Grab a blanket, turn your heaters up and take out a travel planner. As my time here in Norway comes closer and closer to an end, I find myself reflecting a lot on what made these last 6 and a half months so amazing. It is nearly impossible for me to put to words how amazing this experience has been. Still, I'm going to do my best to explain as to why all of you -even the broke students who take the time to read this- must travel. I'm going to list only 15 out of what is probably around 100 reasons as to why you need to drop everything and travel. NOW. Let's get to it!
1. The people you meet. Honestly, have you ever sat down in a kitchen with a group of people from literally all over the world. During my brief period here I have made friends from Germany, Switzerland, France, Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands, Austria, New Zealand, Austalia, Iran, Italy, Canada, Ethiopia, South Korea, China, The Czech Republic, Poland, Spain and more. Take a moment to think about how many names I've had to remember. I tell you, the struggle is real. Honestly though, these people are all great!
2. Now that you've taken a moment to think about what kind of cultural setting you're immersed in here, take another moment to imagine all the places you go with those same people. I've traveled to 6 different countries with the intention to head to at least 2 to 3 more this semester. Why not go see a friend in Berlin? Maybe you can head to Madrid to meet some old pals. Shoot, while you're at it, take a bus to Sweden and A cruise ship to Denmark.
3. America the beautiful, your beauty has its boundaries. Trust me, I've seen the skyline of Seattle from the space needle, the ocean from Florida and Texas, and watched the sun set in the Black Hills on my motorcycle and more. I'll separate this matter into about four other numbers. Europe is amazing people.
4. So, on the subject of beauty have you ever seen the sunrise as you go dog sledding in the Arctic Circle? Have you drank a beer under the Northern Lights? Have you stopped on the side of the road near a lake backed by snow capped mountains to watch a group of reindeer in the sunset? I have. And it. was. beautiful.
5. Have you watched the night set in atop the Eiffel Tower? Have you ever seen way too much of the Louvre in one day? Have you eaten true baguettes in France or purchased a Heineken at a McDonalds? Do all of this and more. Most importantly, do it with someone special. I remember asking myself why the Eiffel Tower was even romantic. Then I saw it light up and I knew. I'll be back Paris!
6. Have you ever rode your bike through the streets of The Netherlands after a night out with friends? Actually, have you ever gone bike riding anywhere at any time in the Netherlands? Either way, Amsterdam and the bike filled cities of the Netherlands will surely give you a great experience. It's like heaven for bikes and bike riders... anyway.
7. Go to Berlin. No, stop thinking about it and just do it. This city is a cultural wonderland. Imagine yourself drinking a true German beer, or walking along what is left of the Berlin wall. Visit the many museums and take time talking to the locals. Berlin has a city scene unlike any other and the experience will leaving you wanting more and more.
I apologize for all of the rhetorical questions so far. But please, do all of this and more if you come here. You will see beauty all around you.
8. Food. Yes, I am American. Yes, I do like to eat. Regardless of any of the negative eating connotations that may come with being American, everyone can enjoy true Spanish, Italian, German, Swiss, or foreign meal in general. Best of all you can enjoy it from the comfort of your new friend's kitchen :)
9. You WILL learn the value of language. Honestly, I've had some of the most interesting and meaningful conversations of my life here in Norway. English may be an international language, but I know now that friendship and the help of the word "thing" can bridge any language barrier out their. Also, I find this video about the German language to be hilarious but completely incorrect. Enjoy.
10. You will learn more about your own culture abroad than you probably ever would in American culture classes. I finally know what the youth of the world think about me, my fellow Americans, and the choices we make. I will always remember speaking to Iranian friend about his view of the relationship with the middle-east the west. Did you know that one of the main currencies in Iran is the US dollar. And you thought they all hated us. Shame on you (and me).
11. Family. Please, take another moment to consider what truly matters to you in life. I never realized what my family meant to me until I sat down and though about all they sacrificed for me. I can tell you this much, if you ever hear me yell at my parents again I want you to grab me by the arm and just say "Remember Norway? Yea, apologize now".
12. Scheduling. Okay, I must admit that I have a poor track record when it comes to being punctual. I can say after running to catch my fair share of buses, planes, trains, and more that public transport can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. Either way, spend two weeks traveling and you'll practically feel like an official travel professional. At least I did.
13. You can blog! I'm kidding. Blogging is time consuming and my fingers hurt. Okay, now I'm being silly. Number 13 is actually dedicated to the unimaginable amounts of experiences you'll be a part of abroad. As I read my old entries, I find myself realizing more and more that I will never be able to properly put to words what I've been a part of here. Go ahead and read what I write but don't take my word for it. You owe it to yourself to see if first hand.
14. Distance makes the heart grow fonder. I hope I don't sound like some sort of bleeding romantic. Really though, being here made me appreciate so much. Once I pay off the copious amounts of debt that I've accumulated here, I will get to enjoy nights with those who seemed so ordinary in my life back home. Leaving Norway will be hard. I've already come to realize that some of my closest friends will be miles away from me for the rest of my life. But I take comfort in the fact that I can come home to a group of family and friends who seems to be missing me more everyday! (and that, my good readers, is what we call professional brown-nosing)
15. You will use your camera so much less than you planed and that is beautiful. The many things I share with all of you are mere snapshots in a larger album of such a wonderful time. Quite frankly I'm glad for that. I don't try to capture it all because I know that is impossible. In stead I get to live in these moments in the here and now. When I get home, I'm going to ride my motorcycle down a long and empty highway. I'm not going to do anything when I stop, but stare. I'm going to watch the wind slowly blow over the grain filled fields. And as I sit there, I'm going to crack out a smile. Because I took the time to find the world in my life. I did it. I don't want to be harsh here, but I truly cannot explain what awaits you if you just look! The reason I'm telling you this is because I want YOU to do the same. Stop trying to capture everything in 240 characters on twitter. Stop staring at instagram. Quit looking at pictures on Facebook. I want you to go out and watch the snow fall. I want you to see the sun set on a warm weekend's night. I want you to live like I have. It's not my life that captures your imagination. What it is, is the fact that your life is one short step away from being everything you've wanted.
I hope you've all enjoyed this blog. I'm going to let Forest Gump take it away from here. "My mamma always said '"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get'". Take a chance, get rid of that chocolate box guide this Valentine's day and dive in without any regrets. When you do, you might just end up one step closer to the rest of the world.
Until next time folks,
- The Adventurer of Norway: Brent.
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