Two Americans Take on Europe
Apologies for the 2-week hiatus, I needed to get away...
Every year I have a goal to go somewhere I’ve never been. I’m trying to see as many new places as possible and push myself to get outside my comfort zone.
Early into the New Year, my best friend and I went big…
What originally was going to be a conference in Paris to see Dr. Joe Dispenza, became a 10-day trip that included visits to Paris, Switzerland (Zurich, Lucerne, & Vitznau), and Madrid.
We organized the trip around the conference but come to find out, you should actually book things well in advance as that was sold out. The self improvement stuff can wait…
This trip took fairly intense planning (shoutout Vanessa and Rocky, I didn’t do shit…).
But I realized a few days prior to my trip that I was going to run into an issue.
For those that aren’t aware, if your passport has less than 3 or 6 months left until expiration, most countries do not allow you to travel.
The Schengen area is more lax only requiring 90-days post departure.
In any event, check ya damn passport well before leaving the country and do not put yourself through this stress.
My 90-day window struck midnight 2-days before I left.
This caused me to go full panic mode, not being able to really sleep or eat and just enduring that shitty feeling in your stomach that I was screwed.
I had the Joe Exotic line running through my head all the way to Logan:
Rocky is a much more positive thinker, ‘No way they will turn you around, we are only going for 10-days and the passport expires in May!!’
Well, as soon as I check in at Logan, an error pops up and the Air France employee asks for my “other” passport, because surely we all have more than one…
After crying inside, he brings up the exact rule that I was afraid of. I mention that I had no idea of said rule and that I was only staying for 10 days.
He’s telling me I can’t go and I’m rattled.
Eventually, they call over their manager who I will owe for a long time. Let’s call him Manny, a sick sick individual.
Manny and I start talking to see what we can do. If you are not looking to have these people mess with you, always say you are traveling for business, not vacation.
He then starts messaging the Paris airport officials, who then spoke with immigration to decide my fate.
After about a 45-minute stand off, he walks over looking depressed and says, “Dude, I’m so sorry, but you can go.”
The things I wanted to do to this bastard I will not be put in writing…
Some quick thoughts on each spot:
Paris:
Did NOT get the vibe that they hate Americans. But again, who can hate this guy:
Although not required, knowing French is certainly helpful. Goes a long way if you at least TRY to speak some French and don’t be an ass.
Traffic is brutal but most people bike around as the city is very flat and accommodative towards bikers.
History and architecture is cool, buildings are stacked on top of each other and things are old but there are things to do for everyone.
My old Brazilian roommate described Americans as ‘Cheeseburgers and French Fries’. Well, Paris is ‘cigarettes and espressos’.
Switzerland:
Zurich is cool but expensive. We drive Honda Accords and Jeeps but they prefer Aston Martin, Bentleys, BMWs, etc.
Nature: the pictures doesn’t do it justice. Just unreal:
They speak Swiss-German mainly and let me tell ya, not a clue what they were saying and don’t plan on learning that language.
One of the best and most efficient transportation systems I’ve ever experienced. America could learn a thing or two…
Madrid (Spain)
Such a historic city and old school vibe. Feels almost like ancient times on some of the side streets.
Very walkable or at least we thought so, transit system is very prompt but never took it so who knows.
To have an authentic experience and save money, explore less crowded areas of the city.
No matter your preferences, beautiful people throughout…
The weather was fairly mild, it would get down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. But Madrid can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer so most locals will leave to other areas in country/outside to get near water. Also, the sun will set at around 10:30 pm and these psychos go to the club at 2:30 am, not for me…
Ideally seems like the Fall would be a great time to visit this city.
Some of the best food I’ve had and it doesn’t end:
Things that you realize while traveling out of the country:
The world isn’t actually ending and we are surrounded by some really good people both here and abroad.
The best way to learn about people, countries, or anything for that matter is to experience them for yourself. Get your boots on the ground!!
We all have biases, new experiences can help change those.
Americans have a tremendous ability to not travel very far in our lives yet think we are better than most. We tend to lack curiosity and are more patriotic than most countries, which I think is a good thing. But be open to new countries and experiences as they may just surprise you.
We are often in a rush and don’t take enough time to think and slow down. I know I’m guilty of this. So getting away or seeing how other countries operate can open your eyes.
All of our jobs revolve around people and data. Need to understand what matters to people, what makes them tick. “Seek to understand to then be understood.”
When you never try anything new, you become stagnant. Put yourself in uncomfortable situations.
Don’t wait, make it happen now, don’t be like these people:
Here’s to the next adventure…
