The surreal life/it was all a dream

Friday March 27, 2009
I truly can not believe that we have already been back from our European vacation for a week already. Going back to “real life” was hard at first, but the routine is getting easier now that we are a week out. It really feels like the whole trip was just a dream and that we never left and came back. I hate how I felt so stressed and unprepared before the trip and so I kept telling myself it’s only a week; I wish i would have like calmed down and enjoyed the whole experience more. Not to say that I didn’t, because I certainly did have a great time, but I know that it could have been even better. I guess that is what return trips to Europe are for! At least with this trip all we had to do was show up, and I think I miss that the most! Being told what time you had to be somewhere, not having to worry about breakfast and dinner, always having transportation, and knowledgeable guides to show you around the city.

Once we actually got the hang of the trip it was relatively stress free, at least for me haha. I really miss seeing most of the people everyday. Most, not all haha. Some of those people I can certainly do without seeing for a long time! We were very fortunate in that we had an excellent driver and tour director. They really went above and beyond what I think was considered their job requirements, and our tour was so much better because of that. And the kids! I would have never thought before going on this trip that I could have so much fun with people 5+ years younger than me, but I did. It just feels so strange to me to be friends with people who aren’t as independent as my older friends. Oh well, maybe the group will have a reunion or something, but I know it won’t be the same. It’s just like with my Hong Kong group. Once you leave the crazy living together, sleep deprived, foreign bubble, the group’s not as tight when you see each other after returning. Its funny what happens when you go on big trips with a group or people you don't know too well. You end up banding together and becoming friends with and meeting people you would have never talked to normally because the situation is special and calls for it. Then you come back and it’s just not the same. Ok enough with the Debbie Downer moment!

The trip was amazing and I can’t wait to go back someday. I would really love to go back and explore more of Eastern Europe like we did on this trip, like Poland, Hungary, and Austria. The most fascinating aspect of these countries is all their recent history with World War II and communism. I think that even though I didn’t love it at first, Berlin was one of my favorite places on the trip. I definitely feel like I need to go back there and explore it more. Prague of course was amazing and I would go back there in a heartbeat. There was so much more to see in that city! Munich was lovely, but I feel like I saw pretty much everything I wanted to. I would go back of course, but I would plan on spending more time in other places. There is way too much to do and see and never enough time or money!Well, I guess that brings my little email blogs to an end for now. I’m working on making a movie thing using some of our pics and German music of course as well as a book with select photos to show everyone. But really, you just gotta go there to fully understand it! Next trip: hopefully back to Asia! I love that I am now able to compare Asia and Europe, and appreciate each for their pros and cons. I’ll have to get back to you on which I prefer haha!