills, the Alps, greener-than-green fields, and good old-fashioned architecture.
Munich, Germany: Metropolitan. Aside from the incredible historic buildings, beer gardens, and of course the fact that they speak German (!), you could put this city in the US. Did I mention the beer gardens!? Tight work. Lots of people singing and swaying and the like. All ages. I'd highly recommend the Hofbrauhaus (big old steins) for the brewskis, and the Augustana for the delicious food. Good nightlife action, with a variety of clubs and pubs. We went to an "Oomsa-Oomsa" club late night, which was lovely, but I found it a little odd to be in a club chock-full of people who are jamming, feeling it, in the groove, etc. all while Tom Jones and U2 painted the musical landscape. It was a new thing for me! Cool nonetheless. German Superstar, their American Idol, was a real freakin hoot!
What I take away from these travelling experiences: Despite what we are fed through the news and such, things are really not that different in other areas of the world. The issues people have, though on vastly different scales in some areas, all equal out to about the same ones we have in the States. I have gained a new appreciation for people who travel overseas often. The flights are long! Cultures and ways of living vary, but the people in those cultures are not as different as it appears. To see people become moved by music, no matter the style, is the most inspiring aspect of all this travel for me. We all shut our eyes, bob our heads, and let the music take over. I dig that.
Peace,
Adam