Recommended for you

travel album: my 2 Weeks In Europe

Highlights from my life-changing trip to Europe with some amazing friends and teachers.

Jul 21, 2018

Sivani Shanmugam

After returning from my two week trip across five countries in Europe (England, France, Germany, Austria and Czech Republic), I've returned with a changed view of the world I live in. Americans may see their country as a "melting pot" of other cultures and languages. To truly realize diversity, one must see how people of different cultures interact in other areas of the world where English isn't the primary mode of communication.

To learn about history and other cultures through YouTube, documentaries or the pages of a book can't even come close to actually being at those areas in person, standing where those historical figures stood and where world-changing events occurred. Learning from locals and soaking in the sights, smells and amazing views of various countries that I've only dreamed of seeing before is an experience that I wouldn't give up for anything.

I've come back from this trip a changed person and plan on continuing to travel and explore parts of the world that I've never seen before. I encourage anyone reading this to do the same; if the opportunity comes up, take it. Get out of your comfort zone and explore a new part of this insanely huge world we live in. This trip has proved a statement that I've heard time and time before: travel truly is the best educator.

Graffiti

London, England

A Rose from the Westminster- Covent Garden

London, England

Tower Hamlets- Tower Hill

London, England

Red Telephone Booth

London, England

Sculpture at the Louvre Museum

Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower

Paris, France

Notre Dame Cathedral

Paris, France

Inside the Notre Dame Cathedral

Paris, France

Nymphenburg Palace

Munich, Germany

BMW Museum

Munich, Germany

Vienna at Dusk

Vienna, Austria

Schonbrunn Palace

Vienna, Austria

Building art made from recycled materials

Vienna, Austria

A Statue in Graben (famous street in Vienna)

Vienna, Austria

On Route to Prague

Kunta Hora, Czech Republic

A Chandelier Made Of Real Human Bones

Kunta Hora, Czech Republic

Prague Beauty

Prague, Czech Republic

"Praha" Is How You Say Prague in Czech

Prague, Czech Republic

Berlin Wall Art

Berlin, Germany

Berlin Wall Art

Berlin, Germany

Feeding Goats At A Rest Area On The Way To Prague

Jirice, Czech Republic

europe travel

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Entertainment

A Year At JMU As Told By 'Bob's Burgers'

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

James Madison

collegian.com

A year at JMU promises many great adventures. The journey of becoming a duke and learning what being a duke is all about is really exciting and a lot of fun. Of course, we all know that James Madison University is the greatest university in Virginia (perhaps even the entire country). There are many events and moments at JMU that are cherished and remembered by all dukes.

Keep Reading...Show less

bobs burgers

Entertainment

15 Things That Happen On Your Birthday

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

University of Southern California

4152

My birthday has never been my favorite holiday. I've found that I'm more excited to celebrate my friends' and family members' birthdays more than my own. I don't like being the center of attention, so I usually celebrate over dinner with a small group of family and friends. This way, I can enjoy myself naturally without feeling like I have to entertain everyone and make sure they are satisfied. In the past when I've had large parties, I was so nervous that people weren't perfectly content that I didn't enjoy myself at my own celebration.

Keep Reading...Show less

birthday

Student Life

13 Thoughts College Students Have On The First Day Of Class

Syllabus week doesn't exist.

Hunter College

294

College Informations

Most of us have already started the spring semester, and for those of you who haven't started yet, you suck.

It seems like coming back from winter break wouldn't really be a break all things considered, since we all come back to school and pick up right where we left off. We know exactly what to expect, yet we're unprepared every single time.

Keep Reading...Show less

first day

Entertainment

Things People Without A Typical 'Boy Name' or 'Girl Name' Know To Be True

All names should be "unisex names."

Tulane University

1663

There are tons of unisex names that are popular: Taylor, Alex, Bailey, etc. There are also numerous names that are used for both sexes, but they’re not seen as “unisex” yet. People are slowly becoming accustomed to the dual use of these names, but for the most part, in their minds they associate certain names with certain sexes. And that leaves those of us with these names in many awkward situations.

Keep Reading...Show less

unisex names

Lifestyle

16 Secrets Anthropology Majors Never Admit To

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

Washington College

6333

CSU

I'm an anthropology major, and I love every minute of it. I couldn't tell you why, but I guess there's just something about studying different lifestyles that absolutely fascinates me. But anthropology majors definitely have our weird sides, especially when you go to a school that is filled with mostly Business and Bio majors. But us weirdos definitely have a lot in common, specifically these 16 things.

Keep Reading...Show less

anthropology major

Recommended for you

travel album: my 2 Weeks In Europe

Highlights from my life-changing trip to Europe with some amazing friends and teachers.

In This Article:

Graffiti

A Rose from the Westminster- Covent Garden

Tower Hamlets- Tower Hill

Red Telephone Booth

Sculpture at the Louvre Museum

The Eiffel Tower

Notre Dame Cathedral

Inside the Notre Dame Cathedral

Nymphenburg Palace

BMW Museum

Vienna at Dusk

Schonbrunn Palace

Building art made from recycled materials

A Statue in Graben (famous street in Vienna)

On Route to Prague

A Chandelier Made Of Real Human Bones

Prague Beauty

"Praha" Is How You Say Prague in Czech

Berlin Wall Art

Berlin Wall Art

Feeding Goats At A Rest Area On The Way To Prague

Subscribe to our Newsletter

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

11. You embarrass yourself somehow.

12. You get the present you really wanted but thought no one would get you.

13. You are a little sad about getting older.

14. That feeling wears off and you realize how happy you are to have family and friends to celebrate this day with you.

15. The morning after your birthday looks something like this.

Syllabus week doesn't exist.

All names should be "unisex names."

1. Communicating via email can be awkward.

2. Appointments usually accompany weird looks.

3. Introducing yourself to someone is never without a hitch.

4. You’ve probably thought about changing your name.

5. You’re often asked why you have the name you do.

6. You get excited when you meet someone of your gender with your name.

7. You feel awkward when you meet someone of the opposite gender with your name.

8. You’ve had someone say to you, “I knew a [your name], but they were [your opposite gender].”

9. You’ve heard a bad joke/pick-up line or two about your name before.

10. People are surprised when they see you.

11. You’re extra sensitive to other unique or unisex names.

12. You’ve fought with your parents about it.

13. All things considered, you’re happy your name makes you unique.

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our
Newsletter